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presence in one of the world ' s fastestgrowing event markets. Stephen A. Carter, CEO of Informa Group, positioned the venture within broader industry trends: " 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."
Informa brings to the partnership its considerable operational expertise, global customer relationships and sophisticated approach to event programming and audience development. The company ' s experience in scaling events internationally and creating compelling content programmes that drive attendance will be particularly valuable as inD seeks to expand its brands beyond their existing markets.
The partnership structure allows both parties to play to their strengths. DWTC brings deep local market knowledge, government relationships and venue infrastructure, while Informa contributes international best practice, marketing capabilities and a proven playbook for event growth. This complementary approach suggests potential for genuine synergy rather than merely a combination of existing operations.
Dubai ' s broader vision The formation of inD must be understood within the context of Dubai ' s broader economic strategy. The emirate has consistently demonstrated an ability to identify growth sectors and invest decisively to capture market leadership. Just as it transformed itself into a global aviation hub, a leading financial centre and a tourism powerhouse, Dubai is now methodically building its position as the world ' s premier destination for business events.
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The numbers support this ambition. Dubai ' s MICE sector has grown exponentially over the past two decades, contributing billions to the local economy and supporting tens of thousands of jobs. The city now hosts more major international exhibitions than many longer-established competitors, and the formation of inD accelerates this trajectory.
Government support has been crucial to this success. Streamlined regulations, investment in infrastructure and a clear commitment to the sector have created an environment where business events can flourish. The recent expansion of venue capacity represents the latest manifestation of this support, ensuring that Dubai can accommodate the growing scale and ambition of modern trade shows.
The emirate ' s geographic position between East and West provides a natural advantage that infrastructure alone cannot replicate. For companies seeking to access markets across the Middle East, Africa, South Asia and
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Above: Stephen A. Carter, CEO, Informa Group
Left: Dubai Gulfood
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Below: Dubai Convention Gate |
beyond, Dubai offers an unparalleled platform. The combination of accessibility, quality infrastructure and a cosmopolitan business environment creates a compelling value proposition that continues to attract event organisers and attendees.
Looking forward With revenues projected to exceed US $ 650m in its first year and strong forward booking momentum across its portfolio of brands, inD represents a significant validation of Dubai ' s strategy and the continued vitality of face-to-face business events. The partnership signals confidence not just in the Dubai market, but in the fundamental importance of physical gatherings in an increasingly connected but also increasingly complex global business environment.
The early results from Gulfood and WHX demonstrate that appetite for large-scale international trade shows remains robust. As businesses navigate supply chain challenges, seek new markets and partnerships, and strive to stay ahead of rapidly evolving technologies and market conditions, the value of concentrated, face-to-face interaction at world-class events has never been clearer.
For exhibition organisers and destinations worldwide, the DWTC- Informa partnership serves as both inspiration and challenge. It demonstrates what can be achieved through strategic vision, substantial investment and operational excellence. It also raises the competitive bar, as venues and organisers globally must now measure themselves against the scale, quality and innovation that inD brands represent.
For the global exhibitions industry, Dubai ' s rise represents not just a shift in geography, but a glimpse into the future of trade shows: larger, more sophisticated, more technologically advanced, and unquestionably committed to the irreplaceable value of bringing people together in person. EW
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www. exhibitionworld. co. uk |
Issue 1 2026 25 |