emirates7 - The exhibitions and conferences sector in the UAE continues to play a crucial role in advancing economic development, aligning closely with the nation’s strategic objectives of fostering a diversified and knowledge-driven economy that supports long-term sustainability goals.
This dynamic industry has rapidly evolved in its ability to host and organise major international events, bolstered by world-class infrastructure, modern facilities, and a synergy of local talent and global expertise. These strengths have positioned the UAE as a leading hub for large-scale exhibitions and conferences on both regional and international fronts.
In 2025, the sector sustained strong momentum, significantly contributing to economic diversification and unlocking new opportunities across various industries, all while hosting prestigious global events.
Data from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah highlights the sector’s expanding influence. The ADNEC Group directly added AED8.5 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2024—up from AED7.4 billion in 2023—underscoring the growing economic value of hosted events.
ADNEC’s venues, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Ain Convention Centre, and Excel London, collectively hosted over 1,000 events in 2024, attracting a record 5.4 million visitors—the highest in the group’s history.
Capital Events, the event management division of ADNEC, facilitated AED10 billion in business deals through its exhibitions, while its hospitality arm served over 40 million meals across 45 sites. ADNEC’s hotel portfolio welcomed more than 1.531 million guests, and it managed around 2,200 events, including one of the region’s largest public iftars, which hosted nearly 8,000 attendees.
Meanwhile, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) achieved remarkable economic results in 2024. Its economic impact report revealed that DWTC hosted 100 major events—a 32% increase year-over-year—including global exhibitions, conferences, and association meetings.
These events attracted more than 2 million participants and generated AED22.35 billion in total economic output, with AED13.04 billion retained within Dubai’s GDP. Notably, approximately 936,000 international visitors attended DWTC events, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global destination for business tourism.
This robust performance coincides with the initiation of DWTC’s expansion project, whose first phase is set for completion in 2026. The development aims to enhance Dubai’s ability to host mega-events and reinforce its position as a hub for innovation and economic activity.
Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) also continues to be a key player in advancing the national exhibitions sector, contributing to growth in economic, social, cultural, and educational areas in line with sustainable development goals.
ECS’s 2025 agenda features specialised events across sectors such as industry, smart mobility, trade, healthcare, perfumery, and jewellery. In 2024, ECS and its branches in Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid delivered a strong performance, organising 80 major exhibitions—a 60% increase from the previous year—and attracting close to 3 million visitors from the UAE and abroad.
This dynamic industry has rapidly evolved in its ability to host and organise major international events, bolstered by world-class infrastructure, modern facilities, and a synergy of local talent and global expertise. These strengths have positioned the UAE as a leading hub for large-scale exhibitions and conferences on both regional and international fronts.
In 2025, the sector sustained strong momentum, significantly contributing to economic diversification and unlocking new opportunities across various industries, all while hosting prestigious global events.
Data from Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah highlights the sector’s expanding influence. The ADNEC Group directly added AED8.5 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2024—up from AED7.4 billion in 2023—underscoring the growing economic value of hosted events.
ADNEC’s venues, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Al Ain Convention Centre, and Excel London, collectively hosted over 1,000 events in 2024, attracting a record 5.4 million visitors—the highest in the group’s history.
Capital Events, the event management division of ADNEC, facilitated AED10 billion in business deals through its exhibitions, while its hospitality arm served over 40 million meals across 45 sites. ADNEC’s hotel portfolio welcomed more than 1.531 million guests, and it managed around 2,200 events, including one of the region’s largest public iftars, which hosted nearly 8,000 attendees.
Meanwhile, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) achieved remarkable economic results in 2024. Its economic impact report revealed that DWTC hosted 100 major events—a 32% increase year-over-year—including global exhibitions, conferences, and association meetings.
These events attracted more than 2 million participants and generated AED22.35 billion in total economic output, with AED13.04 billion retained within Dubai’s GDP. Notably, approximately 936,000 international visitors attended DWTC events, further cementing Dubai’s status as a global destination for business tourism.
This robust performance coincides with the initiation of DWTC’s expansion project, whose first phase is set for completion in 2026. The development aims to enhance Dubai’s ability to host mega-events and reinforce its position as a hub for innovation and economic activity.
Expo Centre Sharjah (ECS) also continues to be a key player in advancing the national exhibitions sector, contributing to growth in economic, social, cultural, and educational areas in line with sustainable development goals.
ECS’s 2025 agenda features specialised events across sectors such as industry, smart mobility, trade, healthcare, perfumery, and jewellery. In 2024, ECS and its branches in Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid delivered a strong performance, organising 80 major exhibitions—a 60% increase from the previous year—and attracting close to 3 million visitors from the UAE and abroad.