Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced its 2025 results, delivering strong growth in Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events hosted in Dubai, reinforcing the emirate’s position as one of the world’s premier destinations for trade and business events. DWTC welcomed 2.97 million attendees in 2025 across its Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) venues, a 12 percent year-on-year increase. The performance was driven by a diverse calendar of 401 events, up 6 percent annually, spanning international exhibitions, conferences, business and consumer events.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the DWTC, said, “2025 was a record year for DWTC, reflecting the resilience and maturity of Dubai’s business events ecosystem and its continued contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Strong participation and sustained international engagement across a broad range of industry sectors demonstrate the enduring economic value that business events generate for the emirate.
“A major milestone in the year was the completion of Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion, significantly increasing Dubai’s capacity to host large-scale international events. The venue’s readiness for flagship gatherings in early 2026 underscores our ability to deliver complex projects at scale while maintaining operational continuity.”
DWTC hosted 134 MICE events in 2025, attracting 2.19 million participants, an 8 percent year-on-year increase. International attendees continued to play a significant role in DWTC’s events ecosystem, reflecting Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, investment and industry collaboration. MICE events attracted approximately 951,000 international participants, accounting for 43 percent of the total. Across these MICE events, the number of exhibiting companies reached over 63,000, up 8 percent year-on-year, of which 78 percent were international, further reinforcing Dubai’s ability to attract leading global companies and decision-makers across key industries. DWTC organised 14 flagship exhibitions and events in 2025, attracting close to 630,000 participants, a 7 percent year-on-year increase. Of these, 261,000 were international attendees, representing 41 percent of the total. These events featured over 20,000 exhibiting companies, with 75 percent being international.
The Free Zone strengthened its value proposition through specialised platforms established within its jurisdiction, while expanding its existing business support infrastructure through partnerships with 11 licensed business centres.
This enhanced access to flexible workspace solutions and integrated business support ecosystems for companies establishing and scaling operations in Dubai.
In addition, the Free Zone introduced the innovative Multiple Share Class Framework to support next-generation enterprises and enhance corporate structuring flexibility.
Almarri added, “The record number of events and breadth of international participation in 2025 highlight the strength of Dubai’s dynamic business destination and its role as a global meeting place for industries and ideas. In a rapidly evolving landscape, adaptability and long-term planning are essential. DWTC remains committed to sustained investment in infrastructure and capabilities, including the continued expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, to support Dubai’s long-term economic priorities.
“These investments ensure that DWTC remains well positioned to support the emirate’s long-term growth ambitions, strengthen global partnerships and create lasting economic impact in the years ahead.”
