Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the global events and exhibitions industry powerhouse and a leading business enabler, has unveiled its 2023 results with outstanding performance, offering an insight into Dubai’s unprecedented economic growth and its position as a powerful international convening platform for business and trade enablement.
DWTC witnessed an extraordinary 25% surge in visitation in 2023, welcoming 2.47 million participants, propelled by a notable 23% rise in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) events. Leading the charge were 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions, drawing 1.56 million attendees, with an exceptional 60% increase in international participants. A record-breaking 53,789 exhibiting companies, 78% of which were international, showcased DWTC's global appeal. This remarkable growth aligns with Dubai's ambition outlined in the D33 Agenda, aiming to rank among the top three global economic cities by 2033. Additionally, DWTC expanded its consumer and leisure events portfolio, hosting 35 events that attracted over 850,000 visitors, further diversifying its offerings.
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, lauded DWTC's remarkable achievements, attributing its success to a diversified portfolio of exhibitions and events. These results, he emphasized, underscore Dubai's thriving economy and strategic emphasis on key industry sectors, reinforcing its global status as a hub for knowledge, innovation, and business. Notably, DWTC played a pivotal role in hosting COP28, solidifying Dubai's position in the global events landscape in alignment with the government's 2033 economic objectives.
DWTC's appeal as a premier venue was bolstered by the addition of 33 new events to its calendar, including renowned gatherings like World of Coffee and the World Police Summit. Furthermore, DWTC's own organized exhibitions and events experienced unprecedented growth, with a significant increase in international attendees and exhibiting companies, showcasing its increasing global relevance and influence.
Flagship events like GITEX Global and Gulfood have reinforced their positions as leaders in their respective sectors, with notable increases in visitors by 44% and 31% respectively. GITEX Global's expansion to a city-wide scale, including the satellite event Expand North Star at Dubai Harbour, accommodated its growing popularity, attracting 245,000 attendees and hosting over 7,200 exhibitors. Meanwhile, Gulfood, a vital platform for the food and beverage industry, welcomed over 134,000 trade visitors and showcased 5,200 exhibitors. DWTC's global expansion through KAOUN International saw successful launches of GITEX Africa and Saudi Food Show in 2023, with GITEX Africa in Morocco emerging as the largest tech and start-up show in Africa, drawing attendees from 128 countries, including representatives from 46 African nations.
Top-performing MICE sectors
In 2023, DWTC showcased its versatility in catering to diverse sectors within the global MICE industry, spanning healthcare, science, food & beverage, hospitality, technology, consumer goods, leisure & travel, transport, energy, and environment. The healthcare, medical, and scientific sector emerged as the top performer, hosting 24 events and attracting 275,000 attendees, notably featuring AEEDC and Arab Health. The information technology sector followed closely, drawing 260,000 attendees, largely driven by GITEX Global and associated events. Additionally, the food, hotel, and catering sector experienced significant growth, with Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing leading the way. Other noteworthy sectors included consumer goods and building, construction, and facility management, highlighting events like China Home Life and The Big 5 among the top participants.
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri said:
“DWTC is steadfast in its commitment to advancing Dubai’s economic objectives and the D33 agenda, ensuring the emirate remains a forward-looking hub for emerging industries and technologies. The notable increase in international participation underscores the global recognition of Dubai’s significance. Looking at 2024, we’re committed to building on these successes, driving forward our mission to position Dubai as a hub for pioneering ideas and transformative initiatives”.
DXB LIVE experiences robust growth locally and internationally
In 2023, DXB LIVE, the experiential agency of DWTC, managed a diverse portfolio of 500 events, showcasing versatility and proficiency. Serving as primary contractor for 65 exhibitions, including Gulfood and GITEX Global, the agency also built 300 exhibition stands, doubling the previous year's figures. With international expansion plans, DXB LIVE produced stands in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Riyadh, Marrakech, and Hisar, along with pavilions for the UAE Ministry of Economy in Russia and South Korea.
DWTC Free Zone and Asset Management records strong performance
DWTC Authority Free Zone, a key driver of global competitiveness in Dubai, issued 601 new licenses, bringing the total to 1,900, highlighting its role in fostering economic growth and entrepreneurship. Furthermore, DWTC's real estate and asset management business saw strong performance, with flagship development One Central achieving a remarkable 95% occupancy rate, reinforcing its status as a premier destination for nurturing growth and innovation within the Free Zone.
News Source: Dubai Media Office
