DWTC welcomes 2.65 million attendees in 2024, reinforcing Dubai’s global leadership in business events

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the region's leading hub for business and global events, has announced its 2024 results, showing a record-breaking performance. The impressive figures highlight Dubai’s continued economic growth and its rising status as a top international platform for business and trade events.

In 2024, DWTC welcomed 2.65 million event attendees, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. This growth was driven by a packed schedule of 378 business and consumer events, including Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE). The number of events grew by 26% year-on-year, reflecting Dubai’s expanding role as a major business destination.

Strong Growth in MICE Events
DWTC flagship MICE segment saw remarkable growth in 2024, with the number of events rising from 107 in 2023 to 135 events. These events attracted a total of 2.03 million attendees, representing an impressive 30% increase from the previous year.

International participation at MICE events also soared, with over 942,000 attendees from outside the UAE, making up 46% of the total MICE audience. This highlights Dubai’s growing appeal as a global business hub.

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The year also saw 58,665 exhibiting companies take part in DWTC events—a 9% increase compared to 2023. Out of these, 77% were international companies, demonstrating Dubai’s ability to attract global businesses and investors. This rise in foreign participation aligns with the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to position Dubai among the world’s top three cities for business and tourism.

DWTC’s Expanding Calendar of Events
In 2024, DWTC hosted 20 major exhibitions and events, drawing a total of 590,000 attendees—a 14% increase from the previous year. Of these, 242,000 were international visitors, making up 41% of the total participation.

The number of exhibiting companies at DWTC’s flagship events also increased by 9%, reaching 19,062 companies, with over 15,000 being international exhibitors. This accounts for 79% of the total exhibitors, reinforcing Dubai’s status as a global business hub.

DWTC’s Global Expansion with KAOUN International
Internationally, KAOUN International, DWTC’s global events arm, expanded its footprint by hosting major exhibitions beyond Dubai. This included the successful GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and the launch of GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore, further boosting DWTC’s global presence.

Top Performing Sectors in 2024
The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific sector remained the top performer at DWTC. In 2024, it hosted 25 events that attracted over 465,000 attendees, accounting for 23% of the total MICE visitors. This marked a 69% increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Major healthcare events included WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, DUPHAT, WHX Labs Dubai (formerly Medlab), and Dubai Derma.

The Food, Hotel, and Catering sector came in second, drawing over 283,000 attendees, which made up 14% of the total MICE audience. This sector, led by major exhibitions like Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing, recorded a 25% increase in attendance from the previous year.

In third place was the Information Technology sector, attracting over 281,000 attendees, representing 14% of total MICE participation. This sector was mainly driven by events such as GITEX Global and its associated exhibitions, which saw an 8% year-on-year growth.

The Consumer Goods sector ranked fourth, with over 112,000 attendees, thanks to events like The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show, and China Home Life.

Finally, the Leisure, Sport, and Travel sector secured the fifth position, drawing nearly 110,000 attendees. This sector was led by key events such as the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show, and Dubai Muscle Show.

Other high-profile exhibitions at DWTC in 2024 included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika, and Intersec, all of which recorded strong attendance and exhibitor participation.

DWTC’s Expanding Conference and Association Events
DWTC also made significant progress in its conference and association events calendar. In 2024, it hosted 25 conferences, which is double the number from the previous year. These conferences drew nearly 90,000 participants, three times more than in 2023. Of these, 17 were new events, adding diversity to the lineup. Key conferences included the AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, Global Freight Summit, and MEIDAM.

Additionally, 14 international association meetings brought in over 104,000 participants, marking a threefold increase from 2023. Major events included the MDRT Global Conference, WCA World, World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, IFCC WorldLab, and the International Congress of Endocrinology.

The Growing Role of Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)
The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) played an increasingly important role in 2024, hosting 24 events that attracted 128,000 attendees. The nine largest events at DEC welcomed 75,000 visitors and featured 1,300 exhibiting companies. Notable events included the Custom Show Emirates, Dubai Muscle Show, National Service Career Fair, FESPA Middle East, Jewellery Gem and Technology, and Dentsply Sirona World.

As part of its long-term growth plan, DWTC is investing AED 10 billion to expand the DEC. The first phase, expected to be completed by 2026, will add 64,000 square meters of permanent exhibition space, increasing the total capacity to 140,000 square meters. By 2031, the DEC will cover 180,000 square meters, accommodating up to 65,000 daily visitors and enabling Dubai to host multiple large-scale events simultaneously.

Driving Dubai’s Economic Vision
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, expressed confidence in DWTC’s growing role in Dubai’s economy. He highlighted that the 2024 results reflect a clear focus on scaling Dubai’s global events sector. With the DEC expansion, DWTC aims to meet the rising demand for large-scale international events, helping to advance the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). This initiative is designed to boost Dubai’s economic impact, strengthen its global influence, and position it as a world-leading business hub.

DWTC’s Diverse Business Portfolio
Beyond events, DWTC achieved major milestones across its real estate and business operations. In 2024, DWTC’s Real Estate division partnered with Emaar Properties to create Expo Living, a new residential development in Expo City Dubai. Its Asset Management business saw high occupancy rates, with One Central, Sheikh Rashid Tower, and Convention Tower reaching 99% occupancy, while Expo Village residential units exceeded 90% occupancy.

DWTC’s Free Zone operations also grew, with the addition of One Za'abeel to its jurisdiction, offering businesses premium locations with free zone benefits. The Free Zone licensed 389 new businesses in 2024, reflecting its growing appeal as a base for international companies.