Gulf Dunes

06/02/2025

𝗠𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗯𝗶𝗴𝗴𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝘆𝗲𝘁! 🎉

Gulf Dunes just wrapped up a record-breaking Abu Dhabi + Dubai programme, hosting 3,000+ delegates from Europe, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand. For five incredible days, we took over Atlantis The Palm—completely booked out for the first time ever!

This event’s success has made waves across the industry, with organizers applauding the Gulf Dunes team, led by Andrew Cunningham, for their flawless ex*****on. It also marked the largest collaboration between Gulf Dunes and GD+, with Head of Corporate Events Justin George and his team driving production and creativity to new heights.

At our recent townhall, our CEO Peter Payet took a moment to recognize the team’s exceptional work, presenting well-deserved appreciation certificates. Huge congratulations to everyone involved—this is what world-class event ex*****on looks like.

Here’s to continuing to raise the game and always delivering something special!

29/11/2024

This month, we hosted our annual Gala Night, a joint celebration of the dedication, camaraderie, and team spirit that make us who we are. As an organization-level event, the evening brought together our Gulf Dunes family and our sister company, Desert Adventures, for a night to remember.

From team performances that lit up the stage to employee appreciation awards recognizing outstanding contributions, the event was a heartfelt tribute to the people behind our success. It was an evening filled with celebration, connection, and gratitude for the collective impact we make together.

Here’s to achieving more milestones and creating even greater memories as one united team!

01/11/2024

Big congratulations to our Head of Corporate Events, Justin George for being recognized by the .co Awards as one of the Most Influential People in the Events Industry—not just regionally, but globally!

These awards celebrate trailblazers in the events field, honouring those who bring creativity, vision, and innovative thinking to the industry. What makes this recognition special is that the winners are chosen by the events community itself, with votes from professionals around the world.

Here’s a look at the incredible recognition Justin has received:

1.⁠ ⁠Top 100 Most Influential People in the Middle East
2.⁠ ⁠Top Most Influential Event Professionals for 2024
3.⁠ ⁠Top 100 Most Influential People in the Events Industry Worldwide

A big thank you to everyone who voted for Justin! We couldn’t be prouder of this recognition, and the exceptional work he brings to Gulf Dunes and the MICE industry as a whole. 👏

31/10/2024

We’re just weeks away from the 35th edition of IBTM Events in Barcelona and Gulf Dunes is excited to participate once again, this year alongside:

▶ Business Dubai
(Stand J60) – https://lnkd.in/dzWtpr-f

▶ Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau
(Stand K70) - https://lnkd.in/dhU8AR4u

Representing us at IBTM will be our CEO, Peter Payet, and GM, Sumaira Isaacs, ready to connect and showcase our premier MICE offerings across the Middle East.

If you’re attending and would like to explore how we can elevate your next meeting, conference, or event, we invite you to stop by our stands.

Sumaira & Peter look forward to meeting you!

23/10/2024

Our very own Head of Corporate Events, Justin George, has been nominated for the Most Influential People in the Events Industry 2024 in the Event Professional category at the Global .co Awards!

Justin has played a pivotal role in shaping our event strategies, and we’re proud to see his efforts recognized on a global stage.

We’d love your support in helping him secure this prestigious honor. Here’s how you can vote:

1️⃣ Click the link in our stories or bio
2️⃣ Log in via Google, LinkedIn, or Facebook
3️⃣ Select the Event Professional category
4️⃣ Find Justin George under “J”
5️⃣ Hit the STAR ⭐ to cast your vote!

Voting ends October 25—let’s get Justin the recognition he truly deserves!

03/10/2024

Last week, we had the pleasure of participating in the Fair, an event focused on creating job opportunities for local Emiratis.

Alongside and , we showcased the exciting career paths available in the tourism industry. As a leading MICE DMC, Gulf Dunes is proud to be a part of this thriving sector.

It was an inspiring experience to connect with the next generation of talent and highlight how the tourism sector is evolving.

With our sister company, also represented, we were proud to be part of a collective effort to shine a light on the opportunities that make this industry so vibrant.

27/09/2024

As we celebrate World Tourism Day, we at Gulf Dunes find this year’s theme, Tourism and Peace, to be incredibly significant. In the MICE sector, we recognize the vital role that travel and collaboration play in fostering understanding, connection, and harmony among diverse cultures.

Tourism transcends borders, bringing people together to share ideas, experiences, and insights. When we convene for conferences, incentives, or exhibitions, we create platforms for dialogue and innovation, promoting a spirit of unity that can lead to lasting peace.

