We spoke with Graeme Barnett, head of GIBTM

How has the financial crisis affected the various Gulf destinations in terms of local meetings market? As a destination?
The global financial crisis has had an impact on the industry at regional level. For example, the availability of competitively priced hotel accommodation in Dubai has led to a change in perception of Dubai as an affordable destination. Increased capacity of room stock in Abu Dhabi has led to more flex in pricing, which is attracting more events where ROI is key.
I am, however, optimistic about the future of the Meetings Industry in the Gulf despite challenging conditions. It is an exciting time to be involved in this growing industry.
The Meetings Industry, despite still being in its infancy in the Gulf, is set to take major strides in the coming year and GIBTM plays a significant role in focusing minds on the benefits from this lucrative sector.
The Middle East has tremendous advantages in the Meetings Industry: an ideal location between East and West, rapidly developing airline hubs and an increased capacity to host meetings, incentive programmes and events from the largest international association congress to highly focused niche corporate meetings.
The emergence of Abu Dhabi as one of the top destinations to host Meetings and Incentives in the Gulf (according to Reed Travel Exhibitions Third Annual Gulf Region Meetings Industry Survey presented in 2009) is evidence of the potential opportunities on both the supplier and buyer side.
And there is still much excitement being generated within the region. One only has turn to the development of Yas Island, a spectacular island strategically located between the coast and city of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Featuring a range of world-class hotels, golf courses, mega malls, the futuristic Formula 1 Yas Marina circuit and the opening of Ferrari World Theme Park, Yas Island has created a real excitement and anticipation within the Meetings industry, both regionally and internationally.

You know of meetings markets in various parts of the world, what would you say is different in the Gulf? Are the various Gulf countries different from each other?
It is not necessarily the nature or content of meetings or events that differ around the world, it is the surroundings, protocol and the ambience created that varies