DWTC Hospitality Serves Over Half a Million Guests Across 1,401 Events in H1 2025
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: 'In a dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape, our H1 2025 performance reflects DWTC Hospitality's agility and ambition in reimagining the guest experience. By combining operational scale, culinary creativity, and strategic partnerships, we are proud to support Dubai's growing events economy with hospitality experiences that set new benchmarks.'
Exhibition Catering Surges, More Than Doubling YoY
Exhibition catering witnessed standout growth, serving 132,146 guests across 50 events, more than double the number of guests served in H1 2024, marking a 105% increase. This surge reflects DWTC's ability to cater to increasingly complex and large-scale exhibitions, reaffirming its status as the region's leading exhibition catering provider.
Conferences and Associations Drive Business Events Growth
The conferences and associations segment also recorded strong growth, with DWTC Hospitality serving 57,289 guests across 30 events, marking a 23% increase from 46,500 guests in H1 2024. While event count remained consistent, the rise in attendees underscores DWTC's growing appeal as a preferred partner for business events focused on networking and knowledge exchange.
Consistent Momentum Across Diverse Event Portfolio
DWTC's diverse catering portfolio continued to deliver strong results as Non-exhibition DICEC events increased 38%, with 477 events catered while External events rose 4% to 687, including high-profile events such as the Dubai International Boat Show and Meydan Dubai World Cup.
These figures highlight the division's capacity to deliver seamless, high-volume catering across both DWTC venues as well as at external sites.
Recognition for Culinary Excellence
DWTC Hospitality achieved notable industry recognition at the Emirates Salon Culinaire 2025, securing 51 medals across categories. For the third consecutive year, the team was honoured with the prestigious Best Effort by an Individual Establishment award, reinforcing DWTC's leadership in culinary innovation and skill.
Looking Ahead
DWTC Hospitality remains focused on scaling capabilities and investing in future-ready infrastructure to support continued growth. With the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) and increasing demand for premium catering experiences, the division is well-positioned to contribute to Dubai's economic diversification and status as a global destination for world-class events.
As a full-service provider, DWTC Hospitality offers end-to-end event solutions including award-winning catering and end-to-end event planning, supporting everything from exhibitions and conferences to private events and weddings, with the ability to cater up to 40,000 guests per day.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Fintech News ME
27 minutes ago
- Fintech News ME
Jeel and zypl.ai Partner to Advance AI-Driven Digital Banking in Saudi
Jeel, the digital innovation arm of Riyad Bank, has signed a MoU with Dubai-based a specialist in synthetic data generation and AI-powered risk analytics. The agreement sets out a collaborative framework to support the adoption of advanced data technologies, AI, and payment solutions aimed at developing customer-centric digital financial platforms in Saudi Arabia. Central to the partnership is proprietary zGAN technology, an 'outlier-aware' synthetic data generator that produces privacy-preserving datasets capable of stress-testing financial models under extreme market conditions. Combined with suite of AI risk-scoring tools, the technology is expected to enhance credit decision-making, accelerate model development while safeguarding customer data, and generate deeper behavioural insights. George Harrak, CEO of Jeel, said: 'Collaborations like this with provide access to advanced zGAN synthetic data and risk models, enhancing fraud prevention, accelerating credit scoring, and ensuring compliance. Working alongside will facilitate real-world sandbox implementations, increasing visibility within the Kingdom and shaping AI risk and compliance practices.' In addition to analytics, Jeel and will work together to embed real-time fraud detection and credit decisioning models into Jeel's payment infrastructure and digital channels. The initiative seeks to reduce false positives in fraud management, speed up payment authorisations, cut transaction costs, and provide faster, more accurate credit decisions to underserved customer segments. Azizjon Azimi, Founder and CEO of commented: 'Jeel's commitment to seamless digital banking aligns perfectly with vision of resilient, ethics-first AI. Together, we will equip Jeel with the intelligence needed to protect customers and power new products that match the Kingdom's digital-economy ambitions.'