As we reflect on the power of tourism, let us commit to making our gatherings not just events, but transformative experiences that cultivate understanding and goodwill. By prioritizing inclusivity, and community engagement, we can ensure that our industry contributes to a more peaceful future for all.

Together, let’s harness the potential of MICE travel to connect, inspire, and uplift communities across the globe. 🌏✈️🤝

09/09/2024

We’re heading to IMEX America 2024 in Las Vegas from October 8-10, bringing a lineup of our latest offerings to the table!

Our GM, Sumaira Isaacs and CEO, Peter Payet are eager to connect with new buyers and talk about all the exciting developments across our destinations including our new PCO solutions (GD+).

Peter and Sumaira, will be on-site, at two different stands. You can find them at:

📍Dubai Tourism Stand – Bayside/E1417 (Sumaira)
📍DMC Network Stand (Our NA Representative Partners) – Bayside/D3010 (Peter)

Want to connect? Buyers can book an appointment with us directly through the links below:

🔗 Dubai Stand: https://imexamerica.com/newfront/exhibitor/gulf-dunes-3c2503c6
🔗 DMC Network Stand: https://imexamerica.com/newfront/exhibitor/gulf-dunes-1636705a

We look forward to seeing you at IMEX!

Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism, Network, LLC

05/09/2024

Gulf Dunes had the honour of planning and managing one of the largest workshop events for the CIS market that has taken place in Abu Dhabi - Unique Travel Fair - Arabian Edition.

The three-day event was hosted outside of the Eastern European region for the first time ever, with over 120 tour operators and travel trade agents from the CIS region attending, who got to experience the best of Abu Dhabi as a top tourist destination and meet face to face with our top destination suppliers.

The event kicked off with a glamorous cocktail reception at the Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi Hotel and Villas, setting the tone for a memorable experience. The following days featured workshops at the luxurious Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas, where attendees had the opportunity to learn about Abu Dhabi’s offerings and network with service providers.

As part of the workshop, guests also experienced the culture and attractions of Abu Dhabi, including visits to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Louvre Abu Dhabi, Qasr Al Watan Tour and Ferrari World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, culminating in a spectacular closing gala dinner event at SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

With our dedicated team at the helm, we are proud to have seamlessly managed the entire 3-day event. From selecting top venues to planning detailed itineraries and organizing engaging pre- and post-event fam trip experiences, every aspect was thoughtfully curated to leave a lasting impression.

Special thanks to Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi, Miral, and Saadiyat Rotana Resort & Villas for their invaluable support in making this event a standout in the world of MICE.

27/06/2024

Throwback to The Meetings Show in London last week! Two days filled with connection, learning, and networking. Our GM, Sumaira Isaacs had the wonderful opportunity to meet with and introduce our comprehensive MICE services to new clients, and reconnect with familiar faces.

A huge thank you to Pearl DMC Collection for their incredible hospitality in hosting us at their stand. They also organized a wonderful event, which was a lovely touch to the entire experience, and we were delighted to contribute with some special giveaways.

With the energy still buzzing from The Meetings Show, we can’t wait to see what next year brings!

03/06/2024

𝗕𝗶𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗯𝗿𝗲𝘄𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗮𝘂𝗱𝗶 𝗔𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗮, 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗜𝗖𝗘 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗰𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗳 𝗶𝘁 𝗮𝗹𝗹!

Saudi is solidifying its position as a premier destination for conferences, exhibitions, and meetings, fueled by government investment and a strategic vision to attract global business. This is evident in its world-class facilities and ongoing venue expansions, ensuring an exceptional experience for all attendees.

Want to know more? Our GM, Sumaira Isaacs delves deeper into why Saudi Arabia is a game-changer for the MICE industry in her latest article: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/rise-me-powerhouse-how-saudi-arabia-embracing-world-meetings-isaacs-stfrf?trk=public_post_feed-article-content

17/05/2024

Exciting News! Our Head of Corporate Events, Justin George, has been selected to join the prestigious Middle East Event Show Awards 2024 judging panel!

For 15 years, these awards have set the benchmark for brilliance in the MICE and live events industry, celebrating the best of the best in the Middle East. From mind-blowing concepts to flawless ex*****on, these awards honour the entire event's alchemy.

Justin will have the honour of recognizing outstanding individuals, teams, and companies that have delivered unforgettable event experiences. We couldn't be prouder, knowing his expertise will be invaluable to the judging process.

16/05/2024

Delighted to have our GM .64 represent Gulf Dunes as a speaker at ’s ME Breakfast Meeting during Frankfurt!

At this session, Sumaira highlighted the Middle East as a premier destination for association meetings and PCOs, showcasing its diverse offerings, world-class facilities, connectivity, rich culture, and growing significance on the global stage, specifically in the UAE, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase the region’s societal dynamics, focusing on why our destinations should be a top contender in any conference and congress program. ️

Thank you to ICCA for the opportunity to showcase our region on this amazing platform!

