Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa Group are joining
forces to create a business events ‘powerhouse’ in the Middle East that will
pull in $700m in annual revenues.
The joint venture, set to be fully operational by Q4 2025,
will be headquartered in Dubai and focus on expanding Informa’s brands across
the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa.
Informa will take over the running of 40 events owned, and previously
organised, by DWTC - including Gulfood, GITEX, GISEC, WHX, Middle East Energy,
and Dubai Airshow.
Dubai is aiming to triple the size of its business events sector
by 2033 to AED43bn and the tie-up with Informa aligns with the emirate’s goal
to attract more inward investment.
Meanwhile the partnership will give Informa ‘unparalleled access’
to DTWC’s venue portfolio and drive ‘double-digit’ growth by giving Informa’s
own brands a foothold in the Middle East.
"This partnership is a transformation engine for
cross-border trade and enterprise, co-creating sustainable value for industries
and economies through the convening power of B2B events," said Helal Saeed
Al Marri, director general of DWTC Authority.
"We already have a great partnership in Dubai with
DWTC, and this agreement will allow us to create something truly unique in a
vibrant and fast-growing market," said Stephen A. Carter, group chief executive,
Informa PLC.
Beyond Dubai, Informa International said it would leverage its scale
to take flagship events into high-growth regions, including India, Asia,
Europe, and Africa.
With significant infrastructure expansion planned at DEC
from 2026, Dubai should be well-positioned to capitalise on this growth, bolstering
its position as a key regional player.
Written By
James Lancaster
AMI editor James
Lancaster is a familiar face in the meetings industry and international
association community. Since joining AMI in 2010, he has gained a reputation
for asking difficult questions and getting lost in convention centres. Proofer, podcaster, and panellist - in his spare time, James likes to walk,
read, listen to music, and drink beer.
