MEES 2025 Concludes with Record Attendance and Celebrates Regional Excellence at Middle East Event Awards

Dubai, UAE: The 16th edition of the Middle East Event Show (MEES) concluded successfully, further cementing its status as the region’s leading platform for live events, experiences, and MICE innovation. Held for the first time at Sheikh Maktoum Hall, Dubai World Trade Centre, MEES 2025 welcomed over 5,600 professionals from around the world, featuring 100+ exhibitors and 90+ speakers across two impactful days.

The show opened on 17 June with a formal inauguration led by Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President – Venue Services Management at Dubai World Trade Centre, alongside Exhibition Director Amar Daginawala and Alan Kelly, Commercial & Strategy Director at Informa. Their remarks set the stage for a dynamic event filled with thought leadership and collaborative exchange.

“This region is entering an ultra-accelerated era of event expansion, especially in Saudi Arabia,” noted Amar Daginawala. He highlighted the upcoming Saudi Event Show scheduled for 17–18 September 2025 at The Arena Riyadh, which will also debut the Saudi Event Awards to recognise outstanding achievements within the Kingdom’s rapidly growing sector. “As we scale, expanding talent, infrastructure, and innovation with purpose is critical to shaping the future of events here.”

The regional events industry continues to grow significantly, with the GCC sector valued at USD 78 billion in 2024, projected to reach USD 121 billion by 2029 at an annual growth rate of 9%. Saudi Arabia leads this surge, with its event management market expected to double from USD 2.6 billion in 2024 to USD 5.4 billion by 2029, driven by Vision 2030 and major infrastructure initiatives.

Where Ideas and Innovation Converge

Over 40 countries were represented at MEES 2025, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, India, the UK, and the USA. The exhibition floor showcased the latest in AV production, logistics, creative services, and technology, while 35+ live sessions hosted leaders from organisations such as Coca-Cola Arena, DXB LIVE, Electra, Ethara, and Department of Culture & Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Key discussions spanned sustainability, immersive technology, generative AI, and monetisation strategies transforming audience experiences.

Buildup Strengthens Regional Presence

As a returning Platinum Sponsor, Buildup demonstrated its leadership in the events and exhibitions sector, with a strong track record across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and other markets. Their portfolio includes major projects like ADIPEC, GITEX, IDEX, and ATM, partnering with organisations such as ADNOC, EDGE, Tawazun Council, and Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Interior. With 17+ years of expertise, Buildup continues to champion immersive brand storytelling, market insight, and impactful design to shape the evolving experience economy.

Middle East Event Awards 2025: Honouring Excellence

On 19 June, industry leaders gathered at Madinat Jumeirah for the Middle East Event Awards, celebrating achievements across 32 categories. Over 1,000 attendees recognised innovative projects and outstanding individuals driving the region’s event sector.

“The awards remind us that every event is a triumph of creativity and operational excellence,” said Naomi Warmington, Senior Sustainability Manager at Informa Global and an Awards Judge. “They celebrate the imagination, resilience, and ambition defining the future of experiences here.”

Winners of the Middle East Event Awards 2025 include:

• Best Arts and Culture Event: ImaginExperience for Hegra After Dark
• Best Association / Corporate Meeting: Joe Lewis Company (JLC) for Forbes 30/50 International Women’s Day Summit
• Best Community Event: DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Hatta Cultural Nights 2024-2025
• Best Employer of the Year (<100 employees): Pop Up Global & Solas Middle East
• Best Employer of the Year (>100 employees): dmg events
• Best Entertainment Production: People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration
• Best Event Agency of the Year: People
• Best Event Logistics Provider of the Year: EFM Global
• Best Event Marketing Campaign of the Year: Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT
• Best Event on a Budget: DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for Dubai Coffee Festival 2024
• Best Event Photography & Videography: HH Photoshoot 2025
• Best Event Recruitment Agency: ESMOS Recruitment
• Best Event Space Design & Décor: Designlab Experience for Layali Diriyah 2025
• Best Exhibition of the Year (<10,000 sqm): NAC Fairs for The Baby Expo Dubai
• Best Exhibition of the Year (>10,000 sqm): Tahaluf for LEAP
• Best Festival of the Year: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi for Kayan Wellness Festival 2025 by LINKVIVA
• Best Light & Sound Solution: Creative Technology for Harry Potter
• Best Music Event: Live Nation Middle East Presents Coldplay Music of the Spheres World Tour Abu Dhabi, in partnership with DCT
• Best Social Event: fischerAppelt for 30 Years Anniversary Qatar Foundation
• Best Sporting Event: BONA FIDE for The Longines Global Champions Tour Final & The Global Champions Arabian Tour 2024
• Best Staffing Agency of the Year: eventlab
• Best Stand Design & Build (<100 sqm): DXB LIVE, Dubai World Trade Centre for FujiFilm at Medlab Middle East 2025 & The Collective for MINI at Downtown Design
• Best Stand Design & Build (>100 sqm): Buildup for Tawazun Council Stand at IDEX 2025
• Best Supplier of the Year: ELECTRA & ShowTex
• Best Sustainability Initiative: People for 53rd UAE Eid Al Eithad Celebration
• Best Temporary Venue or Structure: ELECTRA for CHANEL Haute Joaillerie Sport Dinner and Exhibition
• Best Use of New Technology at an Event: The Originals + Dubai Future Foundation for Our Future(s)
• Best Venue (<10,000 sqm): Space42 Arena
• Best Venue (>10,000 sqm): Etihad Arena
• Best Video Solution: Creative Technology for LIWA
• Outstanding Brand Activation Event: Informa for World Health Expo (WHX)
• Young Achiever of the Year: Ailsa Williamson from Tahaluf

Looking ahead, the Saudi Event Awards will launch on 18 September in Riyadh with 28 categories, honouring companies and individuals redefining the Kingdom’s event landscape.

The Road Ahead

As MEES 2025 concludes, its momentum will continue to shape the region’s thriving experience economy. The show will return in 2026 with expanded reach, deeper impact, and a commitment to advancing the future of live events.

For details on participating in upcoming shows, visit:

Middle East Event Show | Saudi Event Show