Dubai World Trade Centre welcomes 2.65 million attendees in 2024
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.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
6 hours ago
- Web Release
Over 35,000 new companies became members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2025 representing year-over-year growth of 4%
Over 35,000 new companies became members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2025 representing year-over-year growth of 4% Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, has announced its key achievements for the first half of 2025. The results reflect the chamber's continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's business environment and contribute to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The chamber welcomed 35,532 new member companies during the first six months of 2025, marking a 4% year-over-year (YoY) growth. This steady increase reflects the continuing attractiveness of Dubai's business environment among the global business community and the sustained inflow of foreign direct investment. The value of members' exports and re-exports reached AED 171.9 billion during H1 2025, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. The chamber also issued 409,083 Certificates of Origin, up 10% from H1 2024, and issued and received 2,961 ATA Carnets for goods valued at around AED 1.94 billion. H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a leading global centre for trade and investment. Dubai's integrated business ecosystem plays a pivotal role in reinforcing investor confidence in the positive outlook of the national economy.' H.E. Al Mansoori added: 'We are committed to empowering the local business community by shaping a regulatory and legislative environment that fosters growth, creates opportunities, and supports the development of priority sectors. The chamber will continue to strengthen its efforts to enhance public-private partnerships, which form a key pillar in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda.' Supporting Global Expansion The chamber successfully supported the expansion of 60 local companies into new global markets during H1 2025, achieving 76% growth compared to 34 companies supported during the same period in 2024. As part of its 'New Horizons' initiative, which enables Dubai-based companies to join targeted trade missions and explore opportunities in global markets, the chamber organised two missions to Southeast Asia and Africa. Encompassing visits to Thailand, the Philippines, Angola, and Mozambique, these resulted in 1,076 B2B meetings between Dubai companies and their counterparts in the four markets. Strengthening the Legislative Ecosystem During H1 2025, the chamber reviewed 27 laws and draft laws in collaboration with Business Groups. The private sector's recommendations achieved a 60% adoption rate, up from 46% in H1 2024. It also arranged 98 meetings with Business Groups and Business Councils, representing YoY growth of 104%. In addition, the chamber established five new Business Councils during the first half of the year representing the interests of investors from Brazil, Slovakia, Peru, Indonesia, and Hungary. As part of its ongoing efforts to raise legal awareness, the chamber organised 19 legal events attended by 1,414 participants from the business community. These included a series of seminars and workshops highlighting the latest developments in the legislative landscape. The chamber received a total of 94 mediation cases during the first half of the year, representing YoY growth of 19%. The combined value of these cases exceeded AED 213.5 million. Dubai Centre for Family Businesses The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, continued its mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of family enterprises. In partnership with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the centre released 'Family Businesses in the Emirate of Dubai: A Guidebook,' an informative guide outlining best practices for preserving family wealth and ensuring long-term continuity and growth. The centre hosted two events as part of its 'Governance Series.' The first showcased an international case study on intergenerational business continuity, while the second explored strategies for building a lasting legacy for family businesses. As part of the centre's Next-Gen Training Programme, a workshop was held to enhance the skills of the next generation of family business leaders in generative AI prompt engineering. The centre also conducted a media training session for family business representatives to strengthen their public presence and reinforce their reputations, supporting efforts to highlight the legacy and achievements of family businesses in Dubai.
