By Staff Reporter
Dubai’s position as a leading global business and events destination reached new heights in 2025, with the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) generating a record AED25.03 billion in economic output, according to its latest Economic Impact Assessment.
The landmark achievement represents a 12 percent increase from the previous year and was driven by 108 major exhibitions, conventions, and industry conferences hosted throughout the year. These events attracted nearly 2.18 million attendees and contributed AED14.66 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) to Dubai’s economy.
Speaking on the results, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum said the strong performance reflects the growing confidence of international investors, innovators, and businesses in Dubai’s world-class infrastructure and business-friendly environment. He noted that business events continue to play a crucial role in driving investment, innovation, and market growth across multiple sectors.
International participation remained a major contributor to the city’s economic success, with nearly 947,000 overseas visitors accounting for 44 percent of total attendance. Foreign attendees spent an average of more than AED9,900 per event—almost seven times higher than local participants. Their average stay of 5.6 days further boosted spending across tourism, hospitality, transport, retail, and food services.
DWTC’s events ecosystem supported more than 94,000 jobs during the year, marking a 10 percent increase compared to 2024, while generating over AED4.7 billion in disposable household income. The report also revealed that every dirham spent at a DWTC event generated AED5.50 in total economic output across Dubai.
Direct spending linked to these events reached AED13.48 billion, benefiting key sectors such as accommodation, travel, transportation, retail, and food and beverage services.
Healthcare and medical industries, food and beverage, and information and communications technology (ICT) emerged as the strongest-performing sectors, collectively contributing over AED8.1 billion in GVA and attracting 59 percent of all international participants.
According to DWTC Director General Helal Saeed Almarri, ongoing expansion projects at the Dubai Exhibition Centre within Expo City Dubai will further enhance Dubai’s capacity to host larger international events, supporting the goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
News Source: Dubai Media Office.
