Cvent unveils 2025 top meeting destinations, hotels for Middle East & Africa, expands global rankings with new categories

MEA – Cvent, a leading global provider of meetings, events, and hospitality technology, today unveiled its highly anticipated 2025 rankings for the Top Meeting Destinations and Top Meeting Hotels across the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

These rankings have become indispensable tools for event planners, spotlighting premier cities, hotels, and venues that consistently deliver outstanding experiences for conferences, incentives, and exhibitions.

This year’s release also marks Cvent’s expansion of its annual lists to cover North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and, for the first time, Latin America & the Caribbean.

Additionally, Cvent introduced a new category, Top Venues and Vendors, based on data from its Vendor Marketplace, offering planners fresh insights into the most sought-after venues and service providers shaping the events landscape.

In the MEA region, Dubai and Abu Dhabi continue to dominate as top meeting destinations, with Dubai holding the number one spot, followed closely by Istanbul and Abu Dhabi.

Other cities making the top 25 include Doha, Qatar; Nairobi, Kenya; and Kuwait City, Kuwait, reflecting the region’s expanding infrastructure, accessibility, and growing appeal as a hub for international business events.

The rankings are derived from comprehensive data on request-for-proposal (RFP) volume, conversion rates, and room nights booked through Cvent’s Supplier Network, one of the world’s largest venue sourcing platforms.

On the hotel front, iconic properties such as JW Marriott Marquis Dubai and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City have secured leading positions, recognized for their exceptional meeting facilities, responsiveness to planners, and ability to host large-scale events.

These hotels exemplify the region’s commitment to delivering world-class MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) experiences that cater to diverse client needs.

The introduction of the Top Venues and Vendors category leverages insights from the Cvent Vendor Marketplace, providing event organizers with a curated view of trusted suppliers and venues that excel in service quality and innovation.

This addition reflects Cvent’s commitment to equipping planners with comprehensive, data-driven tools to optimize event sourcing and execution.

Despite economic challenges and rising costs, Cvent’s data reveals sustained demand for in-person meetings, with a majority of planners actively booking events and anticipating growth in the sector.

This optimism is reflected in the robust participation and competitive positioning of destinations and hotels featured in the 2025 rankings.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.