About Dubai World Trade Centre

The pioneer of Dubai's rise as a cosmopolitan commercial centre at the crossroads of the world

The epicentre for business in the Middle East, Dubai World Trade Centre has played a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s business tourism and trade since its inauguration in 1979.

We connect people, products and ideas from around the globe through our year-round calendar of international trade fairs, blockbuster consumer shows and prestigious international conferences, which are complemented by our innovative free zone and award-winning real estate developments. As the region’s leading purpose-built complex for events and exhibitions, we provide a platform for unparalleled business and networking opportunities.

Each year, through our various events, we create tens of thousands of jobs for a variety of industries and sectors. We continue to be driven by our ongoing role in helping to shape Dubai’s future and reinforce its position as a global hub for the future economy.

Our Vision

To advance Dubai as the world’s leading business destination and the centre of tomorrow’s potential.

Our Mission

We unlock a world of potential for businesses, communities, and employees, transforming ambitions into reality and fostering a sustainable future economy through world-class events and state-of-the-art venues, supported by a dynamic free zone and diverse real estate portfolio.

What we do

Venue Services Management
Event Management
Real Estate
Free Zone

World-class venues and integrated event services

Dubai World Trade Centre manages a portfolio of world-class venues, including Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), located in the heart of the city at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City and Jafza One Convention Centre, providing flexible, purpose-built environments for exhibitions, international conventions. conferences, and live events.

Our integrated venue services support organisers, exhibitors and visitors at every stage of their event experience, spanning event operations, security, logistics, traffic and transport management, emergency medical response and facilities management. This is complemented by our award-winning Hospitality division alongside Event Plus, our e-commerce exhibitor services platform and DXB Live, our experiential agency, providing comprehensive solutions for events of every scale.

Creating and growing world-leading business events

In 2026, DWTC and Informa established inD, a landmark joint venture bringing together their respective events businesses across the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

Combining established event brands, market expertise and global networks, the partnership creates a powerful platform for growth across exhibitions, conferences and professional training.

Through inD, DWTC delivers an annual calendar of industry-leading exhibitions across high-growth sectors including technology, food, healthcare, marine leisure, hospitality and real estate, connecting global industries, businesses and decision-makers.

Destinations for business, living and growth

DWTC owns and manages an award-winning real estate portfolio spanning more than 2.8 million sqm across Dubai’s Central Business District and Expo City Dubai. The portfolio encompasses commercial, residential, hospitality and mixed-use assets, anchored by DWTC’s two flagship events venues – Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in the heart of the city and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City, which is undergoing a landmark AED 10 billion expansion.

Across both locations, DWTC’s portfolio includes landmark assets and destinations such as Sheikh Rashid Tower, Convention Tower, One Central and Expo Village. At Expo City Dubai, DWTC is also expanding its residential and lifestyle portfolio through a joint venture with Emaar Properties to develop Expo Living, a new residential community of more than 2,000 homes, alongside Dubai Expo Mall. Together, these developments are creating an increasingly integrated destination for business, living, retail and leisure.

DWTC provides end-to-end real estate expertise across the complete property lifecycle, from planning and development to leasing, property management, infrastructure and operations.

A thriving business ecosystem at the heart of Dubai

Established in 2015, DWTC Free Zone provides a dynamic business ecosystem in the heart of Dubai’s central business district, connecting companies, entrepreneurs and investors to one of the world’s leading commercial hubs. Its strategic location places businesses alongside world-class events, Grade A commercial real estate and a diverse international business community spanning a wide range of industries.

With a flexible, business-friendly regulatory environment, DWTC Free Zone supports companies at every stage of their growth through a range of licensing and company structures, 100% foreign ownership, dual-licensing opportunities and streamlined digital services. Its commercial footprint includes Rashid Tower, Convention Tower and One Central, with its Free Zone jurisdiction expanded to include One Za’abeel in 2024.

What we do

Venue Services Management
Event Management
Real Estate
Free Zone

World-class venues and integrated event services

Dubai World Trade Centre manages a portfolio of world-class venues, including Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC), located in the heart of the city at Dubai World Trade Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City and Jafza One Convention Centre, providing flexible, purpose-built environments for exhibitions, international conventions. conferences, and live events.

Our integrated venue services support organisers, exhibitors and visitors at every stage of their event experience, spanning event operations, security, logistics, traffic and transport management, emergency medical response and facilities management. This is complemented by our award-winning Hospitality division alongside Event Plus, our e-commerce exhibitor services platform and DXB Live, our experiential agency, providing comprehensive solutions for events of every scale.

Creating and growing world-leading business events

In 2026, DWTC and Informa established inD, a landmark joint venture bringing together their respective events businesses across the Middle East, South Asia and Africa.

Combining established event brands, market expertise and global networks, the partnership creates a powerful platform for growth across exhibitions, conferences and professional training.

Through inD, DWTC delivers an annual calendar of industry-leading exhibitions across high-growth sectors including technology, food, healthcare, marine leisure, hospitality and real estate, connecting global industries, businesses and decision-makers.

Destinations for business, living and growth

DWTC owns and manages an award-winning real estate portfolio spanning more than 2.8 million sqm across Dubai’s Central Business District and Expo City Dubai. The portfolio encompasses commercial, residential, hospitality and mixed-use assets, anchored by DWTC’s two flagship events venues – Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in the heart of the city and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City, which is undergoing a landmark AED 10 billion expansion.

Across both locations, DWTC’s portfolio includes landmark assets and destinations such as Sheikh Rashid Tower, Convention Tower, One Central and Expo Village. At Expo City Dubai, DWTC is also expanding its residential and lifestyle portfolio through a joint venture with Emaar Properties to develop Expo Living, a new residential community of more than 2,000 homes, alongside Dubai Expo Mall. Together, these developments are creating an increasingly integrated destination for business, living, retail and leisure.