Fintech News ME
27 minutes ago
- Fintech News ME
UAE Banks to Raise Foreign Transaction Fees to 3.14% in September
Travellers using UAE-issued credit and debit cards overseas will soon face higher costs, as banks across the country prepare to increase the foreign transaction fee to 3.14% starting 22 September 2025. The revised fee will apply to all international purchases and ATM withdrawals. As reported by Time Out Dubai, the new total fee includes a 1% currency conversion charge by global card networks such as Visa, Mastercard, or American Express, alongside a 2.14% bank processing fee. This marks a significant jump from the current 2.09%. The adjustment affects any foreign transaction, including online purchases from international merchants and payments made during travel. For instance, spending AED 5,000 abroad would result in an added AED 157 in fees under the new structure. Travellers are also advised to avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), a service offered by some foreign merchants to convert transactions into dirhams at the point of sale. While it may seem convenient, DCC often applies inflated exchange rates and does not exempt users from the foreign transaction fee. To minimise these charges, consumers may consider using cards that waive foreign transaction fees, limiting ATM withdrawals to fewer, larger amounts, declining DCC by opting to pay in the local currency, or exploring multicurrency prepaid cards offered by UAE-based fintechs. The UAE's domestic Jaywan card is expected to be introduced internationally later this year. While not yet globally available, it may offer a lower-cost alternative for international payments once launched. Travellers are encouraged to check their bank's fee schedules and available card options ahead of travel to avoid unexpected charges.
TECHx
10 hours ago
- TECHx
Space42 Partners with Microsoft, Esri on Africa Maps
Home » Tech Value Chain » Global Brands » Space42 Partners with Microsoft, Esri on Africa Maps UAE-based SpaceTech company Space42 (ADX: SPACE42), part of the G42 Group, has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft and Esri. The collaboration was formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed during Esri's 2025 User Conference. The initiative, called the 'Map Africa Initiative,' aims to deliver high-resolution, scalable base maps for all 54 African countries. It will serve over 1.4 billion people, creating the most comprehensive base map of the continent to date. The five-year project is expected to address gaps in infrastructure, investment, and data availability across Africa. The updated mapping system will help drive economic development by improving access to intelligent geospatial solutions. These solutions will support governments, businesses, and communities in both Africa and the UAE. Space42 will lead fundraising and project management, leveraging its satellite data and AI-powered Digital Twin models to create dynamic, use-specific maps. Esri will provide its remote sensing and GeoAI capabilities, while Microsoft will supply secure cloud infrastructure and an AI framework via Azure. • The initiative supports national mapping agencies with accurate, updatable data. • It also aims to create a new commercial ecosystem for African startups. The project is expected to enhance strategic sectors such as logistics, renewable energy, disaster response, and smart city planning. Data will be stored in Microsoft and G42-managed centers across Africa. Space42 CEO Hasan Al Hosani emphasized that the partnership aligns with the UAE's collaborative and innovation-driven approach. He noted that accurate mapping is essential for growth and inclusive innovation. Esri President Jack Dangermond said the initiative builds on proven geospatial workflows and will enable sustainable development across the continent. The MoU deepens Space42's partnerships with Microsoft and Esri, while expanding its presence and commercial opportunities in Africa. It also reflects Space42's role as a trusted provider of large-scale geospatial solutions for governments. G42 CEO Peng Xiao stated that the partnership reflects a shared commitment to using AI as a force for good. He said the project will help transform data into development and intelligence into impact. The initiative also aligns with the UAE's broader global investment and innovation agenda. The UAE was Africa's largest foreign investor in 2024, deploying $44 billion. Space42 plays a key role in advancing this agenda through SpaceTech and AI. The mapping initiative supports long-term goals of smart land use, modern infrastructure, and digital economies across the continent. It also strengthens diplomatic and commercial ties between the UAE and Africa.
