Events season has begun at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), with more than 100 trade and entertainment events scheduled from September to December 2016, attracting an estimated 1.2 million regional and international visitors.
The season kicked off on 4 September with the 34th International Congress of the International Society of Blood Transfusion (ISBT).
Also returning will be Cityscape Global, GITEX Shopper, GITEX Technology Week, Gulfood Manufacturing, Big 5, Dubai International Jewellery Week, in addition to a wide range of events catering to industries aligned to the economic diversification focus of the UAE and Dubai.
Ahmed Alkhaja, SVP – Venues, DWTC said: “As we go into another busy events season, we look forward to hosting a diversified events calendar that will connect businesses from around the world. Our aim is to continue to provide the most conducive international platform where businesses from the East and West can showcase their work, find the right partners, and see a tangible return on investment – driving economic growth and creating value.”
“Last year, DWTC contributed a record Dh12bn (US$3.2bn) in retained value toward Dubai’s economy, and our priorities will continue to be aligned with the emirate’s wider priorities for economic diversification, sustainably driving long-term returns for the MICE industry and building on our contribution to the GDP.”
Returning to DWTC between 6-8 September is the landmark 15th edition of Cityscape Global which will host major developers and international exhibitors from 30 countries, including significant pavilions from Turkey, Bahrain, the UK and new participants from Pakistan.
Expected to attract more than 40,000 visitors, the show will highlight the latest trends in global real estate, showcase worldwide projects and drive innovation in city planning.
In terms of hospitality, according to the minister of economy, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri, the contribution of travel and tourism sector to the UAE’s domestic product amounted to about Dh134bn in 2015, and this is expected to increase at a rate of 5.4 per cent annually over the next ten years.
The Leisure Show and The Hotel Show running parallel between 17-19 September support this growing sector. The shows will provide decision makers and professionals a platform to discuss industry trends, developments and market intelligence across key areas of the hospitality industry.
An exciting addition to the DWTC calendar is the theatrical circus performance, Cirque Du Soleil – Varekai that has garnered international acclaim and been viewed by more than 8m people worldwide since it first premiered in Montreal in 2002. Running between 16-26 September, the show will feature high-flying acrobatics and breath-taking stunts from 50 performers and musicians from 19 different countries.
From 26-28 September, the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) will be bringing the 2016 edition of its Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition (ATCE) to the Middle East for the first time in the event’s 92-year history.
Meanwhile, the demand for the latest consumer electronics has grown significantly in the Middle East, and supporting this demand, GITEX Shopper is set to return to DWTC from 1-8 October, bringing together the top technology retailers, brands and distributors under one roof. The mega show will once again feature offers on electronic devices from established local retailers and world-renowned brands.
Later in the season comes the first fully 3D printed office building and the Dubai Future Endowment Fund, which dedicates AED 1bn to support innovative projects in the Emirate. Under the theme ‘Reimagining Realities’, GITEX Technology Week being held from 16-20 October 2016 will examine how technology can transform businesses through showcases, international keynotes and dignitaries from around the globe in attendance.
