Latest news with #DubaiWorldTradeCentreAuthority
Gulf Business
21-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
DWTC reports record events, real estate growth in 2024
Image: DWTC Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the key hub for global business and connecting markets, has reported its results of 2024, revealing the record-breaking performance which continues to boost the economic structure in Dubai. DWTC welcomed participants over 2.65 million in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over last year. In 2024, DWTC hosted 378 exhibitions and events by a 26 per cent year-on -year increase. The centre expanded its events calendar with forty new additions, including 10 exhibitions, 17 conferences, and 13 association conventions. The exhibitions and conferences attracted nearly 59,000 exhibiting companies , with 77 per cent coming from international markets, while international participation at MICE event rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to over 942,000 attendees. The DWTC's flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. The participation over 58,665 companies in the exhibitions and events made a 9 per cent increase compared to the last year. Commenting on the performance, 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.' Key events at DWTC in 2024 The KAOUN International expanded DWTC's global reach with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, drawing 465,000 attendees, a 69 per cent rise from 2023. The food, hotel, and catering sector followed with 28,3000 attendees, a 25 per cent increase compared to last year, while the IT sector saw 281,000 attendees with an increase by 8 per cent year-on-year. Major events like The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show and China Home Life, and the Leisure, Sport and Travel sector, with nearly 110,000 attendees, led by Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Muscle Show. Other high-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika and Inter-sec showcased DWTC'S strong event portfolio and its role in attracting global participation across diverse industries. Real estate milestones The asset management business saw near-full occupancy: 99 per cent in commercial spaces (One Central, Sheikh Rashid, Convention Tower) and over 90 per cent in Expo Village. The DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded, incorporating One Za'abeel, attracting 389 new businesses with its premium offerings and free zone advantages. Read:
Khaleej Times
20-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai World Trade Centre welcomes 2.65 million attendees in 2024
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.
Emirates 24/7
28-01-2025
- Health
- Emirates 24/7
Ahmed bin Mohammed opens landmark 50th edition of Arab Health
His Highness: This event embodies Dubai's long-term vision of building innovative and comprehensive health systems based on strong international partnerships - The Middle East's largest healthcare industry event is set to surpass previous records with over 3,800 exhibitors and more than 60,000 visitors in prospect His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, today opened the 2025 Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare industry event in the Middle East. Celebrating its landmark 50th edition with the theme, 'Where the World of Healthcare Meets,' the exhibition is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 27 to 30 January. Showcasing a staggering array of healthcare products and services, the event has attracted over 3,800 exhibitors and is on course to draw more than 60,000 visitors. Driving force His Highness Sheikh Ahmed commended the unflagging efforts exerted over the course of 50 years that have helped Arab Health emerge as one of the most prestigious global platforms shaping the future of the healthcare sector. His Highness noted that the remarkable scale of regional and global participation in the event, including key industry players, is testament to its status as a driving force in the transformation of the healthcare sector regionally and internationally. His Highness said: 'The Arab Health exhibition underlines Dubai's role as a strategic driver for positive transformations across vital sectors, most notably the health sector. This event embodies Dubai's long-term vision of building innovative and comprehensive health systems based on strong international partnerships and platforms that bring together thought leaders and experts in this field. The exhibition's remarkable growth over the years mirrors Dubai's growing status as a global hub for anticipating and shaping the future of vital sectors and enhancing their sustainability. This comes in line with the vision of the leadership and its keenness to always keep Dubai in the global vanguard of cities capable of transforming challenges into opportunities, ultimately devising new solutions that positively impact quality of life.' His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied during his tour of the exhibition by His Excellency Abdulrahman bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; HE Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; HE Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; and HE Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation. Arab health ministers in attendance The opening of the region's most prominent healthcare