Why the Dubai World Trade Centre has become the region’s epicentre for business?

Situated in the heart of Dubai’s business district, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) stands as the largest purpose-built complex in the region, dedicated to hosting diverse events and exhibitions. Since its inception, the DWTC has played an integral role in the advancement of Dubai’s business tourism and trade, attracting a staggering 1.98 million visitors in the year 2022.

This remarkable venue successfully attracted over 37,000 exhibiting companies (50% increase from 2021), of which 72% were international. Among its illustrious portfolio of exhibitions and events, flagship events like GITEX Global and Gulfood captured the attention of 337,000 visitors, signifying a remarkable 20% annual growth. 

In 2022, DWTC hosted 63 events, contributing to a substantial economic output amounting to Dh13 billion ($3.5 billion), with Dh7.4 billion directly retained within the local economy. The business events held at the venue welcomed nearly 1.2 million attendees, of which 40% represented international participants—an impressive 49% increase in foreign involvement compared to the previous year. These remarkable achievements were primarily driven by a diverse range of 244 MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), business, and consumer-oriented events. Notably, the 97 exhibitions and conferences alone attracted an impressive total of 1.18 million attendees, with 38% of them coming from overseas—a testament to Dubai’s standing as a preferred destination for both business and leisure travellers.

Within the healthcare, medical, and scientific sectors, the DWTC witnessed notable growth, hosting 17 events in 2022 alone, an increase from the 12 events held in the previous year. This sector attracted a staggering 202,000 participants, primarily driven by the region’s leading healthcare exhibitions, Arab Health and AEEDC. Similarly, the Information Technology sector experienced remarkable expansion, increasing from six events in 2021 to ten events in 2022, with a total of 184,000 attendees, which represented a 22% YoY growth, led by GITEX Global and its co-located events. The Food and Beverage Trade sector, anchored by Gulfood, saw a notable increase, hosting a total of eight events and attracting 160,000 participants, marking an 18% growth compared to the previous year. The Automotive and Transport sector, supported by Automechanika, organised seven events that drew 69,000 participants, while the Building, Construction, and Facility Management sector witnessed the Big 5 emerge as its leading exhibition, attracting over 66,000 visitors.

Other notable exhibitions that witnessed widespread attendance in 2022 included Medlab Exhibition & Conference, Dubai International Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT), Dubai World Dermatology and Laser Conference and Exhibition (Dubai Derma), Middle East Energy, Arabian Travel Market Exhibition, Index Exhibition, Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX), Beauty World Middle East, and Gulfood Manufacturing.

Being based in Convention Tower, DWTC, the Dubai Hub for Made in Italy sits on top of this epicentre for business, allowing corporations to be at the centre of the action. From this unique location, member companies are able to participate in these exhibitions as well as monitoring them from a closer perspective.