DWTC And Informa Group Join Forces To Establish A Global MICE Powerhouse By 2025

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa Group have announced a strategic partnership to form a global leader in exhibitions and event management. This new venture, named Informa International, will be based in Dubai and is expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025. The collaboration aims to enhance the MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector across the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.

The partnership's goal is to triple Dubai's MICE sector GDP contribution to AED 54 billion annually by 2033. This aligns with the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda, which focuses on attracting investments and facilitating cross-border trade through renowned B2B events. Additionally, it aims to solidify Dubai's status as a global business hub.

Informa International will integrate DWTC’s international events portfolio with Informa Group’s UAE-based events. It will manage over 40 market-leading brands across sectors like food, ICT, information security, healthcare, energy, and aviation. The partnership plans to extend DWTC’s brands into fast-growing B2B event markets such as India, Asia, Europe, and Africa.

This strategic alliance will include exhibitions, conferences, professional training, and accreditation businesses from both DWTC and Informa in Dubai and partner markets. The combined entity is projected to generate revenues exceeding $700 million. There is potential for double-digit growth as it expands beyond Dubai into high-growth markets globally.

The collaboration also supports Dubai's ambition to become a leading global business hub by attracting flagship events from Informa’s portfolio of over 100 specialist global brands. This aligns with the city's economic strategy and plans for expanding venue infrastructure, including the Dubai Exhibition Centre from 2026.

Helal Saeed Al Marri of DWTC stated that this partnership will transform cross-border trade and enterprise by co-creating sustainable value through B2B events. He highlighted that DWTC has developed flagship B2B event brands and sees Informa as an ideal partner for capturing growth in this impactful sector.

A Unique Partnership

Stephen A. Carter of Informa PLC expressed enthusiasm about expanding their existing partnership with DWTC in Dubai. He noted that this announcement would allow them to create something unique in a vibrant and fast-growing market.

Informa Group is a FTSE-100 company known for its leadership in live B2B events, digital services, and academic markets. It has been active in the UAE for over 25 years with a focus on B2B events. Meanwhile, DWTC has been a leader in B2B events in the UAE for more than four decades.

DWTC operates two major venues in Dubai: the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). These venues support city-wide activation anchored by these landmarks.

With inputs from WAM