industry event was also attended by health ministers from Arab countries, including HE Mansoor bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Qatar's Minister of Public Health; HE Dr. Jaleela bint Al-Sayed Jawad Hassan, Bahrain's Minister of Health; and HE Dr. Khaled Atef Abdel-Ghaffar, Egypt's Minister of Health. Since its inception in 1975 with just over 40 exhibitors, Arab Health has evolved into a globally renowned showcase for diverse segments of the healthcare industry, highlighting its latest innovations and technological breakthroughs. Focused initially on displaying medical products, the exhibition has consistently grown to encompass everything that the healthcare industry has to offer, reaching its largest-ever scale last year in terms of exhibition space. Promising to surpass previous records yet again, the event this year features leading global healthcare exhibitors unveiling the latest innovations and technologies that are transforming the industry. Summing up the exhibition's momentous legacy, Ross Williams, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said: 'During the last five decades, Arab Health has provided a platform for the world of healthcare to meet, facilitate business, and discuss and debate the future of the industry, exploring the latest topics and groundbreaking technological advancements. 'This year, in recognition of 50 years of innovation within the sector, we will be showcasing cutting-edge healthcare products and services, as well as a range of new conferences, sessions, forums and special features focused on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity and their impact on the future of the sector.' Sustainability focus The two-day Healthcare ESG Forum, part of the newly launched Eco-Sphere feature at Arab Health, also marked its opening today, highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to integrating ESG principles into healthcare. Discussions also addressed climate change-related health risks, emphasising the need for sustainable practices. In another highlight, the Lakers and UCLA Health Experience at Arab Health 2025 kicked off on the sidelines, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to meet Laker Legends Robert Horry and Michael Cooper. The two-day event provides a rare chance to engage with the iconic athletes while gaining valuable insights from UCLA Health's renowned Sports Medicine team, who shared how they support the physical health and peak performance of professional sportspersons. Several of the 10 CME-accredited conferences taking place at Arab Health also opened today. Among them was the highly anticipated 25th Total Radiology Conference, which began with a keynote lecture on radiology's next frontier by Prof. Dr. Giles W. L. Boland from Brigham and Women's Physician Organisations and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The 8th Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Conference also focused on essential topics such as leadership styles, organisational culture, and resuscitation techniques. Meanwhile, the 24th General Surgery Conference commenced with a series of masterclasses on laser technology, bariatrics, and the prevention and management of complications and the 9th Public Health Conference launched under the theme 'Enabling communities and elevating wellbeing: A global direction for public health' featuring critical insights from organisations including the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Dubai Health Authority, and the Global Institute of Disease Elimination. Other highlights of Arab Health include the Future Health Summit, the Executive Networking Lounge and the Healthcare World Stage. The Transformation Zone will showcase disruptive technologies, new non-CME sessions on women in healthcare, digital health, and investment trends. An extended version of the Arab Health Village also returns, offering a relaxed space to network with plenty of food and beverage options to choose from across the event. Arab Health 2025 is supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority. For more information or to register for the event, please visit Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
Gulf Today
27-01-2025
- Health
- Gulf Today
Sheikh Ahmed opens landmark 50th edition of Arab Health
Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Second Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Media Council, on Monday opened the 2025 Arab Health Exhibition and Congress, the largest and most comprehensive healthcare industry event in the Middle East. Celebrating its landmark 50th edition with the theme, 'Where the World of Healthcare Meets,' the exhibition is being held at the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from Jan.27 to Jan.30, 2025. Showcasing a staggering array of healthcare products and services, the event has attracted over 3,800 exhibitors and is on course to draw more than 60,000 visitors. Sheikh Ahmed commended the unflagging efforts exerted over the course of 50 years that have helped Arab Health emerge as one of the most prestigious global platforms shaping the future of the healthcare sector. He noted that the remarkable scale of regional and global participation in the event, including key industry players, is testament to its status as a driving force in the transformation of the healthcare sector regionally and internationally. Sheikh Ahmed said, "The Arab Health exhibition underlines Dubai's role as a strategic driver for positive transformations across vital sectors, most notably the health sector. This event embodies Dubai's long-term vision of building innovative and comprehensive health systems based on strong international partnerships and platforms that bring together thought leaders and experts in this field." "The exhibition's remarkable growth over the years mirrors Dubai's growing status as a global hub for anticipating and shaping the future of vital sectors and enhancing their sustainability. This comes in line with the vision of the leadership and its keenness to always keep Dubai in the global vanguard of cities capable of transforming challenges into opportunities, ultimately devising new solutions that positively impact quality of life.' Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied during his tour of the exhibition by Abdulrahman Bin Mohamed Al Owais, Minister of Health and Prevention; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority and Director General of the Department of Economy and Tourism in Dubai; Awad Saghir Al Ketbi, Director General of the Dubai Health Authority; and Dr. Amer Sharif, CEO of Dubai Academic Health Corporation. The opening of the region's most prominent healthcare industry event was also attended by health ministers from Arab countries, including Mansoor Bin Ebrahim Al Mahmoud, Qatar's Minister of Public Health; Dr. Jaleela Bint Al Sayed Jawad Hassan, Bahrain's Minister of Health; and Dr. Khaled Abdel-Ghaffar, Egypt's Minister of its inception in 1975 with just over 40 exhibitors, Arab Health has evolved into a globally renowned showcase for diverse segments of the healthcare industry, highlighting its latest innovations and technological breakthroughs. Focused initially on displaying medical products, the exhibition has consistently grown to encompass everything that the healthcare industry has to offer, reaching its largest-ever scale last year in terms of exhibition space. Promising to surpass previous records yet again, the event this year features leading global healthcare exhibitors unveiling the latest innovations and technologies that are transforming the up the exhibition's momentous legacy, Ross Williams, Exhibition Director for Informa Markets, said, "During the last five decades, Arab Health has provided a platform for the world of healthcare to meet, facilitate business, and discuss and debate the future of the industry, exploring the latest topics and groundbreaking technological advancements. "This year, in recognition of 50 years of innovation within the sector, we will be showcasing cutting-edge healthcare products and services, as well as a range of new conferences, sessions, forums and special features focused on innovation, sustainability and inclusivity and their impact on the future of the sector.' The two-day Healthcare ESG Forum, part of the newly launched Eco-Sphere feature at Arab Health, also marked its opening today, highlighting the challenges and opportunities related to integrating ESG principles into healthcare. Discussions also addressed climate change-related health risks, emphasising the need for sustainable practices. In another highlight, the Lakers and UCLA Health Experience at Arab Health 2025 kicked off on the sidelines, offering attendees an exclusive opportunity to meet Laker Legends Robert Horry and Michael Cooper. The two-day event provides a rare chance to engage with the iconic athletes while gaining valuable insights from UCLA Health's renowned Sports Medicine team, who shared how they support the physical health and peak performance of professional sportspersons. Several of the 10 CME-accredited conferences taking place at Arab Health also opened on Monday. Among them was the highly anticipated 25th Total Radiology Conference, which began with a keynote lecture on radiology's next frontier by Prof. Dr. Giles WL Boland from Brigham and Women's Physician Organisations and Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts. The 8th Emergency Medicine and Critical Care Conference also focused on essential topics such as leadership styles, organisational culture, and resuscitation techniques. Meanwhile, the 24th General Surgery Conference commenced with a series of masterclasses on laser technology, bariatrics, and the prevention and management of complications and the 9th Public Health Conference launched under the theme 'Enabling communities and elevating wellbeing: A global direction for public health' featuring critical insights from organisations including the World Federation of Public Health Associations, Dubai Health Authority, and the Global Institute of Disease Elimination. Other highlights of Arab Health include the Future Health Summit, the Executive Networking Lounge and the Healthcare World Stage. The Transformation Zone will showcase disruptive technologies, new non-CME sessions on women in healthcare, digital health, and investment trends. An extended version of the Arab Health Village also returns, offering a relaxed space to network with plenty of food and beverage options to choose from across the event. Arab Health 2025 is supported by various government entities, including the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, the Government of Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority, the Department of Health, and the Dubai Healthcare City Authority.
