Dubai World Trade Centre posts record AED 25.03bn economic output in 2025, Sheikh Hamdan says
Dubai World Trade Centre delivered a record AED 25.03bn economic output in 2025, hosting 108+ major events and attracting 2.18 million participants in Dubai.
The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) produced a historic AED 25.03 billion in economic value in 2025, the Crown Prince of Dubai announced, underlining the venue’s central role in the emirate’s business ecosystem. His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the results reflect DWTC’s enduring influence after more than 47 years of operation. The figures mark a 12 percent increase in annual economic contribution and were driven by an intensive events calendar and robust international participation.
Sheikh Hamdan’s remarks on DWTC’s role
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum reiterated the long-term significance of the Dubai World Trade Centre for the emirate’s global standing. He said the centre has played a vital role for over 47 years in placing Dubai on the international business and events map. Sheikh Hamdan framed the 2025 results as evidence that Dubai continues to gather the world, link economies and open new avenues for sustainable growth.
Economic performance and growth rate
DWTC’s reported AED 25.03 billion economic output in 2025 represents a 12 percent year-on-year increase compared with the previous year. The rise underscores the centre’s expanding contribution to Dubai’s GDP and demonstrates resilience within the events and exhibitions sector. Officials credited the growth to a combination of larger-scale exhibitions, increased exhibitor activity and higher attendee engagement across multiple sectors.
Scale of events and attendee numbers
Over the course of 2025, DWTC hosted more than 108 major events, according to the statement. Those events collectively attracted 2.18 million participants, including approximately 947,000 international delegates. The volume of attendees covered a broad mix of trade shows, conferences, and specialised industry gatherings that drew exhibitors and visitors from across the globe.
Sectoral impact and supply-chain benefits
The expanded events programme at the Dubai World Trade Centre generated spillover effects across hospitality, transport, logistics and retail sectors. Hotels, restaurants and ground transport providers reported increased demand linked to large-scale exhibitions and international delegations. Organisers and local service companies also benefited from higher exhibitor spend on stands, equipment and promotional activity.
Strategic importance for Dubai’s economy
Dubai’s positioning as a global events hub is reinforced by the centre’s outcomes, which align with broader economic diversification goals. DWTC’s performance supports efforts to attract foreign direct investment and to strengthen trade linkages across the Middle East, Africa and Asia. City officials have highlighted the role of large-scale events in showcasing Dubai’s infrastructure and in catalysing partnerships and deal-making.
Outlook and implications for 2026
Stakeholders say the 2025 results set a higher baseline for future programming and planning at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Continued emphasis on international outreach and specialised sector events could sustain visitor volumes and economic impact into 2026. Planners must also balance growth with operational capacity and sustainability measures as the events calendar expands.
The 2025 results reported for the Dubai World Trade Centre demonstrate the continued centrality of large-scale exhibitions to Dubai’s economic strategy and international profile. With a record AED 25.03 billion contribution and strong international participation, DWTC remains a pivotal platform for business, trade and sector-specific innovation.