‘2.65 mn attendees, 58k exhibitors’

DWTC, the region’s leading business enabler and international events powerhouse, has welcomed 2.65 million event participants in 2024, marking a 7% increase compared to the previous year. Its last year results were driven by a robust calendar of 378 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions, business and consumer events reflecting 26% year-on-year growth.

TT Bureau

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. These events collectively attracted 2.03 million attendees, reflecting an impressive 30 per cent year-on-year growth. International participation at MICE events soared to 942,000 attendees, representing 46 per cent of the total MICE attendees, reinforcing Dubai’s appeal as a top global business destination.

These sector-leading exhibitions and events saw participation of 58,665 exhibiting companies, representing a 9 per cent increase over last year. A significant 77 per cent of these exhibiting companies were international, reinforcing Dubai’s ability to consistently draw international companies and businesses.

The surge in foreign business participation to MICE events in Dubai furthers the aspirations of Dubai Economic Agenda ‘D33’, to cement Dubai’s position as one of the top three cities for business and tourism, globally.

Commenting on the outstanding results, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said, “Our 2024 achievements reflect growth—not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai’s global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai’s dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC’s role in fostering meaningful commercial connections.

Our continued success in attracting new-to-market events across diverse sectors reaffirms Dubai’s unique appeal as a global hub where innovation meets opportunity. This momentum fuels our confidence as we drive forward with our ambitious venue expansion strategy to meet increasing global demand.”

Impressive performance

In 2024, DWTC organised 20 flagship exhibitions and events, attracting an 590,000 attendees, a 14 per cent year-on-year increase. Of these, 242,000 were international attendees, representing 41 per cent of total participation. The number of exhibiting companies at DWTC’s exhibitions increased by 9 per cent to 19,062, with 15,000 international exhibitors, accounting for an impressive 79 per cent of the total number of exhibitors. KAOUN International strengthened DWTC’s global footprint by expanding flagship events beyond Dubai, with standout performances of GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and the launch of GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore.

Top-performing sectors

The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific sector remained the top performing industry sectors at DWTC, with 25 events that attracted 465,000 attendees, accounting for 23 per cent of the total MICE participation. This marks a remarkable 69 per cent increase in attendance compared to 2023. Key events included WHX Expo Dubai (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, DUPHAT, WHX Labs Dubai (formerly Medlab) and Dubai Derma.The Food, Hotel, and Catering sectors secured second position, attracting over 283,000 attendees, a 14 per cent share of the total MICE participation. Led by Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing, this sector experienced a substantial 25 per cent increase in participation compared to 2023.

The Information Technology (IT) sector followed closely in third position, attracting more than 281,000 attendees, a 14 per cent share of the total MICE participation. This sector, primarily driven by GITEX Global and its associated events, saw participation increase by 8 per cent year-on-year. The top five sectors are rounded out by the Consumer Goods sector, which attracted 112,000 attendees, driven by events such as The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show and China Home Life, and the Leisure, Sport and Travel sector, with nearly 110,000 attendees, led by the Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Muscle Show.Additional high-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika and Intersec.

Events calendar

DWTC made significant strides in its conferences and associations events calendar, hosting 25 conferences, double the number from the previous year, which attracted nearly 90,000 participants, a three-fold increase from 2023. Of these, 17 were new additions, diversifying the event lineup. Key events included AYUSH Conference, Arab Media Forum, Global Freight Summit, and MEIDAM.

Fourteen global association meetings welcomed 104,000 participants. These events included Global Conference, WCA World, World Congress on Intelligent Transport Systems, IFCC WorldLab, and International Congress of Endocrinology. Dubai Exhibition Centre played a vital role in 2024, hosting 24 events and attracting  128,000 participants. As DWTC progresses with its AED 10 bn expansion of DEC, the venue is set to play a vital role in Dubai’s MICE ecosystem.