Dubai and Baku Go Face To Face

DUBAI VS BAKU

A current comparison of the closest competitors following the Kongres MTLG methodology.

Dubai is, without a doubt, a city of superlatives, which is becoming one of the world’s congress capitals. Contributing to that goal are excellent air connectivity, modern infrastructure and duty-free zones. There are currently 23 of those zones in Dubai, from the Media Zone and Internet-City to Design City, all of which attract major international corporations wanting to expand their business. Bringing their headquarters to Dubai are also educational institutions, the main generator of congress events in the city. A thorough inspection, Dubai reveals itself as a mature and well-organized congress destination with a diverse hotel offer. Today, there are 62.146 rooms in 4 and 5-star hotels. The entire infrastructure is capable of hosting the largest international events like Expo 2020 and the ICCA Congress, which is taking place this year. Dubai has raised the hotel business and congress tourism to a level that dictates further development in the world.

Baku is the meetings champion of the region and basically has no competition in the Caucasus. Neighbouring Georgia is putting in a great effort but hasn’t reached the level of infrastructural development that can be seen in Baku. On a wider spectrum, the biggest competition for Baku are countries that count on the connection between Asia and Europe. Countries like Istanbul, Dubai and other emirates. We mustn’t forget the ex-Soviet space, where the meetings industry is also rapidly developing. During our visit, the Baku Convention Centre was hosting a sales conference for the Russian auto manufacturer Vaz and an increasing number of Russian corporate events are taking place in the city each year. One of the reasons is that most Azerbaijanis speak Russian as their second or even first language. A bright, creative, hospitable and modern country like Baku is bound to develop even further. I won’t be surprised if the former oil-industry mecca also becomes a mecca for the meetings industry.

1. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
The majestic focal point of Palm Jumeirah, a man-made island ideal for corporate events.

2. Dubai World Trade Centre
The region’s leading convention centre. DWTC has won the coveted title of “Middle East’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre 2019” at the World Travel Awards.

3. The Meydan Grandstand
It features 284 large rooms and suites, 7 dining venues and a total 60,000 m2 of flexible meetings space.

4. Burj Al Arab Jumeirah
The iconic hotel boasts a number of meeting rooms that can be hired for meetings, events and other functions.

5. Grand Hyatt Dubai
City conference resort with luxury hotel accommodation, 14 restaurants & bars, largest meeting facilities in the UAE.

1. Baku Convention Centre
Impresses with its functional architecture and is capable of hosting a variety of different events.

2. Heydar Aliyev Center
Has been Baku’s main architectural icon since 2012. The Centre, designed by the legendary Zaha Hadid, houses a giant conference/concert hall, library…

3. Baku Expo Centre
Stretches across 26,000 sqm, has three large fair halls and over 10 acres of outside space that can also be used for events.

4. Baku Crystal Hall
Magnificent multipurpose hall was built for the needs of Eurovision in 2012. It can host 27,000 participants.

5. Hotel Boulevard
Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection is the largest. It offers 800 rooms and an impressive meetings centre.