Dubai: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has further strengthened its role as a key driver of Dubai's economic growth, generating a record AED25.03 billion in economic output through its calendar of large-scale business events in 2025. As a leading platform for international trade and industry collaboration, DWTC continues to support the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, by attracting global businesses, talent and innovation to the emirate.
According to Emirates News Agency, H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence, and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, emphasized the impact of visionary leadership on Dubai's rise as a global hub for international events. Guided by the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has developed an ecosystem that fosters international collaboration and growth. The DWTC's record performance in 2025 reflects the confidence placed in Dubai's infrastructure, business environment, and connectivity.
The Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) for DWTC in 2025 highlights a 12% year-on-year increase in economic output from large-scale business events. The year saw 108 major exhibitions, international conventions, and industry conferences, drawing nearly 2.18 million attendees and contributing AED14.66 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to Dubai's GDP, marking the highest annual economic impact to date.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DWTC Authority, noted that 2025 was a landmark year for DWTC across various metrics, showcasing Dubai's robust business events ecosystem. Over 46 years, DWTC has consistently convened global industries and delivered world-class events, strengthening Dubai's position as a leading global hub for business and innovation.
The 2025 calendar saw continued growth in the scale and scope of events, with international attendees accounting for nearly 947,000 of the 2.18 million participants. International attendees spent significantly more than local attendees, averaging over AED9,900 per event, and stayed longer, averaging 5.6 days. This spending pattern generated substantial economic impact across sectors such as accommodation, travel, retail, and dining.
The economic activity from DWTC's events in 2025 supported over 94,000 jobs in the MICE ecosystem and related sectors, generating AED4.7 billion in household income-a 13.6% increase from 2024. Large-scale events contributed AED4.5 billion in sales value within the MICE sector, with further impacts seen across accommodation, travel, retail, dining, and government services.
Key industry sectors such as Healthcare and Medical, Food and Beverage, and ICT, Electronics and Emerging Technology were pivotal, generating over AED8.1 billion in economic value. These sectors also attracted significant international participation, underscoring Dubai's role as a platform for global innovation and industry advancement.
Helal Saeed Almarri concluded that Dubai's business events sector is instrumental in bringing together industries and ideas that drive the future global economy, aligning with Dubai's long-term economic goals.