InD Partnership Formed By DWTC And Informa To Grow B2B Live Events Across Dubai And Beyond

Dubai World Trade Centre and Informa have agreed to form a joint business called inD, combining event assets and expertise. The venture focuses on B2B Live Events and aims to speed up growth in the UAE, the wider region and global markets, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a major international centre for business events and innovation.

The inD portfolio includes more than 40 established B2B brands across fast growing sectors. These cover Healthcare, Energy, Aviation, Food and Beverage, ICT and cyber security, including WHX, Middle East Energy, Dubai Airshow, Gulfood, GITEX Global and GISEC. Combined revenues are projected to exceed US$650 million in 2026, with further expansion expected.

The launch of inD coincides with a major increase in Dubai’s event infrastructure. Dubai Exhibition Centre is scheduled to add 140,000 square metres of capacity in 2026. This expansion supports rising demand for B2B Live Events and strengthens Dubai’s status as one of the most active and innovative markets for international exhibitions and conferences.

B2B Live Events remain important for companies and industries worldwide. They bring together sectors, decision makers and specialists to support innovation, trade and investment. Exhibitors use these platforms to enter new markets, present products and services, and develop long term partnerships. inD aims to scale these benefits across its regional and global event brands.

Gulfood is scheduled to be the first inD event to run in 2026, from 26 to 30 January. For the first time, it will occupy both Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre. Organisers expect more than 8,500 exhibitors, displaying 1.5 million products sourced from 195 countries, marking a major scale increase.

Healthcare events will follow soon after, with WHX Dubai taking place from 9 to 12 February and WHX Labs Dubai from 10 to 13 February. Both shows will operate at Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at the same time. More than 4,800 exhibitors and over 270,000 Healthcare professionals are expected from more than 180 countries.

Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, said, "Dubai has long been the world’s leading destination for global business events. This partnership now elevates that position further by transforming Dubai into an IP and knowledge hub that not only accelerates international growth opportunities for DWTC’s flagship brands but also strengthens Dubai’s long-term GDP impact, further cementing its role as a leading global player in B2B events. Together with Informa, we are building a platform for sustained growth, innovation and global reach."

Almarri’s comments underline the wider economic goals behind inD. The partnership intends to use DWTC’s event IPs and Informa’s global reach to increase international participation, create more knowledge exchange and deepen trade flows linked to Dubai. The strategy focuses on stable, long term growth in visitor numbers, sector diversity and wider GDP contribution.

Stephen A. Carter, CEO, Informa Group, added, "The creation of inD deepens our partnership with DWTC at a time of structural growth for our industry, strong economic growth across the region, and dynamic market growth in the UAE in particular, as the supply of high quality venue space increases to meet growing demand for B2B Live Events."

Together, the partners expect inD to benefit from rising regional demand, growing venue capacity and a strong pipeline of B2B Live Events. With large-scale shows already scheduled for 2026 and beyond, Dubai is positioned to host more international exhibitors, visitors and investors, strengthening its role as a key hub for global business activity.

With inputs from WAM