Some challenges are impossible to foresee, yet how destinations respond can make all the difference for events and clients.
In light of the current situation they are navigating, we want to give a voice to partners like Gulf Dunes, a Dubai-based DMC with deep regional expertise, to share their perspective on managing delicate and evolving circumstances that impact not only their destination, but the wider industry.
A Partnership Built on More Than Planning
TERRAEVENTS and Gulf Dunes, though operating in very different regions, have built a partnership that goes beyond planning: it’s about sharing knowledge and learning from real-world experiences.
In today’s global event landscape, the ability to rely on trusted local partners is not just a strategic advantage—it’s essential. Understanding how different destinations respond to uncertainty allows us to better support our clients, anticipate risks, and design experiences that remain seamless even in complex scenarios.
Navigating Disruption with Transparency and Expertise
Working closely with Gulf Dunes allows TERRAEVENTS to understand how a destination manages disruption, communicates with clients, and restores confidence.
As Sumaira Isaacs, General Manager at Gulf Dunes, explains:
“DMCs play a crucial role in helping destinations regain confidence after periods of disruption. Our responsibility is not only operational but also communicative. We have been providing clients with clear, reliable information about the conditions on the ground and how the situation is being managed by the countries’ authorities.”
Her words highlight a key aspect of the DMC role: being not only an executor, but a trusted advisor. In times of uncertainty, clear communication, local insight, and the ability to adapt quickly become fundamental pillars for maintaining client trust.
The Industry Perspective
What is happening today in the Gulf region is not an isolated case—it reflects a broader reality for the global events and travel industry.
Destinations, agencies, and clients are all navigating a landscape where flexibility, transparency, and preparedness are more important than ever. Partnerships like the one between TERRAEVENTS and Gulf Dunes demonstrate how collaboration can turn challenges into opportunities for learning and growth.
The Interview: A First-Hand Perspective from Gulf Dunes
To better understand how these dynamics unfold on the ground, we spoke directly with Sumaira Isaacs.
Below, you can find the full interview:
1. In today’s global environment, unexpected disruptions can quickly affect travel and events. From your experience, what are the most important elements to have in place to manage uncertainty and protect the client experience?
The current situation reminds us that in our industry, resilience and preparedness are essential. While operations across the UAE are temporarily paused and airspace restrictions have affected travel, what matters most in moments like this is strong coordination, clear communication, and trusted local networks.
The experience our industry gained during the Covid period has been invaluable. It taught us how to respond quickly, adapt to uncertainty, and support clients through unforeseen situations. Agility and quick thinking are key as well. During the unprecedented rainstorms that hit the UAE in 2024, we managed to pull off a high-level gala dinner with flawless execution despite the rain disruption and the logistical challenges the situation created. Our team stayed on their feet, constantly communicating solutions on how to manage the situation and deliver the event according to our client’s expectations. In the current situation, our priority has been ensuring the safe return of visitors who were in our care and maintaining transparent communication with our partners.
Ultimately, protecting the client experience comes down to preparation, flexibility, agility, and trusted relationships across the entire destination ecosystem.
2. Beyond managing the immediate impact of a disruption, DMCs often play an important role in supporting the recovery of a destination. From your perspective, how can DMCs help rebuild confidence and bring events back after challenging situations?
DMCs play a crucial role in helping destinations regain confidence after periods of disruption. Our responsibility is not only operational but also communicative. We have been providing clients with clear, reliable information about the conditions on the ground and how the situation is being managed by the countries’ authorities.
The GCC countries have shown strong resilience in the past, and the infrastructure, government coordination, and operational capabilities in destinations such as the UAE have historically allowed the industry to recover quickly. While events scheduled for March and much of April have understandably been postponed or cancelled, we are confident that travel and events will return once stability is restored.
Our focus now is on staying prepared so that when business resumes, we can support our clients seamlessly.
3. DMCs usually operate within their own destinations, yet TERRAEVENTS and Gulf Dunes have built a strong collaborative relationship over time. How valuable is it to exchange perspectives and experiences with partners operating in different regions?
Collaboration between destination partners is incredibly valuable, particularly during periods of uncertainty. Relationships such as the one between TERRAEVENTS and Gulf Dunes allow us to share perspectives, learn from each other’s experiences, and support clients together across multiple regions.
Even during the current slowdown in the UAE, our partnerships have allowed us to continue planning future programmes, including co-delivering a major client event in Thailand later this year. This type of collaboration ensures continuity for our clients and demonstrates the strength of a global network of trusted DMC partners.
Ultimately, these relationships make our industry more resilient and better prepared for both challenges and opportunities ahead.
Collaboration as a Driver of Resilience
This partnership proves that collaboration isn’t just about planning events; it’s about resilience, expertise, and support when it matters most.
By working together, sharing insights, and maintaining open communication, we strengthen not only our projects but the entire ecosystem we operate in.
Because in moments of uncertainty, it’s not just about where you go—it’s about who you work with.
