Dubai’s DWTC economic impact surged to Dhs22.35bn ($6.08bn) in 2024, driven by strong event growth. Throughout the year, large-scale exhibitions and conferences helped DWTC economic impact grow significantly.
To begin with, according to new data, DWTC events added Dhs13.04bn in gross value to Dubai’s GDP. The number of major exhibitions and conferences hit 100, marking a 32% year-on-year rise. As a result, DWTC’s economic impact extended across several vital sectors.
More than two million attendees participated in these events. International visitors made up 46% of the total, further boosting sectors like travel, hotels, and retail. Significantly, DWTC events supported over 85,500 jobs across Dubai’s MICE industry and related fields.
Additionally, Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DWTC Authority, emphasized that the 2024 growth proves the value of DWTC’s strategic expansions. He noted that projects like the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion, set to finish phase one by 2026, are crucial.
The 2024 Economic Impact Assessment showed that every Dhs1 spent at DWTC events generated Dhs7.7 across Dubai’s economy. Furthermore, sales within the MICE sector reached Dhs2.9bn, while direct spending in adjacent sectors topped Dhs13.17bn.
Business entertainment spending grew 36% to Dhs1.78bn, highlighting Dubai’s growing reputation as a corporate event hub. Meanwhile, retail spending increased 34% to Dhs2.64bn, and food and beverage spending jumped 30% to Dhs2.23bn.
Hotel accommodation spending rose 15% to Dhs3.41bn. Additionally, air and local transport spending climbed 8% to Dhs2.86bn, underscoring a strong tourism economy. Notably, DWTC economic impact was fueled by high international visitor spending.
International visitors spent an average of Dhs9,833 per event, almost six times the Dhs1,673 spent by domestic visitors. The MENA region led international business visitation with 32%, closely followed by Europe at 27%.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia, India, China, Turkey, Oman, the UK, Egypt, Iran, Russia, and Germany ranked among the top source markets. Moreover, healthcare, food, hotel, catering, and IT sectors accounted for 58% of the total GVA.
Healthcare events alone contributed Dhs3.68bn in GVA from 21 exhibitions. Almarri concluded by affirming DWTC’s commitment to advancing the MICE industry through innovation, partnerships, and Dubai’s strategic location.
Clearly, DWTC economic impact continues to shape Dubai’s global economic ambitions, strengthening its leading role in the MICE sector.
