MICE in 2026: Smarter sourcing, stronger experiences

The Middle East has cemented its position as a place of choice for planners delivering world class in person experiences. 

2025 Cvent’s Top Lists named Dubai the #1 meeting destination, with Istanbul at #2 and Abu Dhabi at #3, underscoring the region’s unmatched infrastructure, access, and service culture that consistently convert intent into impact.

This year, we saw planners leaning back into in-person with purpose, adding digital layers only where they truly mattered. 

Artificial Intelligence (AI) moved from trial to utility: assisting with agenda building, speaker briefings, personalisation at scale, and faster content production. Sustainability goals matured from slogans to measurable actions, with more teams asking for clear reporting on materials, travel, and waste. Venues responded with stronger connectivity, built-in event tech partnerships, and greener operations that are easier to verify. The result: smoother attendee experiences and clearer ROI stories.

Busy year ahead

Looking to 2026, region’s trajectory is clear: confident demand, tech forward sourcing, and a sharper definition of value. 77% of planners in the region anticipate a busier year ahead meaning prime dates will compress faster and the best spaces will be spoken for sooner, so early alignment becomes a competitive advantage.

Budget dynamics will demand sharper choices. Most MEA planners foresee rising costs in 2026 (75%), while only two thirds expect budgets to keep pace (66%); the result is a shift from “more” to “more meaningful,” prioritising programmes that prove engagement and value at the moments that matter.

In MEA, hotels and luxury properties continue to lead the sourcing mix, a pragmatic choice that pairs scale and service with the curated experiences attendees expect. What wins in proposals? Clarity on dates, thoughtful proposal quality, and ease of negotiation—proof you can deliver the plan, not just the promise.

So, what should we expect in 2026? Key takeaways:

• Engagement is the north star: globally, attendee engagement and satisfaction now edge out cost as top success metrics, reframing value in 2026.

• Tech powered sourcing is standard: 75% of planners use AI in venue sourcing, with increased adoption expected in 2026 to compare bids, analyze fit, and streamline decisions.

• Show, don’t tell: include floor plans/diagrammes and strong visuals in listings and proposals for easy comparison.

• Speed wins: four day RFP response windows are the norm —make proposals clearer, faster, and easier to compare to stay in the shortlist.

If 2025 was the year of getting back to work, 2026 can be the year of getting better at it. With the right partners, the right tools, and a clear view of attendee needs, Middle East is poised for an even more connected, efficient, and inspiring year of events.

*Source: All the stats have been extracted from 2026 Global Cvent Planner Sourcing Report