The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reported a record-breaking economic contribution for 2024, with large-scale events generating a total economic output of Dhs 22.35 billion.
Of this, Dhs 13.04 billion was retained as Gross Value Added (GVA) to Dubai’s GDP, underscoring DWTC’s pivotal role in the emirate’s economic growth.
Record number of large-scale events
In 2024, DWTC hosted 100 large-scale events, including exhibitions, international association conventions, and industry conferences—a 32% increase year-on-year.
These events attracted over 2 million attendees, with 936,083 international participants, highlighting Dubai’s growing prominence as a global business destination.
Economic impact across key sectors
The surge in large-scale events contributed to significant economic gains across various sectors:
Business Entertainment: Dhs 1.78 billion (up 36%)
Retail Trade: Dhs 2.64 billion (up 34%)
Restaurants and F&B: Dhs 2.23 billion (up 30%)
Hotel Accommodation: Dhs 3.41 billion (up 15%)
Air Travel and Local Transport: Dhs 2.86 billion (up 8%)
These sectors experienced marked increases, reflecting the broader economic uplift driven by DWTC’s events.
International participation
International attendees spent an average of Dhs 9,833 per event, nearly six times more than local participants, who spent Dhs 1,673. This higher spending contributed significantly to the overall economic impact, particularly in sectors such as travel, hospitality, retail, and F&B.
The top three sectors — Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific; Food, Hotel, and Catering; and Information Technology — accounted for 58% (Dhs 7.59 billion) of the total GVA to Dubai’s economy. These sectors collectively attracted 51% (1.02 million) of all event attendees and 61% (569,216) of international visitors, reinforcing their pivotal role in shaping Dubai’s MICE and economic landscapes.
DWTC’s strategic expansion plans
In alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, DWTC is investing in the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). The first phase, scheduled for completion in 2026, will add 64,000 sqm of exhibition space, increasing total capacity to 140,000 sqm. By 2031, DEC is expected to span 180,000 sqm, accommodating up to 65,000 daily visitors and hosting multiple large-scale events simultaneously.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DWTC Authority, stated:
“The results we are seeing today are a clear reflection of the long-term vision set forth by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a leading global business and innovation capital. DWTC continues to play a pivotal role in advancing this vision, serving as a key enabler of economic growth and diversification.”
DWTC’s 2024 performance underscores its critical role in Dubai’s economic development and its commitment to supporting the city’s aspirations to become a global leader in business and tourism.