DWTC provides end-to-end real estate expertise across the complete property lifecycle, from planning and development to leasing, property management, infrastructure and operations.

A thriving business ecosystem at the heart of Dubai

Established in 2015, DWTC Free Zone provides a dynamic business ecosystem in the heart of Dubai’s central business district, connecting companies, entrepreneurs and investors to one of the world’s leading commercial hubs. Its strategic location places businesses alongside world-class events, Grade A commercial real estate and a diverse international business community spanning a wide range of industries.

With a flexible, business-friendly regulatory environment, DWTC Free Zone supports companies at every stage of their growth through a range of licensing and company structures, 100% foreign ownership, dual-licensing opportunities and streamlined digital services. Its commercial footprint includes Rashid Tower, Convention Tower and One Central, with its Free Zone jurisdiction expanded to include One Za’abeel in 2024.

Our Awards

WORLD MICE AWARDS
WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
ARABIAN BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Skift IDEA Awards

The World MICE Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in MICE tourism.

2021 - 2023 & 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best Convention Centre

2024 & 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best Professional Exhibitions Organiser

2020 - 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - Middle East's Best Convention Centre

2020 - 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - United Arab Emirates' Best Convention Centre

2024

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best International Exhibition Centre

 

Our Awards

WORLD MICE AWARDS
WORLD TRAVEL AWARDS
ARABIAN BUSINESS ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS
Skift IDEA Awards

The World MICE Awards serves to celebrate and reward excellence in MICE tourism.

2021 - 2023 & 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best Convention Centre

2024 & 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best Professional Exhibitions Organiser

2020 - 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - Middle East's Best Convention Centre

2020 - 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre - United Arab Emirates' Best Convention Centre

2024

Dubai World Trade Centre - World's Best International Exhibition Centre

 

Described by the Wall Street Journal as “The Oscars of the Travel Industry,” the World Travel Awards are the ultimate global travel accolade.

2017 - 2026

DICEC - Middle East’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre

2025

World's Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre

2024

Middle East's Leading Large-Scale Wedding Venue

These awards spotlight the region’s most influential leaders and companies, honouring outstanding contributions and innovation across sectors such as technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship in the Middle East.

2024

48th most admired company in 2024

2024

Hospitality Company of the Year – Arabian Business UAE Achievement Awards 2024

 

The Skift IDEA Awards recognise innovation, creativity and impact across the global travel industry, including the organisations and venues shaping the future of business events.

2026

Convention Centre & Other Venues

 

Sustainability

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is committed to sustainability and hosting socially impactful and environmentally responsible global events. DWTC's sustainability efforts are guided by three key pillars: aligning with the vision and strategies outlined by the local and federal government, setting industry benchmarks, and meeting public environmental expectations. DWTC's initiatives focus on reducing energy consumption, conserving resources, and minimising waste, supported by certifications like Green Globe and alignment with the UAE’s sustainability goals.

Our Story

The late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum directs British architect John Harris to design the Trade Centre Tower, also known as ‘Rashid Tower’

In 1979, our Rashid Tower made history as Dubai’s first major tower and business centre. The tower soon became the heartbeat of the emirate’s growing business community and inaugurated Sheikh Zayed Road as a bustling skyline and commercial hub.

Queen Elizabeth II inaugurates Rashid Tower, heralding the start of Dubai's rise to global prominence in trade, finance, and tourism.

Dubai Trade Centre grows beyond Rashid Tower to include a separate semipermanent exhibition space.

"Dubai Trade Centre" changes its name to "Dubai World Trade Centre" to reaffirm its global status.

The new Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre opens. A concourse connects Halls 1 and 2, the Convention Tower, and Novotel and Ibis Hotels. An IMF/World Bank Meeting attracts over 15,000 delegates.

Sheikh Saeed Halls open, increasing the total exhibition floor space and securing Dubai World Trade Centre's position as the largest events venue in the Middle East.

The DWTC Authority was established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

New Za'abeel Halls are opened, adding a total 15,500 square metres of event space to the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre.

Phase 1 of 'One Central' is completed in March, including 'The Offices 1' and the 588-room Ibis One Central hotel.

The Expo Village residential development breaks ground at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Phase 2 of One Central is completed, including The Offices 2 and 3. These two commercial buildings offer over 69,000 square metres of combined leasable space.

In December, the 25Hours Hotel Dubai breaks ground at the One Central site. This concept hotel, the chain's largest outside Europe, offers a fresh take on modern hospitality.

The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) breaks ground at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Groundbreaking of the Expo Park, a new 37,000 square-metre park at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Phase 3 of One Central is completed with The Offices 4 and 5 rounding out One Central's 158,000 square metre premium office development.

Final structural truss installation of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) announcing the project completion.

DWTC spearheads the safe opening of the global events sector after the COVID-19 lockdown.

Completion of Expo Park running adjacent to the length of Expo Village, adding running tracks, playgrounds, and event spaces to the community.

Completion of Expo Village, the official residential community of Expo 2020 Dubai. Spread across 15 mid-rise tower, the new community consists of 2,273 apartments.

The 5-star 25hours Hotel officially opens in One Central with 434 rooms and suites, flexible events and co-working space and five signature restaurants and bars.

Official Inauguration of Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in parallel with Expo 2020 Dubai opening.

Our growingbusinesscommunity

THE DWTC AUTHORITY FREE ZONE OFFERS FAST, FLEXIBLE OPTIONS FOR BUSINESSES OF ALL SIZES.

Discover ourlatestdevelopments

EXPLORE HOW WE ARE CONTRIBUTING TO DUBAI’S REAL ESTATE EXPANSION.

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