Kavan Choksi on Dubai's Safe Haven Status and Desire to Host More Business Events

Kavan Choksi believes the UAE is doing an excellent job keeping its economy robust. Surveys and reports suggest that the UAE economy experienced faster GDP growth in the fourth quarter of last year. So, while the surge in coronavirus cases clouds the near-term outlook, the UAE's high vaccination rate and relatively young population place it in a solid economic position. As a result, Kavan Choksi believes the UAE can withstand the current wave of infections without implementing strict measures as it had to in the second quarter of 2020.

To further prove the UAE's outstanding economic performance, Kavan Choksi believes it is essential to note Dubai's status. The city's official convention bureau, Dubai Business Events (DBE), leads another year of successful bidding activity in the business events sector. It captures 120 events for 2021 and beyond in collaboration with stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

According to Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the events place Dubai at the center of global conversations about the recovery of critical sectors and professions, innovation, and economic growth. He added that despite continued disruption to the worldwide business events sector, the performance achieved is primarily due to global recognition of Dubai's handling of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Other countries have praised Dubai for providing a viable and appealing alternative for hosting many events held over the last 15 months after organizers' original plans elsewhere could not materialize. In addition, Kavan Choksi believes the global business community will continue to recognize the city's handling of the pandemic and rapid economic recovery.

Dubai is emerging as a preferred destination for events, in addition to businesses, associations, and talent across sectors. However, Kavan Choksi believes it is still vital for Dubai to assess all opportunities to host business events in the city and collaborate with stakeholders to provide meeting planners with a safe, impactful platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and creating lasting legacies.