Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that two of the world’s largest trade events, GITEX Global and Gulfood, will relocate to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai in 2026.
The move marks a significant step in positioning DEC as the new focal point for global mega events and a key driver of Dubai’s economic vision.
The announcement was formalised through an agreement signed between Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events & Exhibitions Management at DWTC, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Venue Services Management at DWTC, during GITEX Global 2025.
GITEX Global, recognised as the world’s largest technology and AI exhibition, will fully move to DEC, while Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing event, will operate across both the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and DEC.
According to LohMirmand, the relocation represents a new era for Dubai’s event landscape, giving the city’s flagship exhibitions the capacity to expand alongside Dubai’s tourism, lifestyle, and cultural growth. Julfar added that DEC’s advanced infrastructure and connectivity align with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033.
Currently undergoing a US$2.7 billion expansion, DEC is set to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition venue in the region. Strategically located near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport and fully integrated within Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan, the centre will offer world-class facilities designed to strengthen Dubai’s position as a global hub for innovation, investment, and trade.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
