Dubai: Dh25/hour parking fee at event venues goes live

Dubai: The new variable parking tariff rate of Dh25 an hour at event venues in Dubai came into effect on Moday (17 February), as announced on ‘X’ (formerly Twitter) by Parkin UAE, the city’s parking operator in Dubai.

The rate will be applicable during event hours.

“We recommend public transport, if you’re heading to an event zone.” the post said.

The affected areas around Dubai World Trade Centre, identified as the ‘Grand Event Zone’ in Dubai, have been divided into zones with codes 335X, 336X and 337X, Parkin said, adding that the zones are clearly marked with information about the tariffs.

The variable parking tariff system has apparently been introduced to ensure smoother traffic flow around major event venues that witness high traffic.

The announcement follows earlier changes to parking fees across the city. Earlier this month, the operator increased tariffs in zone F areas, which include popular locations such as Al Sufouh 2, The Knowledge Village, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Internet City. These new rates, which came into effect on February 1, apply to all parking slots within the zone F areas.

The introduction of higher fees during event times comes as Dubai continues to host a growing number of international events, including exhibitions, concerts, and conferences.

Dubai To Spend $2.7B to Enhance Its Events Sector

Dubai is set to significantly enhance its events sector with a substantial AED10 billion ($2.7 billion) expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. This initiative, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, aims to establish the DEC as the region's largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions.

Aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the expansion is a strategic move to transform Expo City Dubai into a vibrant economic hub, propelled by international exhibitions and events. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the project's significance, stating that the enhanced DEC will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region but also set new global standards for industry excellence. He reiterated Dubai's commitment to solidifying its status as a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector and as a premier destination for major events.

The expansion is designed to double Dubai's capacity to host large-scale events, increasing from the current 300 to 600 annually by 2033. This growth is expected to elevate the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector's revenue to AED54 billion ($14.7 billion). The project will unfold in three phases:

• Phase 1: Scheduled for completion by 2026, this phase will expand the exhibition space to 140,000 square meters, more than doubling the current capacity of 58,000 square meters.

• Phase 2: Expected by 2028, this phase will further increase the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000 square meters, alongside improvements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and the addition of multi-story parking facilities.

• Phase 3: Anticipated by 2031, the final phase will boost the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square meters, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level spanning 1.2 kilometers. This will enable the hosting of one mega event or up to 20 simultaneous smaller events. Additionally, this phase includes plans for a hotel with over 300 rooms, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen to support integrated operations.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Board of the World Trade Centre Authority, highlighted that this expansion aligns with Dubai's evolution into a global hub of innovation and connectivity. He noted that the development is strategically planned to synchronize with the visionary goals of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the forthcoming expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, poised to become the world's largest upon full operation.

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the World Trade Centre Authority, underscored the project's alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aiming to triple the economic contribution of the MICE sector to AED54 billion annually by 2033. He emphasized that the expanded DEC will serve as a catalyst for the next phase of growth in the MICE industry, reinforcing Dubai's position as a preferred global hub for international exhibitions, conferences, and consumer events.

Upon completion, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, positioning it as the new home for mega exhibitions. This expansion is poised to significantly boost Dubai's events calendar, attract a diverse range of global events across various sectors, and further entrench the emirate's status as a leading international business and events destination.

Modon Holding SET TO Acquire Arena Events Group

Abu Dhabi-based Modon Holding has finalized a definitive agreement with IHC and TasHeel Holding to acquire Theta Bidco Limited, the sole owner of Arena Events Group.

Arena is a global leader in large-scale temporary infrastructure and integrated event solutions, recognized for its role in delivering high-profile sporting events. Notably, the company was behind the impressive hospitality tents at the Hero Dubai Desert Classic and is set to play a key role in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics.

While financial details of the transaction remain undisclosed, the acquisition is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025, pending regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

This acquisition marks a major step in Modon’s expansion strategy, enhancing its capabilities in the global events industry. Arena’s operations span over 10 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Saudi Arabia, significantly broadening Modon’s international footprint.

Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi, Chairman of Modon Holding, emphasized the strategic value of the deal:

"Bringing Arena into the Modon portfolio is a pivotal milestone in our efforts to expand globally, diversify our offerings, and strengthen our presence in the events industry. Arena’s expertise in delivering world-class event infrastructure across North America, Europe, and Asia will be instrumental in accelerating Modon’s international growth and creating long-term value for our stakeholders."

Syed Basar Shueb, CEO of IHC, highlighted the synergy between Modon and Arena, stating:

"The acquisition aligns with our strategy of developing a well-integrated portfolio and fostering dynamic value networks. Arena has thrived under IHC’s ownership over the past three years, and this transition allows Modon to leverage its expertise in temporary infrastructure and event solutions, ensuring significant impact across local and international markets."

Arena’s extensive experience in global sporting events positions Modon as a major player in the industry. The company provides infrastructure and services for major international events, including Formula 1 races in Abu Dhabi, Jeddah, Las Vegas, Miami, and Austin, as well as Wimbledon and a modular cricket stadium built for the T20 World Cup in New York. Arena has also been a long-standing partner of prestigious golf tournaments, including the PGA Tour, LIV Golf, the DP World Tour, and the Ryder Cup.

Bill O’Regan, Group CEO of Modon Holding, expressed enthusiasm about the acquisition:

"Welcoming Arena to the Modon family marks an exciting new chapter. Arena’s deep industry expertise, global partnerships, and innovative event solutions will add a new dimension to our expanding services. This acquisition is a key step in our growth strategy, enabling us to enter new markets and enhance our ability to deliver premium experiences for clients worldwide."

