Dubai World Trade Centre said in a statement that it produced a record AED25.03 billion in total economic output last year, marking a 12 percent increase over 2024. The figure stemmed from hosting more than 108 large-scale events that drew 2.18 million attendees overall. International visitors accounted for 947,000 participants or 44 percent of the total, according to the announcement. The events also contributed AED14.66 billion in gross value added directly to Dubai’s GDP, the statement noted.
Healthcare and medical events delivered the largest sectoral impact with AED3.73 billion across 20 gatherings, DWTC reported. Large-scale events at the venue generated AED4.5 billion in sales value for the meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions sector. A separate DWTC industry insights assessment found that Dubai’s broader events industry produced a direct economic impact of AED16.1 billion in 2024, up 22 percent year on year, placing the emirate among leading global cities in the field.
The 2025 activities supported more than 94,000 jobs, an increase of 10 percent from the previous year, according to the operator’s statement. Every dirham spent at a DWTC event produced AED5.5 in wider economic output across Dubai, the release indicated. Information and communications technology events ranked as the second strongest performer with 341,000 participants, reflecting a 21 percent rise driven by flagship shows such as GITEX Global.
H.E. Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said in the statement, “2025 was a record year for DWTC, reflecting the resilience and maturity of Dubai’s business events ecosystem and its continued contribution to the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.” He added that strong participation and sustained international engagement across a broad range of industry sectors demonstrate the enduring economic value that business events generate for the emirate.
The results align with key priorities under the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 for economic diversification and global connectivity, DWTC stated. The operator has tracked consistent growth in both attendance and impact over recent years as the emirate strengthens its position in the international MICE market. Sector-specific demand has shifted toward specialized areas including medical, technology and emerging industries.
Over its 47-year history the Dubai World Trade Centre has hosted events that have reinforced Dubai’s standing as a global hub for business gatherings, the organisation said in the announcement. The 2025 performance represents the highest annual economic contribution recorded by the centre to date.
