Dubai World Trade Centre generated AED25.03 billion in economic output in 2025, a 12% year-on-year increase that the authority says is its strongest annual result on record.
The figures come from DWTC’s 2025 Economic Impact Assessment, which credits 108 large-scale exhibitions, international association conventions and industry conferences for the performance. The events contributed AED14.66 billion in Gross Value Added to Dubai’s GDP, also the highest on record.
“Dubai’s rise as a global hub for international events has been shaped by the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Guided by His Highness’s far-reaching vision, Dubai has built an ecosystem that enables businesses from around the world to come together, collaborate and grow. The record performance achieved by Dubai World Trade Centre in 2025 reflects the confidence that global industries, investors and innovators place in Dubai’s world-class infrastructure, business environment, and its ability to connect people, ideas and capital to generate value.”
“These results highlight the power of global business events to serve as catalysts for investment flows, enterprise and market expansion, creating tangible economic impact across diverse sectors. We will continue to strengthen Dubai’s position as the venue of choice for the world’s most influential business gatherings, forging new partnerships, unlocking new avenues for growth and contributing to the industries of the future,” 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, said in a statement.
Of the 2.18 million total attendees, nearly 947,000 – 44% – travelled from overseas. International visitors spent an average of over AED9,900 per event, roughly seven times more than local attendees. They stayed an average of 5.6 days per event and arrived with 22 companions per 100 attendees, extending the economic ripple into accommodation, aviation, retail and dining. Direct spending across adjacent sectors reached AED13.48 billion, with accommodation accounting for AED3.79 billion, travel and transport AED2.98 billion, and retail trade AED2.55 billion.
The large-scale events are estimated to have supported over 94,000 jobs across the MICE ecosystem and related sectors, up 10% year-on-year. Those roles generated more than AED4.7 billion in household income, a 13.6% rise on 2024. On a per-dirham basis, every AED1 spent at a DWTC event produced AED5.5 in total citywide economic output.
Three sectors dominated the returns. Healthcare and Medical led with 20 events and over 434,000 attendees, generating AED3.73 billion in GVA. Food and Beverage contributed AED2.38 billion across seven events and over 280,000 participants, while ICT, Electronics and Emerging Technology delivered AED1.99 billion across a further seven events. Together, the three sectors accounted for 55% of total GVA and drew 59% of international participants.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of DWTC Authority, pointed to ongoing capacity expansion at the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City as a foundation for continued growth. “2025 was a record year for DWTC across multiple indicators, underlining both the scale and resilience of Dubai’s business events ecosystem,” he said.
“2025 was a record year for DWTC across multiple indicators, underlining both the scale and resilience of Dubai’s business events ecosystem and the growing economic value it generates across the wider economy. For more than 46 years, DWTC has built a strong track record of convening global industries and delivering world-class events. That consistency continues to strengthen Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for business, innovation, and international collaboration.
As we continue our capacity expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City, we are further enhancing Dubai’s ability to host larger and more impactful global events, while supporting the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, and contributing to sustainable economic growth,” Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General, DWTC Authority added.
