The Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) has added a new dimension to its overseas promotional drive with its successful participation at the fourth edition of IMEX 2006, the worldwide exhibition for meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions held at the Messe Frankfurt from May 30 to June 1.

On the final day of the exhibition, Mr. Michael von Zitzewitz, Chairman of the Board of Management, Messe Frankfurt visited the DTCM stand which at 351 sq. mts is one of the largest set up by the exhibitors.

Mr. Zitzewitz was received by Mr. Awadh Seghyaer Al Ketbi, Director of the DTCM-managed Dubai Convention Bureau, Mr. Eyad Ali AbdulRahman , DTCM Manager, Media Relations and Ms. Mara Kaselitz, Director of the German DTCM Office.

He described Dubai as a fascinating all-year-round destination with outstanding quality of service and hospitality and highlighted the need for enhancing cooperation between Dubai and Germany particularly in the MICE sector.

Mr. Eyad Ali Abdulrahman presented a memento to Mr. Zitzewitz  and thanked him for his cooperation in DTCM's successful participation at  IMEX 2006.

Sunshine year-round, pristine sand beaches, a unique mix of high-tech and oriental flair, and prime conference and convention facilities contribute to Dubai standing out as a perfect MICE destination in the international business travel market.

Presently, Dubai has convention facilities of collectively 130,000 sq mts, offering space for more than 100,000 MICE guests. By 2008 the Dubai Convention Bureau is aiming at an additional 600,000 overnight stays by MICE visitors.

The Dubai Convention and Exhibition Centre with an exhibition capacity of 42,000 sq mts or the Airport Expo Dubai with a total floor space of more than 33,000 square meters as well as 80   4- and 5-star-hotels with more than 400 meeting rooms complete the outstanding exhibition and convention venues offered in Dubai.

A variety of leisure activities and a wide range of sporting facilities – including skiing – make Dubai a MICE paradise.

Germany is one of the key source markets for Dubai with the total number of German hotel guests to Dubai standing at 264,298 in 2005.

The year 2005 recorded a 12 per cent increase in the number of hotel guests to Dubai when compared to 2004.

There are 62 German companies operating out of DAFZA, 74 from Dubai and 155 from Jafza.

Thirty-five weekly flights operate between Dubai , Frankfurt and Munich .