Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa have signed a partnership agreement to create a new business, inD. inD brings together a portfolio of more than 40 major B2B brands serving a range of high growth market categories, including Healthcare (WHX), Energy (Middle East Energy), Aviation (Dubai Airshow), Food & Beverage (Gulfood), Information & Communications Technology (GITEX Global) and Information Security (GISEC). These brands are expected to deliver revenues of more than US$650 million in 2026, with a strong pipeline of forward growth as demand for high impact, B2B live experiences continues to rise. This new partnership business combines DWTC’s leadership in global B2B event IPs with Informa’s international scale and expertise to accelerate growth across the UAE, the wider super-region, and internationally – further enhancing Dubai’s position as a leading global hub for B2B Live Events and innovation. B2B Live Events play a vital role in convening industries, thought leaders and decision makers to foster innovation and stimulate growth and investment. They enable companies to access new markets, showcase products and services and build lasting partnerships. The formation of inD comes at a pivotal moment, as Dubai significantly increasing its world-class venue capacity, with the expansion at Dubai Exhibition Centre delivering 140,000 square metres of event capacity in 2026 further cementing its position as one of the most dynamic and innovative markets for B2B Live Events. The first inD brand to run in 2026 will be Gulfood (26-30 January), which will be hosted at an unprecedented increased scale across DWTC’s two flagship venues, the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), for the first time, welcoming over 8,500 exhibitors, showcasing 1.5 million products from 195 countries. …
Read More »71 Events at DWTC in H1 2026 drive growth across business, trade and global investment
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced its H1 2026 events calendar, bringing together a powerful line-up of 71 international exhibitions and conferences that reflect the scale and global relevance of Dubai’s business events ecosystem. The calendar positions DWTC at the forefront of driving global business engagement, trade opportunities, and investment flows. Throughout the first half of the year, Dubai will serve as a meeting point for global industries, with flagship and mega events across security, healthcare, food and beverage, energy, mobility, tourism, technology, and culture convening decision-makers, investors and innovators. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President, Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “DWTC’s H1 2026 events calendar reinforces Dubai’s role as a catalyst for economic growth, business tourism and cross-sector collaboration, in line with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. Our line-up of world-class exhibitions and conferences serves as strategic driver for business tourism, attracting international investment and generating sustained value across multiple sectors of the economy. By hosting select events across Dubai World Trade Centre and the newly expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre, we are doubling the city’s capacity to host international mega-events. This enables the growth of events and industries and, in turn, enhances our contribution to the local economy.” The year opens with Intersec (12–14 January), the region’s flagship platform for security, safety and fire protection, bringing together global leaders shaping the future of national and international security. The event will be held in parallel with Light + Intelligent Building Middle East (12–14 January), attracting professionals from the security, smart building and lighting sectors globally. These will be followed by FESPA Middle East (13-15 January) the region’s premier exhibition for speciality printing and signage. Later in the month, World of Coffee Dubai …
Read More »DWTC unveils the newly renovated Al Multaqua Ballroom – revitalising an icon of Dubai’s luxury events landscape
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced the completion of the full renovation of its iconic Al Multaqua Ballroom, reaffirming its status as one of Dubai’s most prestigious venues for weddings, conferences, and high-profile events. The transformation marks a new chapter in the ballroom’s distinguished legacy, combining timeless sophistication with contemporary design and advanced technology for unforgettable celebrations and landmark gatherings. Spanning 1,000 square metres, the ballroom now features a comprehensive architectural and interior transformation, enhancing both form and function to deliver a seamless, luxurious experience for every guest. The renovation extends beyond the main hall to include upgrades to the pre-function area, bridal suite, majlis, and support facilities, ensuring every detail reflects DWTC’s hallmark of excellence and service. For more than 30 years, Al Multaqua Ballroom has been a cornerstone of Dubai’s hospitality scene, hosting more than 3,000 weddings, royal celebrations, and distinguished international conferences that have welcomed dignitaries, global leaders, and high-profile guests from around the world. Its legacy is deeply intertwined with DWTC’s role in shaping Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for world-class events. Rami Alaileh, Vice President of Destination Management at DWTC, said: “Al Multaqua Ballroom has long been an integral part of Dubai’s social and business fabric. With this transformation, we are elevating an iconic venue to meet the expectations of today’s guests, while preserving the heritage that makes it so special. This renovation reflects DWTC’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and world-class service, as we honour our legacy and look confidently to the future.” The refreshed design pays homage to DWTC’s storied legacy of hosting milestone moments, integrating modern aesthetics, advanced lighting and audiovisual systems, and sustainable features that align with Dubai’s vision for innovation …
Read More »Dubai World Trade Centre confirms readiness of Dubai Exhibition Centre to host mega global events in 2026
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion of AED 10 billion is set to deliver 140,000 square metres of event space and is in its final stages and on track for completion, signalling readiness to welcome world-leading mega exhibitions from early 2026. This includes 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion space, integrated with the existing complex to support up to 50,000 visitors per day. Set to host two of the most influential global events, Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), this milestone underscores DWTC’s continued commitment and investment in expanding Dubai’s events capacity and infrastructure. DEC is on course to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031, strengthening Dubai’s ability to meet the world’s growing meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) demand. The temporary pavilions, provide additional capacity and flexibility for Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026. These pavilions connect directly to the main halls and central arrival plaza, with outdoor F&B terraces and activation zones enhancing the overall visitor experience. Convenient pedestrian access links the pavilions to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Following the conclusion of the Q1 2026 mega events, the pavilion areas will transition back into construction for the next phase of expansion. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre represents Dubai’s proven capability to deliver large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact. Readiness of the expanded venue, in record time, reflects the seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, from infrastructure …
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