Dubai World Trade Centre welcomes 2.65 million attendees in 2024

Khaleej Times

20-03-2025

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) on Thursday reported that it welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. The results were driven by a robust calendar of 378 meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE), business and consumer events reflecting a notable 26% year-on-year growth.
DWTC's flagship MICE segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. These events collectively attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting an impressive 30% year-on-year growth. International participation at MICE events soared to over 942,000 attendees, representing 46% of the total MICE attendees, reinforcing Dubai's global appeal as a top global business destination.
These exhibitions and events saw participation of 58,665 exhibiting companies, representing a 9% increase over last year. A significant 77% of these exhibiting companies were international, further reinforcing Dubai's ability to consistently draw international companies and businesses. The surge in foreign business participation to MICE events in Dubai furthers the aspirations of the Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', to cement Dubai's position as one of the top three cities for business and tourism, globally.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: 'Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai's global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC's role in fostering meaningful commercial connections. Our continued success in attracting new-to-market events across diverse sectors reaffirms Dubai's unique appeal as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity. This momentum fuels our confidence as we drive forward with our ambitious venue expansion strategy to meet increasing global demand.'
In 2024, DWTC organised 20 flagship exhibitions and events, attracting an impressive 590,000 attendees, a 14% year-on-year increase. Of these, 242,000 were international attendees, representing a remarkable 41% of total participation. The number of exhibiting companies at DWTC's exhibitions increased by 9% to 19,062, with over 15,000 international exhibitors, accounting for an impressive 79% of the total number of exhibitors.
Internationally, KAOUN International strengthened DWTC's global footprint by expanding flagship events beyond Dubai, with standout performances of Gitex Africa in Morocco and the successful launch of Gitex Digi_Health 5.0 Asia in Singapore.
The healthcare, medical, and scientific sector remained the top performing industry sector at DWTC, with 25 events that attracted over 465,000 attendees, accounting for 23% of total MICE participation. This marks a remarkable 69% increase in attendance compared to 2023. Key events included WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, DUPHAT, WHX Labs Dubai (formerly Medlab) and Dubai Derma.
The food, hotel, and catering sector secured second position, attracting over 283,000 attendees, a 14% share of the total MICE participation. Led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing, this sector experienced a substantial 25% increase in participation compared to 2023.
The information technology sector followed closely in third position, attracting over 281,000 attendees, also a 14% share of the total MICE participation. This sector, primarily driven by Gitex Global and its associated events, saw participation increase by 8% year-on-year. The top five sectors are rounded out by the Consumer Goods sector, which attracted over 112,000 attendees.
DWTC made significant strides in its conferences and associations events calendar, hosting 25 conferences – double the number from the previous year – which collectively attracted nearly 90,000 participants, a threefold increase from 2023. Of these, 17 were new additions, further diversifying the event lineup. Key events included AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, Global Freight Summit, and MEIDAM.
Additionally, 14 international association meetings welcomed over 104,000 participants, three times more than the previous year.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) played an increasingly pivotal role in 2024, hosting 24 events that attracted 128,000 participants. Of these, the nine largest exhibitions and conferences attracted 75,000 attendees and featured 1,300 exhibiting companies. Notable events included Custom Show Emirates, Dubai Muscle Show and National Service Career Fair, FESPA Middle East, Jewellery Gem and Technology, Global Freight Summit and Dentsply Sirona World.
As DWTC progresses with its strategic Dh10 billion expansion of DEC, the venue is set to play an increasingly important role in Dubai's MICE ecosystem. DEC's Phase 1 completion in 2026 will add 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition space, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC will span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 daily visitors and hosting multiple large-scale events simultaneously.
Almarri added: 'Our 2024 results underscore the strategic focus on scaling Dubai's global events sector. Our DEC expansion represents the next critical phase of increasing our capacity to meet growing global demand, allowing us to significantly multiply both our event hosting capabilities and economic contribution over the coming decade. This infrastructure investment, combined with our sector diversification strategy and growing international appeal, positions DWTC to not only advance Dubai's Economic Agenda 'D33' but to fundamentally reshape the emirate's role in global commerce and solidify its status as a world-leading business destination.'
Beyond its core events business, DWTC achieved significant milestones across its diverse operations in 2024. DWTC's Real Estate division forged a strategic partnership with Emaar Properties to create Expo Living, an innovative residential development within Expo City Dubai. Its Asset Management business reached new heights in occupancy levels, with commercial properties across One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower and Convention Tower achieving 99% occupancy, while Expo Village residential units exceeded 90% occupancy.
The DWTC Authority Free Zone enhanced its value proposition by adding One Za'abeel to its jurisdiction, offering companies access to premium business environments with specialised free zone benefits. Throughout 2024, the Free Zone licensed 389 new business entities, reflecting its growing appeal.