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
