DUBAI – The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reaffirmed its role as a key driver of Dubai’s economy, delivering a total economic output of AED22.35 billion in 2024, according to its latest Economic Impact Assessment (EIA).
The study highlights the DWTC’s growing contribution to Dubai’s GDP, aligned with the emirate’s ambitions under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to rank among the world’s top three cities for business and leisure by 2033.
DWTC hosted 100 large-scale exhibitions, conventions, and conferences in 2024 — a 32 percent increase compared to the previous year — attracting over 2 million participants. Of this economic impact, AED13.04 billion was retained as Gross Value Added (GVA) to Dubai’s economy.
Speaking on the milestone, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council, said the results reflect Dubai’s long-term vision and sustained investments in infrastructure, global connectivity, and a business-friendly environment.
“Dubai’s growth as a global events destination showcases our ability to bridge markets, foster partnerships, and create new opportunities for the future,” he said.
International participation saw a significant rise, with 936,083 attendees traveling from abroad — boosting sectors such as hospitality, retail, transport, and business services. Direct spending related to DWTC events soared to AED13.17 billion across adjacent sectors, supporting 85,533 jobs in the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) ecosystem.
Each dirham spent at DWTC events generated an additional AED7.7 in citywide economic activity, underlining the centre’s powerful multiplier effect.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the DWTC Authority, stated that the record-breaking performance was a “clear reflection of Dubai’s strategic focus on innovation, enterprise, and future-ready economic growth.” He also noted that the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre is on track for completion in 2026, further enhancing the city’s hosting capabilities.
Business entertainment, retail, food and beverage, hotels, and transportation all posted double-digit growth in revenue. International attendees spent nearly six times more than local participants, averaging AED9,833 per trip.
The healthcare, medical, and scientific sectors led event-related economic contributions, generating AED3.68 billion in GVA. The food, hotel, and catering sectors, along with information technology, also showed robust growth.
Top visitor markets in 2024 included Saudi Arabia, India, China, Turkey, Oman, the United Kingdom, and Egypt, demonstrating Dubai’s global appeal as a hub connecting East and West.
Almarri concluded, “DWTC’s growth strengthens Dubai’s emergence as a global hub for business, innovation, and sustainable economic development. We are committed to building on this success and delivering dynamic platforms that drive international engagement and future growth.”