The acquisition also marks Modon’s first major entry into North America, which is the largest revenue-generating region for Arena. With live event attendance expected to rise in the coming years and event organizers increasing their focus on high-quality viewing experiences and hospitality services, both Arena and Modon are well positioned to expand their leadership in the global events industry. This strategic move is set to strengthen Modon’s market presence and reinforce its commitment to delivering world-class event infrastructure and services.

LEAP 2025: Saudi tech event ends with $15bn of deals signed

LEAP 2025 has concluded in Saudi Arabia with almost $15bn of deals signed and a major announcement for 2026.

The fourth annual LEAP25 conference, the region’s premier technology event, concluded on Wednesday at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in Malham under the theme “Into New Worlds.”

The conference marked another success for the Kingdom as a global hub for investments in artificial intelligence (AI), infrastructure, and cloud computing, with total investments exceeding $14.9bn.

The achievement reflects Saudi Arabia’s position as a key centre for innovation and advanced technologies, as well as its growing role in the digital economy.

Its success reflects the support and empowerment provided to the sector by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, reinforcing the Kingdom’s commitment to achieving the goals of the Saudi Vision 2030 and solidifying its global leadership in technology, AI, and entrepreneurship.

LEAP is considered a global platform that brings together leading thinkers and practitioners in the digital field, empowering entrepreneurs, fostering innovation in the era of AI, and driving the transition toward a thriving and sustainable digital economy.

Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones board Chairman and Tahaluf Company board chairman Faisal Al Khamisi emphasised that LEAP25 was not just a tech conference but a global platform that hosted its largest edition yet, contributing to innovation, connecting startups with investors, and opening new opportunities for entrepreneurs.

He pointed out that the conference was not only about major investments of nearly $15bn but witnessed dynamic interactions between startups and investors, leading to significant deals and support for new entrepreneurial projects.

Al Khamisi indicated that LEAP has become a global benchmark for the speed of deal-making and project launches, enabling major tech companies to close deals in just a few days—processes that would typically take a year.

Additionally, he announced that LEAP will expand beyond the Kingdom, with two editions set for next year—one in Riyadh and another in Hong Kong—further solidifying Saudi Arabia’s role as a global hub for digital economy, innovation, and AI.

Is Cheap AV Gear Worth It? The Hidden Costs of Buying Knockoff Equipment

When it comes to event production, AV equipment is one of the biggest investments. High-quality sound systems, LED screens, lighting fixtures and sound equipment are essential for creating a seamless experience, but they don’t come cheap. That’s why some event professionals are tempted by Chinese-made copies of well-known brands. On paper, it looks like a great deal—equipment that looks almost identical to the premium versions at a fraction of the price. But is it really a smart investment, or just a costly mistake waiting to happen?

At first glance, the savings seem like a no-brainer. A knockoff LED screen or wireless mic system can cost up to 70% less than the original. For event companies working within tight budgets, that’s a significant reduction in upfront expenses. These copies are also easy to source, with suppliers offering quick delivery and bulk discounts. And for smaller events where expectations aren’t sky-high, they might even seem to do the job well enough.

The problems, however, start showing up soon after purchase. While the cheaper price tag is appealing, the materials and components used in these copies often don’t match up to the real thing. What initially appears to be a fully functional piece of equipment can quickly become a liability, with issues like unreliable performance, poor sound clarity, or flickering screens. Unlike premium brands that undergo rigorous quality control, knockoff gear often lacks consistency—what works fine one day might fail without warning the next.

Beyond performance, there’s also the issue of support and warranties. Most reputable AV manufacturers offer technical support, firmware updates, and replacement parts, ensuring their equipment lasts for years. Knockoff brands? Not so much. If something goes wrong, getting it repaired or replaced can be a nightmare. That’s not a risk any event professional wants to take, especially when a malfunction during a live event can lead to frustrated clients and an embarrassing reputation hit.

Then there’s the legal and ethical side of things. Many of these knockoffs are unauthorized copies of patented designs, meaning businesses using them could be supporting intellectual property theft. In some cases, companies have faced legal action or penalties for using counterfeit products. Even if that risk seems low, the bigger concern is how it reflects on an event company’s credibility. If clients find out that their high-profile event was powered by subpar, copied equipment, it could raise serious trust issues.

Ultimately, while knockoff AV gear might save money in the short term, it’s often a false economy. Frequent breakdowns, lack of support, and the potential for event-day disasters mean that what seemed like a smart cost-cutting decision can quickly turn into an expensive problem. Instead of taking that gamble, event professionals would be better off exploring alternatives like certified pre-owned equipment, leasing options, or financing plans from reputable brands. After all, in this industry, reliability isn’t just important—it’s everything.

AEEDC 2025: Dubai dental conference ends with $5.4bn of deals

The 29th edition of the UAE International Dental Conference and Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai 2025) has concluded, recording landmark deals exceeding AED20bn ($5.4bn).

The event welcomed more than 85,000 participants from 177 countries and showcased 5,328 brands from 3,924 international companies.

Dr. Abdulsalam AlMadani, Chairman of AEEDC Dubai and the Global Scientific Dental Alliance (GSDA), highlighted the event’s record-breaking achievements, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a global hub for dentistry, medical tourism, and healthcare innovation.

The conference featured the 22nd Annual Meeting of the GSDA, attended by 412 representatives from over 200 international medical organisations, universities, and government bodies.

The meeting focused on advancing dental education, research, and international collaboration to improve global oral health.

Prof. Abdullah R. Alshammery, Scientific Chairman of GSDA, emphasised the alliance’s role in strengthening dental education and preventive care, noting its growing global membership and commitment to fostering scientific advancements in dentistry.

AEEDC Dubai 2025 reaffirmed its status as the world’s largest dental event, driving innovation, strategic partnerships, and industry growth.