Hi Dubai
7 hours ago
- Hi Dubai
Dubai Chamber of Commerce Welcomes Over 35,000 New Companies in H1 2025
Dubai Chamber of Commerce, operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, recorded strong growth in the first half of 2025, welcoming 35,532 new member companies — a 4% year-on-year increase. The results underscore Dubai's continued appeal to global investors and its role in advancing the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). The value of members' exports and re-exports reached AED 171.9 billion during the period, up 18% from H1 2024. The chamber issued 409,083 Certificates of Origin, marking a 10% rise, and processed 2,961 ATA Carnets for goods worth AED 1.94 billion. H.E. Eng. Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, said the results reflect Dubai's integrated business ecosystem and investor confidence. We are committed to shaping a regulatory and legislative environment that fosters growth, creates opportunities, and supports priority sectors, he noted, adding that public-private partnerships remain a core pillar in achieving the D33 Agenda. The chamber also played a pivotal role in supporting the international expansion of local businesses, assisting 60 companies to enter new global markets — a 76% increase over last year. Through its 'New Horizons' initiative, two trade missions to Southeast Asia and Africa facilitated 1,076 B2B meetings in Thailand, the Philippines, Angola, and Mozambique. Efforts to strengthen the legislative environment saw the chamber review 27 laws and draft laws with Business Groups, achieving a 60% adoption rate for private sector recommendations. It also established five new Business Councils representing Brazil, Slovakia, Peru, Indonesia, and Hungary, and organised 98 meetings with business groups — more than double the previous year. In legal and dispute resolution efforts, the chamber hosted 19 legal awareness events for over 1,400 participants and handled 94 mediation cases worth AED 213.5 million, up 19% year-on-year. The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses continued to support the sustainability of family enterprises, launching a comprehensive guidebook in partnership with the Department of Economy and Tourism. Initiatives included governance-focused events, next-generation leadership training in AI prompt engineering, and media skills development. Dubai Media Office
Al Etihad
11 hours ago
- Al Etihad
Over 35,000 new companies became members of Dubai Chamber of Commerce during H1 2025
12 Aug 2025 12:35 DUBAI (ALETIHAD)Dubai Chamber of Commerce, one of the three chambers operating under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, announced on Tuesday its key achievements for the first half of 2025. The results reflect the chamber's continued efforts to enhance the competitiveness of Dubai's business environment and contribute to the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).The chamber welcomed 35,532 new member companies during the first six months of 2025, marking a 4% year-over-year (YoY) growth. This steady increase reflects the continuing attractiveness of Dubai's business environment among the global business community and the sustained inflow of foreign direct value of members' exports and re-exports reached Dh 171.9 billion during H1 2025, representing an 18% increase compared to the same period last year. The chamber also issued 409,083 Certificates of Origin, up 10% from H1 2024, and issued and received 2,961 ATA Carnets for goods valued at around Dh 1.94 Sultan bin Saeed Al Mansoori, Chairman of Dubai Chambers, commented: 'Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate continues to strengthen its position as a leading global centre for trade and investment. Dubai's integrated business ecosystem plays a pivotal role in reinforcing investor confidence in the positive outlook of the national economy.'Al Mansoori added: 'We are committed to empowering the local business community by shaping a regulatory and legislative environment that fosters growth, creates opportunities, and supports the development of priority sectors. The chamber will continue to strengthen its efforts to enhance public-private partnerships, which form a key pillar in achieving the goals of the D33 Agenda.' Supporting Global Expansion The chamber successfully supported the expansion of 60 local companies into new global markets during H1 2025, achieving 76% growth compared to 34 companies supported during the same period in part of its 'New Horizons' initiative, which enables Dubai-based companies to join targeted trade missions and explore opportunities in global markets, the chamber organised two missions to Southeast Asia and Africa. Encompassing visits to Thailand, the Philippines, Angola, and Mozambique, these resulted in 1,076 B2B meetings between Dubai companies and their counterparts in the four markets. Strengthening the Legislative Ecosystem During H1 2025, the chamber reviewed 27 laws and draft laws in collaboration with Business Groups. The private sector's recommendations achieved a 60% adoption rate, up from 46% in H1 2024. It also arranged 98 meetings with Business Groups and Business Councils, representing YoY growth of 104%.In addition, the chamber established five new Business Councils during the first half of the year, representing the interests of investors from Brazil, Slovakia, Peru, Indonesia, and part of its ongoing efforts to raise legal awareness, the chamber organised 19 legal events attended by 1,414 participants from the business community. These included a series of seminars and workshops highlighting the latest developments in the legislative chamber received a total of 94 mediation cases during the first half of the year, representing YoY growth of 19%. The combined value of these cases exceeded Dh 213.5 million. Dubai Centre for Family Businesses The Dubai Centre for Family Businesses, which operates under the umbrella of Dubai Chambers, continued its mission to ensure the sustainability and growth of family enterprises. In partnership with Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism, the centre released 'Family Businesses in the Emirate of Dubai: A Guidebook,' an informative guide outlining best practices for preserving family wealth and ensuring long-term continuity and centre hosted two events as part of its 'Governance Series.' The first showcased an international case study on intergenerational business continuity, while the second explored strategies for building a lasting legacy for family businesses. As part of the centre's Next-Gen Training Programme, a workshop was held to enhance the skills of the next generation of family business leaders in generative AI prompt engineering. The centre also conducted a media training session for family business representatives to strengthen their public presence and reinforce their reputations, supporting efforts to highlight the legacy and achievements of family businesses in Dubai.
