The Dubai World Trade Centre hosted 100 large-scale events in 2024. That’s an increase of 32% on the previous year. Why are these big events flocking to Dubai?
Large-scale events at DWTC generated AED22.35bn in 2024, with AED13.04bn added to Dubai’s GDP. More than 2m people attended, with international visitors making up 46% of total attendance. Here we break down why Dubai might be seeing such high levels of growth.
1. Successful bidding strategy
Dubai secured 437 business event bids in 2024, a 20% rise on the previous year. DWTC engages early with organisers, often years in advance, to build relationships and shape bids to their needs – according to Mahir Julfar, senior vice-president of venue services at DWTC. Bids are backed by government and industry support. The city also promotes itself internationally to attract organisers, helping it secure a growing share of global events.
2. World-class infrastructure
Dubai has invested heavily in venues, hotels, and transport to support major international events. The Dubai World Trade Centre alone offers over 1m sqft of event space. Ongoing projects, like the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion due in 2026, aim to boost capacity even further. The city’s hotels, airport connections and public transport system are also an attractor.
3. Geographic location
Dubai’s position between Europe, Asia, and Africa makes it a natural hub for international meetings. In 2024, international delegates made up 46% of total attendees at DWTC events. Many events secured for the coming years also reflect Dubai’s global reach, including associations from Asia and Europe – such as the 2024 Intelligent Transport Systems World Congress and China Homelife Dubai 2024.
4. Favourable tax environment
Dubai offers a competitive tax regime for businesses. The UAE does not impose personal income tax, and corporate tax is set at 9% for profits exceeding AED 375,000. Companies in designated free zones may also benefit from tax incentives, including potential exemptions. Additionally, the UAE provides a VAT refund scheme for international event organisers, allowing for the recovery of VAT paid on certain expenses related to exhibitions and conferences.
In 2024, DWTC’s events supported more than 85,500 jobs across the MICE industry and related sectors. Growth was highly concentrated in a few key industries, with healthcare, food and catering and IT sectors alone accounting for 58% of DWTC’s contribution to the economy.
“DWTC remains committed to redefining the global MICE landscape and unlocking new opportunities for economic impact,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director general, DWTC Authority.
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