DWTC's 2023 Performance Sets New Standards
Dubai World Trade Centre has unveiled its exceptional performance in 2023, highlighting the city's economic growth and its role as a global hub for business and trade. With a diverse range of events and exhibitions, DWTC attracted 2.47 million participants, marking a 25 percent increase compared to the previous year.
The surge in visitors was led by 301 Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions events, which saw a 23 percent rise year-on-year. Key highlights included 107 Exhibitions and International Association Conventions and Industry Conferences, collectively drawing 1.56 million attendees, a substantial 33 percent increase from the previous year. Of these, over 722,000 were international attendees, indicating a 60 percent growth year-on-year.
The success of these events was further underscored by the participation of 53,789 exhibiting companies, a 45 percent increase over the previous year, with 78 percent of these companies being international. This growth aligns with Dubai's economic goals, including the D33 Agenda, aiming to elevate Dubai to a top-three global economic city by 2033.
Additionally, DWTC's consumer and leisure events portfolio expanded to host a total of 35 entertainment, live, and leisure events, attracting over 850,000 visitors.
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, commented on the outstanding results, emphasising DWTC's diverse portfolio and its contribution to Dubai's economy and focus on key industry sectors.
DWTC further solidified its appeal with 33 new events added to its calendar, attracting nearly 95,000 participants and over 2,000 exhibiting companies. Notable additions included World of Coffee, World Police Summit, and the International Federation of Oto-Rhino-Laryngological Societies 2023.
In terms of DWTC-organized exhibitions and events, 2023 saw a 42 percent increase in attendees, totalling 519,000, with a jump in international attendees by 108 percent. Flagship events such as GITEX Global and Gulfood maintained their leadership positions, experiencing growth in visitors.
Furthermore, DWTC's global expansion endeavours through KAOUN International resulted in the successful launch of GITEX Africa and the Saudi Food Show in 2023, showcasing Dubai's influence in the international events landscape.
The top-performing MICE sectors included Healthcare, IT, Food & Beverage, Consumer Goods, and Building & Construction, each contributing significantly to DWTC's success.
Looking ahead to 2024, DWTC remains committed to leading Dubai's economic objectives and positioning the emirate as a hub for innovation and initiatives.
Additionally, DXB LIVE, DWTC's experiential agency, showcased expansion, managing a diverse portfolio of 500 events and doubling its exhibition stands compared to the previous year. DWTC's Free Zone and Asset Management sectors also recorded strong performances, further cementing Dubai's status as a global business destination.
