DXB LIVE, the experiential agency of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), recorded significant growth in 2023, doubling its business against the previous year with 100% growth over a 12-month period.
Throughout the year, the agency provided its services to 500 prominent events, spanning exhibitions, conferences, festivals, public and entertainment events, graduation ceremonies, sporting and artistic events and weddings. Notably, it achieved a 36% surge in the number of exhibitions stands that were designed and constructed, surpassing 300 in total, including 20 in Europe, America, Asia, and the Middle East, collectively covering a total area of over 145,000 square meters – twice in size compared with 2022.
An Exceptional Year
Khalid Al Hammadi, Senior Vice President of DXB LIVE, reflects on the exceptional year of 2023, marked by significant achievements in global events such as COP28 and the World Radiocommunication Conference. DXB LIVE expanded services beyond the UAE, targeting growing markets in Saudi Arabia and Africa. Plans for further expansion into Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman are underway, aiming to establish partnerships with renowned global event management entities. With three decades of experience, DXB LIVE aims to strengthen Dubai's reputation as a global events hub, enhance capabilities, and create employment opportunities for Emiratis in the event management industry.
Pioneering International Conferences
In 2023, DXB LIVE spearheaded several pioneering international conferences, notably COP28, hosted at Dubai Exhibition Centre in Expo City Dubai. The event gathered over 140 Heads of State, 30 Presidents, and 500 Parliamentarians from around the world, covering 27,000 square meters. Additionally, DXB LIVE managed the World Radiocommunication Conference (ITU WRC 2023) and organized the ICOPLAST Conference, drawing 1,500 plastic surgeons and the MEIDAM conference with 3,200 dermatology and cosmetic medicine experts, showcasing significant growth compared to the previous year.
Leading Contractor Behind 60+ Major Events and 200+ Activity Areas
DXB LIVE played a pivotal role as the main contractor for more than 60 major events, including exhibitions, conferences, and various activities, held across a combined area of over 2.2 million square meters. This included flagship events like Gulfood, GITEX Global, GISEC, CABSAT, Future Festival World Sumit, INTERSEC, and others. Additionally, the agency constructed over 200 event and activity areas.
A Global Impact
DXB LIVE made significant strides within the global events landscape, offering comprehensive event services across various exhibitions and conferences worldwide. The agency expanded its footprint by constructing 20 exhibition stands in Barcelona, Amsterdam, Istanbul, Riyadh, Marrakech, and New Delhi.
Additionally, the agency created exhibition pavilions for the UAE Ministry of Economy in Russia and South Korea. As part of its international expansion plan, DXB LIVE participated in and promoted its services at global exhibitions in the United States, Germany, Greece, India and Australia.
GITEX Africa’s Debut
GITEX Africa made its inaugural debut under the management of DXB LIVE, serving as the main contractor for the event held in Marrakech, Morocco, in 2023. The exhibition showcased five cutting-edge display platforms tailored for industry leaders such as HP, Oracle, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Rubrik, and Schneider Electric, highlighting innovative IT solutions. Additionally, the successful launch of the Saudi Food Exhibition in Riyadh in 2023 further solidified DXB LIVE's expertise in event management. Both exhibitions are set to return for their second editions in 2024.
A Successful Second Edition of World of Coffee
In collaboration with the Specialty Coffee Association, DXB LIVE organised the second edition of the World of Coffee exhibition, bringing together professionals from the coffee industry, including experts, pioneers, traders, investors and farmers. The largest event of its kind in the coffee industry in the region attracted more than 10,000 specialised visitors, with 1,500 companies and brands participating from 48 countries worldwide. The event successfully enhanced Dubai's position as a global hub for the coffee industry.
Diverse Community Events
In 2023, DXB LIVE curated 15 community events in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, showcasing the region's cultural diversity. Highlights included Modesh World, attracting over 200,000 attendees with rides, performances, and culinary experiences. Souq Al Freej featured local SMEs, while Hatta Cultural Nights celebrated local heritage through traditional shows and exhibitions, enhancing tourism in Hatta. These events fostered community engagement and appreciation for the region's rich cultural heritage.
Weddings See Exponential Growth
Weddings at Dubai World Trade Centre also witnessed exponential growth due to world-class integrated services, including stunning floral displays and interior decor delivered to the highest global standards. The DXB LIVE team successfully organised 65 weddings in 2023, with some events hosting over 2,000 guests.
Al Hammadi concluded:
"DXB LIVE's remarkable achievements in 2023 underscore our unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation in the global events industry. Our exponential growth, marked by doubling our business and orchestrating groundbreaking international conferences, reflect not only our dedication but also Dubai's position as a premier destination for world-class events. As we move ahead into 2024, we remain steadfast in our mission to elevate the city’s status as a global hub, fostering collaboration, and driving economic growth through unforgettable experiences."
News Source: Dubai Media Office
