DWTC reports record events, real estate growth in 2024
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the key hub for global business and connecting markets, has reported its results of 2024, revealing the record-breaking performance which continues to boost the economic structure in Dubai.
DWTC welcomed participants over 2.65 million in 2024, a 7 per cent increase over last year.
In 2024, DWTC hosted 378 exhibitions and events by a 26 per cent year-on -year increase. The centre expanded its events calendar with forty new additions, including 10 exhibitions, 17 conferences, and 13 association conventions. The exhibitions and conferences attracted nearly 59,000 exhibiting companies , with 77 per cent coming from international markets, while international participation at MICE event rose by 30 per cent year-on-year to over 942,000 attendees.
The DWTC's flagship Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) segment experienced significant growth, increasing from 107 events in 2023 to 135 MICE events in 2024. The participation over 58,665 companies in the exhibitions and events made a 9 per cent increase compared to the last year.
Commenting on the performance,
Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said: 'Our 2024 achievements reflect growth – not just in numbers, but in strengthening Dubai's global market position. The remarkable increase in international participation underscores growing confidence in Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem and DWTC's role in fostering meaningful commercial connections.'
Key events at DWTC in 2024
The
KAOUN International expanded DWTC's global
reach with GITEX AFRICA in Morocco and GITEX DIGI_HEALTH 5.0 Asia in Singapore. The healthcare sector led MICE participation, drawing 465,000 attendees, a 69 per cent rise from 2023. The food, hotel, and catering sector followed with 28,3000 attendees, a 25 per cent increase compared to last year, while the IT sector saw 281,000 attendees with an increase by 8 per cent year-on-year.
Major events like The Baby Expo, Middle East Organic and Natural Products Expo, World Vape Show and China Home Life, and the Leisure, Sport and Travel sector, with nearly 110,000 attendees, led by Arabian Travel Market, Dubai International Boat Show and Dubai Muscle Show.
Other high-performing exhibitions included The Big 5, Beauty World, WETEX, Automechanika and Inter-sec showcased DWTC'S strong event portfolio and its role in attracting global participation across diverse industries.
Real estate milestones
The asset management business saw near-full occupancy: 99 per cent in commercial spaces (One Central, Sheikh Rashid, Convention Tower) and over 90 per cent in Expo Village.
The DWTC Authority Free Zone expanded, incorporating One Za'abeel, attracting 389 new businesses with its premium offerings and free zone advantages.
Read:
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Dubai Eye
21 hours ago
- Dubai Eye
Dubai launches initiative to ease business access to multiple freezones
Dubai on Tuesday launched an initiative aimed at providing businesses with seamless access to multiple free zones, while maintaining a single license, as the city aims to widen its investor-friendly business environment. A French luxury fashion brand was the first to leverage the "One Freezone Passport" initiative and will now maintain its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) while establishing its corporate office at One Za'abeel, part of DWTC Free Zone. The streamlined free zone licence expansion process was completed in five days. The programme enables companies licensed at a single free zone to benefit from facilities located in other free zones across the emirate without requiring additional licensing. Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, said, 'The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai's position as a global economic powerhouse. By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a premier investment destination." Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), said, ' This innovative programme from Dubai Free Zones Council enhances Dubai's attractiveness for global enterprises by enabling seamless operations across the city's free zones, actively contributing to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's leading destination for international investment and business setup.' Amna Al Ali. Vice President, Licensing and Registration at Jebel Ali Free Zones, said the One Freezone Passport initiative represents a transformative approach to free zones operations in Dubai. The DWTC Free Zone offers a competitive and robust ecosystem, set within a regulated environment. Home to global companies, SMEs innovators, and entrepreneurs across over 40 diverse sectors, the DWTCA Free Zone offers a dynamic and business-friendly environment in the heart of the city with a key focus on offering tailor-made services to meet wide-ranging tenant requirements.
