External Events Drive Record Growth for DWTC Hospitality Division in H1 2024

Photo : Dubai Government Media Office

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced exceptional results for its Hospitality division in the first half of 2024, underlining its status as a leading provider for both external events and on-site catering services. The division has experienced a substantial 140% increase in guests served at external events, reaching 104,732 in H1 2024 compared to 43,615 in the same period of 2023. This growth highlights DWTC’s expanding influence and capability in delivering off-site catering services across the UAE.

Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, commented, “The first half of 2024 has been remarkable for our Hospitality division. We’ve more than doubled our performance in external catering compared to the previous year. Our involvement in major events such as the Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Cup, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the Dubai Airshow demonstrates our ability to provide exceptional hospitality on a large scale. This achievement reflects our dedication to excellence and adaptability in delivering top-tier catering services beyond our own venues.”

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The division also saw strong growth in wedding catering, with a 41% increase in the number of guests served, totaling 35,150 in H1 2024 compared to 24,790 in H1 2023.

To support this growth, DWTC has expanded its staffing significantly. The division now employs 113 chefs, up from 90 the previous year, and the total permanent staff has nearly doubled, reaching 195 from 100 in H1 2023. Additionally, contracted and temporary staff numbers have risen by over 8%, reaching 25,395 in H1 2024 compared to 23,473 in H1 2023.

Julfar added, “The success of our Hospitality division is a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication. At DWTC, we are committed to developing and nurturing talent, which aligns with our goals within the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and supports the city’s sustainable economic growth.”

Other notable achievements include impressive results at DWTC venues. The Jafza One Convention Centre (JOCC) served 7,150 guests in H1 2024, marking an increase of over 28% from the previous year. The total number of events held at JOCC and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) grew by 17%, from 76 events in H1 2023 to 89 in H1 2024.

DWTC’s Hospitality division remains a key player in Dubai’s vibrant events sector, offering award-winning catering services both within its venues and at external locations. The division boasts the capacity to cater for up to 40,000 guests per day, and it provides comprehensive event planning and management services, including event décor, stage design, audiovisual effects, and live entertainment.