Latest news with #WHXExpoDubai
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.
Arabian Business
20-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai World Trade Centre reports record 2024 growth with 2.65mn attendees
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) reported a record-breaking year in 2024, with 2.65 million event participants, a 7 percent increase from 2023. The venue hosted 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), business, and consumer events, reflecting a 26 percent year-on-year increase, according to a statement by the Dubai Media Office. DWTC's MICE segment recorded 135 events in 2024, up from 107 in 2023, attracting 2.03 million attendees, a 30 percent increase. International participation at MICE events reached 942,000, accounting for 46 percent of total attendees. Exhibiting companies grew by 9% to 58,665, with 77 percent being international. Dubai World Trade Centre reports record growth in 2024 '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,' Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority said. DWTC organised 20 exhibitions and events, drawing 590,000 attendees, a 14 percent year-on-year increase. International attendees numbered 242,000, or 41 percent of total participation. Exhibiting companies at DWTC's events increased by 9 percent to 19,062, with 79 percent being international. KAOUN International expanded DWTC's reach beyond Dubai, with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. Healthcare, IT sectors lead DWTC's top performing events in 2024 The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific sector hosted 25 events, attracting 465,000 attendees, a 69 percent increase from 2023. Key events included WHX Expo Dubai, AEEDC, DUPHAT, WHX Labs Dubai, and Dubai Derma. The Food, Hotel, and Catering sector drew 283,000 attendees, accounting for 14 percent of MICE participation, led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing. The Information Technology sector recorded 281,000 attendees, driven by GITEX Global. Other top-performing sectors included the Consumer Goods sector, attracting 112,000 attendees, and the Leisure, Sport, and Travel sector, with 110,000 attendees. High-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika, and Intersec. DWTC hosted 25 conferences in 2024, doubling the previous year's number, with nearly 90,000 participants. Key events included AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, Global Freight Summit, and MEIDAM. Fourteen international association meetings drew over 104,000 participants, three times more than the previous year, with notable events including the MDRT Global Conference, WCA World, and World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems. Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) hosted 24 events in 2024, attracting 128,000 participants. Nine major exhibitions and conferences brought in 75,000 attendees and 1,300 exhibiting companies. Notable events included Custom Show Emirates, Dubai Muscle Show, and National Service Career Fair. DWTC's AED10 billion expansion of DEC will add 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition space by 2026, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC will span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 visitors daily. '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,' Helal Saeed Almarri added. DWTC's Real Estate division partnered with Emaar Properties to create Expo Living within Expo City Dubai. Asset Management achieved 99 percent occupancy across One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower, and Convention Tower, while Expo Village residential units reached 90 percent occupancy.
Hi Dubai
20-03-2025
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Dubai World Trade Centre Welcomes 2.65 Million Attendees Across 378 Events in 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), a leading global events powerhouse, has unveiled its 2024 performance results, reporting record-breaking figures that highlight Dubai's growing economic influence and its role as an international business hub. The centre welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024, reflecting a 7% year-on-year increase, driven by an expansive calendar of 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) and consumer events, marking a substantial 26% growth. MICE Expansion Fuels International Business Growth DWTC's MICE segment saw remarkable expansion, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 in 2024. These events attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting a 30% growth. Notably, international participation surged to over 942,000 attendees, accounting for 46% of total MICE attendees and underscoring Dubai's status as a premier global business destination. Exhibitor participation also saw strong growth, with 58,665 companies participating, a 9% increase from 2023. Of these, 77% were international exhibitors, aligning with the objectives of Dubai's Economic Agenda "D33" to position Dubai among the world's top three business and tourism destinations. H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, emphasized DWTC's role in strengthening Dubai's global market position. 'The remarkable increase in international participation highlights the growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem. As we expand our venue and diversify event offerings, we continue to shape Dubai's role as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity.' DWTC's Flagship Events and Industry-Specific Growth In 2024, DWTC organised 20 flagship exhibitions and events, attracting 590,000 attendees—14% higher than in 2023. Of these, 242,000 were international attendees, constituting 41% of total participation. Exhibitor numbers grew by 9% to 19,062, with 79% being international exhibitors. KAOUN International, DWTC's global events subsidiary, expanded its reach with standout performances at GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and the launch of GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore, further extending Dubai's global trade footprint. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, with 25 events attracting 465,000 attendees—a 69% increase from 2023. Major events included WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, and Dubai Derma. The food, hotel, and catering sector secured second place with 283,000 attendees, while the information technology sector followed closely with 281,000 attendees, driven by GITEX Global. Expanding Conference and Association Events DWTC doubled its conferences calendar in 2024, hosting 25 major events that welcomed nearly 90,000 participants—three times more than the previous year. Notable additions included the AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, and Global Freight Summit. Furthermore, 14 international association meetings attracted 104,000 participants, a threefold increase from 2023, featuring key events such as MDRT Global Conference and WCA World. Dubai Exhibition Centre's Growing Impact The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) played an integral role in DWTC's growth, hosting 24 events with 128,000 participants. Among them, the nine largest exhibitions and conferences alone drew 75,000 attendees and featured 1,300 exhibiting companies. As part of DWTC's AED 10 billion expansion plan, DEC's Phase 1 completion in 2026 will add 64,000 sqm of exhibition space, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC will span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 daily visitors. DWTC's Broader Economic Contributions Beyond events, DWTC made significant progress across its diverse business verticals. The Real Estate division partnered with Emaar Properties to launch Expo Living, a residential development within Expo City Dubai. Its Asset Management business saw 99% occupancy in commercial properties and over 90% in residential units. Additionally, the DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded its jurisdiction to include One Za'abeel, offering companies access to premier business environments with free zone benefits. In 2024, the Free Zone licensed 389 new businesses, underscoring its growing appeal. Future Outlook H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri reaffirmed DWTC's strategic vision: 'Our 2024 results highlight Dubai's ambition to scale its global events sector. The DEC expansion will significantly enhance our hosting capabilities and economic impact. With our continued infrastructure investments and international event portfolio, DWTC remains a key driver in advancing Dubai's Economic Agenda 'D33' and reinforcing its status as a world-leading business destination.' News Source: Dubai Media Office