14/05/2024

Travel & Tourism News (TTN) Middle East recently interviewed our GM, Sumaira Isaacs for a fascinating look at our trailblazing journey in the MICE DMC space.

Dive into our story to discover our near-30-year legacy shaping the Middle East's MICE landscape, what makes our destinations truly unforgettable, the launch of our exciting new sub-division, and our vision for the future of MICE and Gulf Dunes' role in it.

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝗹𝗹 𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲: https://www.ttnworldwide.com/Article/376954/-Get-to-know-one-of-the-Middle-East%E2%80%99s-leading-DMCs

𝗟𝗼𝗼𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗼 𝗰𝗼𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗰𝘁?
Sumaira and our CEO, Peter Payet, are currently at IMEX Frankfurt and would be delighted to connect! Meet them at the Abu Dhabi Conventions & Exhibitions Bureau Stand to explore our latest MICE offerings.

ATM Preview Get to know one of the Middle East’s leading DMCs May 2024 674 Share   Gulf Dunes is one of the first MICE DMCs in the Middle East with a remarkable legacy. How has it been taking over such an established organization and how do you plan to take it further? Stepping into Gulf Dunes, a...

09/05/2024

Recently, a UAE-based medical association delegated our dynamic conference division, GD+, to elevate its ninth annual conference's reach and impact.

In close collaboration with the association, the team spent six months planning every detail of this three-day event. They curated a program with in-depth learning opportunities, secured essential CME accreditation, and handled all logistical aspects, from marketing and sponsorships to registration, speaker coordination, program development, and legal permits.

To enhance knowledge dissemination, GD+ strategically implemented 2 pre-conference workshops at a leading UAE hospital, giving attendees a head start on learning. The main event held at Raffles Dubai, offered a dynamic program with dual tracks featuring an impressive roster of 81 speakers from 36 countries. The team ensured smooth operation behind the scenes, leaving delegates deeply impressed with the sophistication of the experience.

Overall, the conference was a resounding success, exceeding expectations on all fronts. Attendance surged by 20% year-over-year, and the program expanded by 25%, offering a richer and more diverse range of topics. The event further solidified its place as a leading platform for continuing medical education by earning accreditation for 13.25 CME hours from the UAE's Ministry of Health.

Beyond the educational sessions, GD+ facilitated networking and culturally immersive experiences for the delegates. This included a luxurious faculty dinner at The Marriott Palm Jumeirah, followed by a gala dinner at the Mohammad Bin Rashid Center for Cultural Understanding. The gala dinner was a highlight, featuring an authentic Arabic feast and lively discussions that provided a deeper appreciation of Emirati culture.

The conference's success underscores GD+'s teamwork and commitment to surpassing expectations as a professional conference organizer. This accomplishment inspires future initiatives as they aim to pioneer innovative experiences in the conference industry and beyond.

Contact our team to learn more about GD+.

30/04/2024

AI is transforming industries and the meetings and events space is no exception. The question is: how ready are we to embrace this technology? Because ready or not, this technology is here to stay.

Read our latest article by our GM Sumaira Isaacs to explore how AI can benefit the events industry and why embracing it sooner rather than later is key: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/ai-events-how-ready-we-sumaira-isaacs-c4jef/?trackingId=U%2FhUcEPWHnUlyV%2F0kx1ZLg%3D%3D

05/04/2024

Mark your calendars! Gulf Dunes is coming to IMEX Frankfurt, from May 14 to May 16, 2024. Join us at Stand E520, Hall 8, where we'll be partnering with the Abu Dhabi Convention & Exhibition Bureau.

Our CEO Peter Payet, GM Sumaira Isaacs, and our Global Reps are eager to showcase our latest MICE offerings. Even more, we're excited to connect with new buyers from around the world and share exciting developments within our destinations.

If you're attending, be sure to register here https://imex-frankfurt.com/register and stay tuned on April 16 to book an appointment with us. We can’t wait to see you there!

21/03/2024

The MICE game is changing! We're seeing a surge in PAN regional client requests, with Qatar emerging as a strong contender.

In our latest article, our GM Sumaira Isaacs explores why Qatar is a rising star for high-quality MICE business and the developments made by regional stakeholders including airlines, tourism boards, convention centres, and hotels, further facilitating pan-regional business events.

Read on to discover why Qatar is the next big thing in MICE!: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/qatar-emerging-mice-hotspot-sumaira-isaacs-q6xpf/?trackingId=JlAWH%2BxfS06dY24ZyYbOCg%3D%3D