Dubai World Trade Centre Delivers Record Growth in 2025, Welcoming Nearly 3 Million Attendees

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reported a strong performance for 2025, further consolidating Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business events. The organisation delivered notable growth across its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) portfolio, underpinned by a diverse and expanding events calendar.

Across its two main venues — the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) — DWTC welcomed 2.97 million attendees in 2025, marking a 12% year-on-year increase. This growth was driven by 401 events held throughout the year, up 6% compared to 2024, spanning international exhibitions, conferences, and both business and consumer-focused gatherings.

H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, 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.”

MICE Events and International Participation on the Rise

DWTC hosted 134 MICE events in 2025, attracting 2.19 million participants — an 8% increase year-on-year. International engagement remained a defining feature, with approximately 951,000 international attendees accounting for 43% of total participation.

Exhibitor numbers also saw steady growth, with more than 63,000 companies represented across these events, 78% of which were international. This reflects Dubai’s continued ability to attract global businesses and decision-makers across key sectors.

Flagship Events and Global Expansion

DWTC’s 14 flagship events attracted close to 630,000 participants, up 7% year-on-year, including 261,000 international attendees (41%). These events featured over 20,000 exhibiting companies, three-quarters of which came from outside the UAE.

Gulfood Manufacturing recorded the strongest growth, increasing by 12%, followed by GITEX Global with a 10% rise in participation.

The year also marked an acceleration in DWTC’s international footprint, with editions of GITEX Global successfully delivered in Europe and Africa, alongside expanded engagement across Asia.

DXB LIVE Expands Global Reach

DWTC’s integrated event management and experiential agency, DXB LIVE, delivered more than 442 major projects in 2025, including exhibitions, conferences, festivals and international events. Alongside key projects in Dubai — such as World of Coffee Dubai, World Police Summit, ICOM and Hatta Cultural Nights — the agency expanded its presence across 13 global cities, earning recognition for both execution and creativity.
 

Sector Diversity Driving Performance

DWTC’s event calendar reflected a broad spectrum of industries aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The Healthcare and Medical sector led performance, with 23 events attracting 436,000 participants — representing 20% of total MICE attendance. Major events included World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), AEEDC, DUPHAT, Medlab and Dubai Derma.

The ICT, Electronics and Emerging Technology sector followed, with 341,000 participants across 11 events — a 21% increase year-on-year — driven by GITEX Global and Expand North Star.

Food and Beverage ranked third, with 280,000 participants across seven events, including Gulfood and Gulfood Manufacturing.

Other strong-performing sectors included Consumer Goods and Retail (117,000 participants), and Security, Defence and Safety (105,000 participants), alongside continued momentum in Construction, Beauty and Wellness, Energy, Automotive, Tourism, and Sports.

Seven new exhibitions were introduced during the year, contributing an additional 30,000 participants and 750 exhibiting companies, further diversifying the overall portfolio.

Conferences and Association Events Gain Momentum

DWTC hosted 25 conferences in 2025, welcoming 62,000 participants, including 11 new conferences that contributed 12,000 attendees. Key events included Arab Media Summit, Affiliate World Dubai, HR Summit & Expo, Dubai International Food Safety Conference & Applied Nutrition, and AWS Summit Dubai.

Additionally, 14 international association meetings attracted 29,000 participants, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a preferred destination for global congresses and professional networks. These included the EROC Global Forum, Emirates Diabetes & Endocrine Congress (EDEC), WCA World, and the 27th ICOM General Conference.

Dubai Exhibition Centre Expansion Enhances Capacity

A major highlight of 2025 was the completion of Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion at Expo City, delivering 140,000 square metres of new event space.

Even as expansion works continue, DEC hosted 36 events and welcomed 319,000 participants. Ten exhibitions and eight conferences alone attracted 130,000 participants and 1,800 exhibitors, demonstrating the venue’s operational readiness and its role in increasing Dubai’s capacity to host large-scale and concurrent mega-events.

Strengthening an Integrated Business Ecosystem

Beyond events, DWTC continued to strengthen its broader ecosystem. Its Real Estate Division advanced its joint venture with Emaar Properties through the launch of Terra Gardens, part of the Expo Living residential community.

The Asset Management Division maintained high occupancy rates across key commercial assets, reaching 97%, while the residential Expo Village achieved 96% occupancy.

Meanwhile, the DWTC Free Zone licensed 850 new companies in 2025, expanding its role as a dynamic, sector-focused business hub. Enhancements included new specialised platforms, expanded partnerships with 11 licensed business centres, and the introduction of a Multiple Share Class Framework to support evolving corporate needs.

H.E. Helal Saeed 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.”
 

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