Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reported a significant rise in event participation for 2024, welcoming 2.65 million attendees—a 7% increase from the previous year. This growth was fueled by a robust calendar of 378 meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE), along with business and consumer events, marking a 26% year-on-year expansion.
The MICE segment saw remarkable growth, with the number of events rising from 107 in 2023 to 135 in 2024. These events attracted 2.03 million participants, reflecting a 30% increase. Notably, international attendees accounted for 46% of MICE participation, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub. Exhibitor numbers also grew by 9% to 58,665, with 77% of them coming from outside the UAE.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, highlighted the significance of this growth, stating, “Our 2024 achievements go beyond numbers, strengthening Dubai’s global market position. The rising international participation underscores confidence in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering commercial connections.”
Expanding International Presence
DWTC continued its global expansion through KAOUN International, which successfully extended key exhibitions beyond Dubai. Notable events included Gitex Africa in Morocco and the launch of Gitex Digi_Health 5.0 Asia in Singapore, further strengthening Dubai’s global events footprint.
The healthcare and scientific sectors led DWTC’s event participation, drawing 465,000 attendees across 25 events—a 69% rise from 2023. Major events such as WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, and Dubai Derma played a key role in this growth.
The food, hotel, and catering sector secured second place, attracting 283,000 attendees, driven by the success of Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing. Meanwhile, the information technology sector closely followed, with 281,000 attendees, fueled by Gitex Global and related events.
Strengthening Dubai’s Conference Landscape
The conference segment at DWTC experienced rapid expansion, doubling its events to 25 and attracting nearly 90,000 attendees—three times the 2023 figures. Noteworthy additions included the AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, and Global Freight Summit. Additionally, international association meetings witnessed a threefold increase, welcoming over 104,000 participants.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) played a pivotal role in DWTC’s success, hosting 24 events and drawing 128,000 attendees. The venue is undergoing a Dh10 billion expansion, with Phase 1 set for completion in 2026, adding 64,000 sqm of exhibition space. By 2031, DEC is projected to span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 visitors daily.
Almarri emphasized that this expansion aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda “D33” to position the city among the world’s top three business and tourism hubs. “The DEC expansion will significantly boost our event-hosting capacity and economic contribution over the next decade,” he stated.
Real Estate and Free Zone Growth
Beyond events, DWTC made strides in real estate and free zone operations. A strategic partnership with Emaar Properties led to the launch of Expo Living, a residential project within Expo City Dubai. Meanwhile, commercial properties such as One Central and Convention Tower achieved 99% occupancy, while Expo Village residential units exceeded 90% occupancy.
DWTC’s Free Zone operations also expanded, adding One Za’abeel to its jurisdiction and licensing 389 new businesses in 2024. These developments underscore DWTC’s role in shaping Dubai’s economic landscape and cementing its position as a premier global business destination.
