Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced a record-breaking performance for 2024, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in business events. DWTC hosted 378 exhibitions and events in 2024, marking a significant 26 per cent growth compared to the previous year. These events attracted 2.65 million attendees, a 7 per cent increase year-on-year, underscoring Dubai’s growing prominence as a hub for international trade and commerce.
The expansion of DWTC’s events calendar played a crucial role in this achievement, with 40 new events added, including 10 exhibitions, 17 conferences, and 13 association conventions. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector alone saw a 30 per cent increase in participation, attracting over 942,000 international attendees. A total of 58,665 exhibiting companies took part in these events, with 77 per cent representing international businesses, showcasing DWTC’s ability to attract global players.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, commented, “Our 2024 results reflect growth not just in numbers but in strengthening Dubai’s global market position. The surge in international participation highlights growing confidence in Dubai’s business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering meaningful commercial connections. Our success in attracting diverse new events reflects Dubai’s unique appeal as a global innovation and business hub.”
DWTC’s flagship events in sectors such as healthcare, IT, and food production saw remarkable attendance growth. The healthcare sector, for instance, experienced a 69 per cent increase in participation, while the food, hotel, and catering industry saw a 25 per cent rise in engagement.
DWTC’s expansion efforts continue, with the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) playing an increasingly important role in accommodating more events. The AED 10 billion expansion of DEC, set to complete by 2031, will significantly increase DWTC’s capacity, further solidifying Dubai’s position as a top business destination on the global stage.
