DUBAI: Sri Lanka embarked on a decisive step to strengthen its presence in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector by unveiling the United Arab Emirates chapter of the Sri Lanka Conference Ambassador Programme (SLCAP) in Dubai. The initiative, coordinated by the Consulate General of Sri Lanka to Dubai and Northern Emirates alongside the Embassy of Sri Lanka in the UAE, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, the Sri Lanka Convention Bureau, and SriLankan Airlines, represents a strategic move to position the island nation at the forefront of South Asia’s business events landscape.
Launched at the Consulate General’s offices, the UAE rollout follows the programme’s inaugural debut in Colombo earlier this year and signifies an important stride in expanding Sri Lanka’s international reach. During the event, ten distinguished Sri Lankan professionals based in the UAE were formally appointed as Conference Ambassadors for the 2025/2026 term. The appointments were celebrated with an official ceremony and a networking dinner that brought together a diverse array of industry leaders and stakeholders.
The gathering attracted representatives from major organizations such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and the Sri Lanka Business Council UAE, alongside prominent airline partners including SriLankan Airlines, Air Arabia, and Air Canada. Key players from travel and logistics, such as Anta Travels and DNATA, as well as leading corporates like KPMG, Danube Group, and Aster Pharmaceuticals, participated in the occasion. Influencers, media professionals, and MICE industry enablers also lent their support, underscoring the sector’s collaborative momentum.
Central to Sri Lanka’s vision is the transformation of its MICE industry into a pivotal economic engine. By leveraging its robust infrastructure, rich cultural assets, and strategic geographical location, the country aims to attract a greater share of international conferences and exhibitions. Cinnamon Life – City of Dreams, South Asia’s largest integrated resort, stands as a testament to this ambition, boasting over 160,000 square feet of state-of-the-art event space and redefining the region’s capacity to host world-class gatherings.
With 25 ambassadors now representing Sri Lanka in key global markets, the Conference Ambassador Programme is opening new avenues to attract high-profile international business events. During the launch, Consul General Alexi Gunasekera delivered a welcoming address, emphasizing the vital importance of positioning Sri Lanka as a premier MICE hub. He acknowledged the crucial contributions of the newly appointed ambassadors, whose professional networks and expertise will be instrumental in promoting Sri Lanka’s appeal to global event organizers.
The launch of the SLCAP’s UAE chapter marks a significant milestone in Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to position itself as a preferred destination for international meetings and conventions, driving sustainable economic growth and global engagement.