Arabian Business
a day ago
- Arabian Business
Dubai announces new ‘One Freezone Passport' system
The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) has announced the implementation of the One Freezone Passport, an initiative designed to enhance the ease of doing business across the emirate's free zones. The programme provides businesses with access to multiple free zones whilst maintaining a single licence, the Dubai Media Office said in a statement. Louis Vuitton expands Dubai operations using new One Freezone Passport system Louis Vuitton has become the first company to utilise this initiative, according to Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), which operates Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone). The luxury brand will maintain its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) whilst establishing its corporate office at One Za'abeel, part of DWTC Free Zone. The free zone licence expansion process was completed in five days. This development aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 's objectives of establishing the city as a destination for business setup and expansion. Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at Dubai Free Zones Council, said: 'The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai's position as a global economic powerhouse. By enabling businesses to expand seamlessly across our world-class free zones, we are reinforcing Dubai's reputation as a premier investment destination. The swift and successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton through this program exemplifies the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai's regulatory framework for international businesses.' Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, added: 'The successful onboarding of Louis Vuitton, one of the world's most prestigious luxury brands, through the citywide One Freezone Passport initiative demonstrates both the calibre of businesses Dubai continues to attract and our commitment to fostering an efficient business environment. 'The company's decision to expand operations into DWTC Free Zone from JAFZA reinforces international confidence in Dubai's business ecosystem. This innovative programme from Dubai Free Zones Council enhances Dubai's attractiveness for global enterprises by enabling seamless operations across the city's free zones, actively contributing to Dubai's vision of becoming the world's leading destination for international investment and business setup.' The implementation of Louis Vuitton's expansion reinforces DWTC Free Zone's position as a catalyst for business growth and innovation in the emirate. The initiative builds on the city's track record of implementing programmes that drive economic growth, strengthening the emirate's position as a hub whilst enhancing operational efficiency for international businesses. The DWTC Free Zone offers an ecosystem within a regulated environment. Home to companies, SMEs, innovators, and entrepreneurs across over 40 sectors, the DWTCA Free Zone offers an environment in the heart of the city with a focus on offering services to meet tenant requirements.
Hi Dubai
a day ago
- Hi Dubai
Louis Vuitton Becomes First Corporate Member of Dubai's One Freezone Passport Initiative
The Dubai Free Zones Council (DFZC) has successfully launched the One Freezone Passport initiative, a first-of-its-kind program allowing companies to operate across multiple Dubai free zones under a single business licence. This major development aims to simplify cross-zone expansion, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 to position the emirate as a global business leader. In a significant milestone for the initiative, Louis Vuitton has become the first corporate member to benefit from this streamlined framework. The global luxury brand will retain its warehouse operations in Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) while establishing a corporate office at One Za'abeel, within the Dubai World Trade Centre Free Zone (DWTC Free Zone). The transition process was completed in just five days, showcasing Dubai's remarkable efficiency and ease of doing business. Dr. Juma Al Matrooshi, Assistant Secretary General at DFZC, said: 'The One Freezone Passport is a transformative initiative that cements Dubai's position as a global economic powerhouse... The onboarding of Louis Vuitton exemplifies the efficiency and attractiveness of Dubai's regulatory framework.' Abdalla Al Banna, Vice President of Free Zone Regulatory Operations at DWTC, highlighted the international trust in Dubai's economic model: 'The decision by Louis Vuitton to expand into DWTC Free Zone reinforces the city's global appeal. The programme enhances Dubai's competitiveness by allowing seamless operations across multiple zones.' Amna Al Ali, Vice President of Licensing and Registration at JAFZA, described the initiative as a 'transformative approach' that enables companies to access facilities in other free zones without requiring additional licences—a move that greatly improves operational agility. This development not only reinforces DWTC Free Zone's status as a hub for growth and innovation but also exemplifies Dubai's forward-thinking approach to business facilitation. The initiative is expected to attract further interest from international companies seeking a fast-tracked and flexible expansion strategy within a regulated and investor-friendly environment. The DWTC Free Zone currently supports over 40 business sectors, providing tailored services to global corporations, SMEs, and entrepreneurs alike, right in the heart of Dubai's commercial landscape. News Source: Dubai Media Office
