DWTC Hospitality Serves Nearly One Million Guests in a Landmark Year
DWTC Hospitality, the hospitality division of Dubai World Trade Centre, solidified its leadership in the industry in 2024, catering to nearly one million guests across over 2,400 events.
From large-scale exhibitions and international conferences to high-profile weddings and corporate galas, the award-winning hospitality provider reinforced its reputation for excellence.
The division played a key role in some of the region's most prestigious events, including Gulfood, World Health Expo (WHX) Dubai, Arabian Travel Market, and GITEX Global, while also expanding its footprint at GITEX Africa. Its expertise extended beyond large-scale gatherings, catering to over 400,000 attendees at corporate and private events and successfully managing 150 weddings, serving more than 63,000 guests.
The conference and association segment also witnessed significant growth, with DWTC Hospitality catering to 95,000 attendees, reflecting a 12% increase from the previous year. Key events such as the WCA Worldwide Conference, AWS MENA Summit 2024, and The International Congress of Endocrinology contributed to this momentum.
DWTC-operated venues experienced exceptional demand, with Jafza One Convention Centre (JOCC) doubling attendance to over 25,000 guests and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) catering to over 73,000 attendees. Additionally, off-site catering surged, with over 145,000 guests served at 1,105 external events, marking a 37% year-on-year growth at major events like the Dubai International Boat Show, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Dubai World Cup. 'As we look to the future, our ambition is to shape the global hospitality landscape through innovation, operational excellence, and sustainable practices,'
said Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC. 'Aligned with Dubai's vision, we are committed to driving the sector forward, ensuring our venues and services set new industry benchmarks.'
News Source: Dubai Media Office
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Tourism Breaking News
3 hours ago
- Tourism Breaking News
Etihad expands its European network with flights to Prague and Warsaw
Post Views: 59 Etihad Airways celebrated the launch of flights to two new destinations in Central Europe – Prague and Warsaw. The UAE's national airline operated its inaugural flight to the enchanting Czech capital Prague, one of 16 new destinations the airline will add this year. Next the airline touched down in Warsaw for the first time, adding the vibrant Polish capital to its expanding European network. 'Our new Prague and Warsaw services open doors to countless possibilities,' said Antonoaldo Neves, Chief Executive Officer at Etihad Airways. 'These new routes create a bridge between two remarkable regions, connecting travellers from the Middle East to the heart of Central Europe, while offering seamless connections via Abu Dhabi to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Australia.' Often called the 'City of a Hundred Spires', Prague captivates visitors with its stunning Gothic architecture, centuries-old squares, and lively cultural scene. The Czech capital's historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage site, showcases architectural treasures spanning eight centuries, while its modern districts pulse with innovative cuisine, art, and design. Beyond the city, the surrounding region offers picturesque landscapes, from historic castles to renowned spa towns. In Poland, the modern city of Warsaw captivates with its distinctive contrasts – elegant architecture and contemporary skylines, traditional markets and inspired dining scenes, historic parks and cutting-edge cultural venues. This diversity is complemented by Poland's enticing array of experiences, from medieval cities to pristine forests and mountain ranges. Visitors to the UAE from Czechia and Poland, can enjoy Abu Dhabi's distinctive blend of tradition and modern luxury. The UAE capital offers everything from the serenity of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to the artistic masterpieces of the Louvre Abu Dhabi. The city serves as an ideal gateway to desert adventures, championship golf courses, and the entertainment district of Yas Island with its world-class theme parks and Yas Marina Circuit. Prague and Warsaw join Etihad's expanding European network at an exciting time. The airline is set to welcome 16 new destinations throughout 2025, including Atlanta (July), Taipei (September), and key Asian cities such as Hong Kong, Hanoi, and Krabi in the fourth quarter. Operating on the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the services feature 28 Business Studios and 262 Economy Smart seats. Each Business Studio transforms into a fully-flat bed and offers direct aisle access, while Economy Smart seats provide enhanced comfort for all guests. The aircraft offers the latest in-flight entertainment technology and thoughtfully crafted comfort in both cabins. To celebrate Etihad's expanding network, the airline has launched a competition, The Extraordinary Challenge, daring guests to compete in a race to visit 15 of the airline's new destinations, including Prague and Warsaw, to win five million Etihad Guest miles. Any new or existing Etihad Guest member can register to compete and has 12 months to complete the challenge, the first three members to visit all 15 destinations will be awarded. First place will win five million Etihad Guest miles, Second place will win three million miles, and Third place will win one million miles.
