Dubai World Trade Centre Welcomes 2.65 Million Attendees Across 378 Events in 2024

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reported an impressive performance in 2024, hosting 2.65 million event participants, a 7% increase over the previous year. This growth was driven by a robust calendar of 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE), and business and consumer events, marking a 26% year-on-year growth.

Significant Growth in MICE Sector

DWTC’s flagship MICE segment witnessed remarkable expansion, growing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 events in 2024. These events attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting a 30% surge year-on-year.

International attendees accounted for 942,000 of the MICE audience, making up 46% of total participation—highlighting Dubai’s standing as a leading global business destination.
The number of exhibiting companies grew 9% year-on-year, reaching 58,665, with 77% of them being international—further solidifying Dubai’s global business appeal.
This aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda "D33", which aims to position Dubai among the top three global cities for business and tourism.

DWTC Flagship Events

DWTC itself organised 20 flagship exhibitions and events, which attracted 590,000 attendees—a 14% increase over 2023.

Of these, 242,000 were international attendees (41% of total).
Exhibitor numbers rose to 19,062, with 15,000+ international participants (79% of total exhibitors).

Sector Highlights

DWTC’s success was reflected across various industry sectors:

Healthcare, Medical & Scientific
- 25 events
- 465,000+ attendees (23% of MICE total)
- 69% increase over 2023
Food, Hotel & Catering
- 283,000+ attendees (14% share)
- Led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing
- 25% growth over 2023
Information Technology
- 281,000+ attendees (14% share)
- Driven by GITEX Global and associated events
- 8% year-on-year growth
Consumer Goods
- 112,000+ attendees
- Events included The Baby Expo, World Vape Show, China Home Life
Leisure, Sport & Travel
- 110,000 attendees
- Led by Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai Muscle Show

Other high-performing shows included The Big 5, Beautyworld, WETEX, Automechanika, and Intersec.

Conferences & Association Events

DWTC doubled its conference count to 25, attracting nearly 90,000 participants—three times the 2023 figure. Notable conferences included:

AYUSH Conference
Arab Media Forum
Global Freight Summit
MEIDAM

In addition, 14 international association meetings drew over 104,000 participants, tripling the previous year’s attendance.

Global Expansion and Innovation

DWTC’s global arm, KAOUN International, extended its reach in 2024:

GITEX AFRICA in Morocco
GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore

These events have amplified Dubai’s influence in the international MICE arena.

Growth of Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)

The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) hosted 24 events with 128,000 attendees in 2024.

DWTC is currently advancing a strategic AED 10 billion expansion of the DEC. Key milestones include:

Phase 1 completion in 2026: Adds 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition space
Total space by 2031: 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 visitors daily, enabling simultaneous large-scale events

With its 2024 results, DWTC reaffirms its status as a pillar of Dubai’s global business and tourism strategy, contributing to the emirate’s position as a premier international hub for commerce, innovation, and connectivity.

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