DWTC generates Dhs22.35bn in economic output in 2024

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) generated Dhs22.35bn ($6.08bn) in economic output in 2024, driven by a record increase in large-scale events.

Large-scale events at DWTC contributed Dhs13.04bn in gross value added (GVA) to Dubai’s GDP, with the number of major exhibitions and conferences reaching 100, a 32 per cent year-on-year increase.

More than two million people attended these events, with international visitors accounting for 46 per cent of the total, boosting sectors including travel, accommodation, and retail.

The events supported over 85,500 jobs across Dubai’s meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) industry and adjacent sectors.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the DWTC Authority, said the growth in 2024 validates DWTC’s strategic investments, including the ongoing expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre, with the first phase due for completion in 2026.

100 large-scale events. 2+ million attendees. AED 22.35 billion in Economic Impact. In 2024, #DWTC reinforced its role as a key engine of Dubai’s economic growth. Read More: https://t.co/yU2SMogFBT pic.twitter.com/CVC7Ulzpv8

— Dubai World Trade Centre (@DWTCOfficial) April 27, 2025

DWTC: Key highlights of 2024

The 2024 Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) highlighted that for every Dhs1 spent at DWTC events, Dhs7.7 of economic output was generated across Dubai.

Sales within the MICE sector reached Dhs2.9bn, while direct spending in adjacent sectors such as hotels, restaurants, retail, and transport reached Dhs13.17bn.

Business entertainment spending rose 36 per cent to Dhs1.78bn, retail trade increased 34 per cent to Dhs2.64bn, and F&B spending grew 30 per cent to Dhs2.23bn.

Hotel accommodation spending rose 15 per cent to Dhs3.41bn, and air and local transport spending increased 8 per cent to Dhs2.86bn.

International attendees spent an average of Dhs9,833 per event, nearly six times the Dhs1,673 spent by domestic attendees, according to the study.

The MENA region led international business event visitation with 32 per cent, followed by Europe at 27 per cent.

Top source markets included Saudi Arabia, India, China, Turkey, Oman, the UK, Egypt, Iran, Russia, and Germany.

The Healthcare, Medical, and Scientific, Food, Hotel and Catering, and Information Technology sectors were the largest contributors, accounting for 58 per cent of total GVA generated, with healthcare leading with 21 events and Dhs3.68bn in GVA.

“DWTC remains committed to redefining the global MICE landscape, leveraging innovation, strategic partnerships, and Dubai’s geographic positioning to drive future economic growth,” Almarri said.

Read: DWTC execs reveal ambitious plans for Dubai Exhibition Centre