Last week, deadly missile attacks by Houthi forces struck Riyadh’s international airport, resulting in at least a dozen fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Despite the violence, attendees from around the world still travelled to the Saudi capital for the World Petroleum Congress (WPC), one of the oil and gas sector’s largest industry conferences. However, the disruption led several major energy company leaders, including those from ExxonMobil, TotalEnergies, Shell, and BP, to withdraw from the event.
These developments have raised expectations that further high-profile absences may occur at the upcoming “Davos in the Desert” conference, also scheduled to be held in Riyadh shortly. The turmoil in the Middle East, compounded by the ongoing conflict involving Iran, has prompted cancellations and postponements of numerous regional trade shows and conventions. Meanwhile, travel restrictions and political actions taken during the previous U.S. administration have contributed to an exodus of international academic gatherings from the United States to other locations.
In light of these disruptions, attention has turned to alternative global cities regarded as reliable and attractive venues for business events. London has emerged prominently in this regard, securing the top ranking in Europe for meetings and events for the fourth consecutive year, according to a widely recognised industry ranking by the Cvent conference technology firm. The city surpassed European rivals such as Barcelona, Madrid, Lisbon, and Paris, the latter of which placed fifth.
London’s appeal is attributed to a combination of factors, including its reputation for world-class conference facilities and its cultural and logistical assets. The city is served by six airports—including London Southend—enhancing accessibility for international visitors. Additionally, London offers a rich array of amenities, featuring more than 80 Michelin-starred restaurants, 200 museums, 270 theatres, 857 art galleries, and four UNESCO World Heritage sites, namely the Tower of London, Westminster Palace and Abbey, Kew Gardens, and Maritime Greenwich.
The London Convention Bureau, part of the city’s official economic growth agency, anticipates hosting approximately 80,000 convention visitors this year. Recent gatherings have included medical congresses for specialists such as rheumatologists and urologists, with the 44th World Scout Conference and various tech and maritime industry conventions planned for the coming year.
Beyond its events infrastructure, London continues to expand its year-round offerings for residents and visitors alike. Outdoor swimming has been introduced at Canary Wharf, accessible via the newly operational Elizabeth Line railway and an extensive network of cycle superhighways. Although London’s public transport system is often criticised for cost and occasional delays, it remains a rapid means of traversing the city.
In a notable urban development, a nearly one-kilometre stretch of the renowned Oxford Street is set to be pedestrianised starting next week, closing the area to vehicle traffic after years of debate. While critics have expressed concerns about potential traffic congestion and service disruptions, many expect the pedestrianisation to enhance the city’s appeal and usability in the long term.
Amid ongoing geopolitical instability and uncertainty in various parts of the world, London's growing reputation as a secure, accessible, and vibrant destination for business and leisure appears to be strengthening, offering an alternative hub for international gatherings and contributing to the city’s broader cultural and economic vitality.