The National
4 hours ago
- The National
Robert Pether conditionally released in Iraq after four years in jail
A Dubai resident has been conditionally released from prison in Iraq after his family campaigned for four years to secure his freedom. Robert Pether, from Australia, along with his Egyptian co-worker Khaled Radwan, who both resided in Dubai at the time, were jailed in August 2021 and fined $12 million after a contract dispute between his employer and authorities in Iraq. Despite his release, Mr Pether is still barred from leaving Iraq and Australian authorities say he continues to face legal proceedings. However, Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong said the development was a 'positive development'. "I know the personal toll Mr Pether's detention has taken on him and his family and hope this news brings a measure of relief after years of distress," she said in a statement. Simon Harris, Ireland's Deputy Prime Minister, said in a statement that Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein had contacted him to confirm the release of Mr Pether, whose family currently live in Ireland. "I welcomed this as a first step to his being allowed to return to his family in Roscommon," Mr Harris said. But there are concerns about Mr Pether's health and any outstanding charges against him, he added. Contract dispute results in jail Mr Pether and Mr Radwan were arrested when they travelled to Iraq for what they thought was a routine business meeting. Employed as an engineer in Dubai for CME, Mr Pether was contracted to work on the central bank's headquarters near the Tigris River. The men were detained at the meeting. They each received a five-year jail sentence and were ordered to pay $12 million by an Iraqi court. The dispute was over a $33 million contract awarded to CME in 2015. The project was put on hold a year later, with plummeting oil prices and Iraq's war against ISIS put forward as the main reasons. Work resumed in 2018, with CME working for 39 of the 48 months as set out in the contract. Payment was received for 32 of those months before being withheld. CME was asked by the central bank to extend the contract by three months to make up for work that was suspended due to the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Khaleej Times
9 hours ago
- Khaleej Times
UAE emerging as world's new wealth, investment hub; here's why
The UAE is fast establishing itself as a leading global wealth hub and a magnet for high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), thanks to its business-friendly environment, robust regulatory framework, and political stability. The latest report by Capgemini Research Institute said that UAE along with Singapore, Hong Kong and Saudi Arabia have established themselves as prime alternatives, utilising advantageous tax policies, strong financial ecosystems, and political stability to draw global wealth.' The study noted global diversification is also a key strategy for next-gen high-net-worth individuals (HNWIs), who seek investment opportunities in traditional wealth hubs of London, Switzerland, and New York, therefore, emerging wealth hubs such as UAE, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Saudi Arabia are very quickly becoming attractive destinations. In the post-pandemic period, the UAE has seen record millionaires migration from around the world. According to Henley & Partners, the UAE attracted 7,200 millionaires from around the world in 2024, 4,700 in 2023 and 5,200 in 2022, attracted by zero income tax, safety and security, high returns on property investments and world-class quality of life. This is in addition to the 6,500 tech millionaires that the emirate housed in the first half of 2024. With a population of just over 10 million, the UAE is the world's 14th largest wealth market, housing 130,500 high-net-worth individuals or millionaires. UAE a wealth management hub The Middle East is also emerging as a formidable contender in global wealth management and the UAE and Saudi Arabia are capitalising on this trend as well, moving quickly to draft regulations that support international investors. 'In an increasingly uncertain world, high net worth individuals no longer question whether to keep their wealth in Switzerland, Singapore, UAE or Saudi Arabia. Instead, they embrace a multi-jurisdictional approach, distributing their assets across various financial centres to mitigate risks and maximise opportunities. Wealth management firms are evolving their strategies to provide clients with a unified view of their diverse investments,' said Capgemini Research Institute's study — Sail the great wealth transfer, setting a course to win next-gen HNWIs. The UAE's net wealth is growing faster than the regional and global average, reaching $2.9 trillion in 2023, growing by 10 per cent from the previous year, versus 8 per cent growth in. the Middle East and Africa region, according to Boston Consulting Group (BCG) annual global wealth report, Global Wealth Report 2024. Meanwhile, global financial wealth rose 7 per cent in 2023, following a decline of 4 per cent in 2022. Over the next five years, an estimated $92 trillion of financial wealth will be created globally. In the UAE, around 81 per cent of financial wealth is investable, which is expected to climb to 83 per cent by 2028, offering wealth managers massive opportunity. Influx of wealth managers To capitalise on the growing opportunities, local and foreign wealth management firms are further strengthening their teams while many new firms have established their presence in the UAE by relocating their offices in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and ADGM in Abu Dhabi over the last few years. As the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia's leading financial hub, DIFC oversees $450 billion (Dh1.65 trillion) in private wealth. More importantly, the free zone has access to $3 trillion in private wealth within an hour's flight, thanks to Dubai's strategic location. Last year, BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager with $11.5 trillion, was granted a commercial licence to operate in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, Rothschild & Co, a global wealth and management firm with over $100 billion in assets under management — expanded its business in Dubai last year with a new office to cater to the growing number of affluent population in the emirate. ADGM in Abu Dhabi granted licence to trillion-dollar asset management firms PGIM and New York Stock Exchange-listed Prudential Financial and Nuveen. During the first quarter of 2025, ADGM reported that assets under management grew 33 per cent compared to the same period in 2024. At the end of Q1 2025, 119 asset and fund managers managed a total of 184 funds out of ADGM. Next-gen millionaires seek high returns Capgemini Research Institute revealed that 88 per cent of relationship managers say that next-gen millionaires are 'more interested in alternatives than baby boomers.' While baby boomers focus most often on wealth preservation, next-gen HNWIs are predominantly risk takers, favouring higher growth asset classes such as private equity and cryptocurrency. 'With next-gen clients expected to switch relationship managers post-wealth transfer, factors like advisor age, digital experience, and relevance of the overall value proposition are key. To align with the evolving needs of younger and globally mobile investors, wealth management firms must modernize client engagement through artificial intelligence-driven tools, digital channels and tailored solutions,' Eric Mellor, wealth management specialist at Temenos UAE said. Industry executives suggest that many family offices especially led by second and third generations are now investing in cryptocurrency businesses, viewing them not as speculative gambles but as structured, strategic asset classes.
