With strategic alignment to the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy, the industry is playing a vital role in attracting global investment, fostering innovation, and creating jobs across multiple sectors
The UAE’s exhibitions and conferences industry continues to serve as a key driver of economic diversification and sustainable development, achieving record-breaking performance in 2024 and early 2025. Anchored by world-class infrastructure, cutting-edge venues, and international partnerships — including with London’s ExCeL Centre — the sector reinforces the UAE’s position as a global hub for large-scale business events.
With strategic alignment to the UAE’s vision for a diversified, knowledge-based economy, the industry is playing a vital role in attracting global investment, fostering innovation, and creating jobs across multiple sectors.
According to newly released data, Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC) Group contributed AED8.5 billion to the UAE’s GDP in 2024, up from AED7.4 billion in 2023. The Group hosted over 1,000 events across its venues, including the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Al Ain Convention Centre, and ExCeL London — marking the highest visitor turnout in its history, with 5.4 million attendees.
Capital Events, ADNEC’s events arm, facilitated more than AED10 billion in business deals, while its hospitality wing served over 40 million meals across 45 venues, including at one of the region’s largest public iftars, which welcomed nearly 8,000 guests. The group’s hotels also saw over 1.531 million guests, reflecting the tourism boost driven by MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) activity.
In Dubai, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) posted exceptional performance, hosting 100 major events — a 32% increase year-on-year — including international exhibitions and high-profile conferences. These drew more than 2 million attendees, including nearly 936,000 international visitors, contributing AED22.35 billion in total economic output, of which AED13.04 billion was retained within Dubai’s economy.
This surge in activity coincides with the first phase of DWTC’s expansion project, set for completion in 2026. The development is designed to elevate Dubai’s ability to host mega-events and solidify its role as a global innovation and business hub.
Meanwhile, Expo Center Sharjah (ECS) and its satellite venues in Khor Fakkan and Al Dhaid and Al Dhaid have made notable contributions to the national exhibitions landscape. In 2024, ECS organized 80 major exhibitions, a 60% increase over the previous year, attracting nearly 3 million visitors and spotlighting key sectors such as smart transportation, healthcare, industry, jewellery, and perfumery.
The 2025 calendar for ECS continues this momentum, with a diverse lineup of specialised events supporting the UAE’s cultural, educational, and economic goals — all closely aligned with sustainable development objectives. Collectively, these developments underscore the UAE’s emergence as a powerhouse in the global exhibitions and conferences industry, bolstered by international collaborations, including those with prominent venues in London. As the nation continues to invest in next-generation event infrastructure and talent, the sector is poised to play an even greater role in shaping the UAE’s economic future.
