The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has partnered with Informa Group to create a pioneering global entity in Exhibitions and Event Management. This strategic collaboration will operate primarily from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa regions. The new company, named Informa International, is expected to be fully operational by the fourth quarter of 2025 and will focus on servicing super-regional MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) markets. It aims to leverage the strengths of both organizations to expand their home-grown megabrands globally.

This partnership aligns with DWTC’s goal of tripling Dubai’s MICE sector contribution to the city’s GDP, targeting an annual contribution of AED 54 billion by 2033. This initiative is part of the D33 Dubai Economic Agenda, which aims to attract investments and facilitate cross-border trade through established B2B events platforms. The collaboration will also work towards solidifying Dubai’s status as a premier global business hub, enhancing its reputation as the preferred location for the MICE industry.

Informa International will encompass various segments, including exhibitions, conferences, and professional training businesses from both DWTC and Informa in Dubai and its partner markets. With projected revenues exceeding $700 million, this partnership has the potential for double-digit growth as it expands beyond Dubai into high-growth global markets.

The key strategic objectives of this partnership include creating a global MICE powerhouse that merges DWTC’s and Informa’s event portfolios, facilitating accelerated global expansion into fast-growing markets, and promoting Dubai as the top global business hub. DWTC aims to attract significant events from over 100 specialist Informa global brands across diverse sectors to Dubai, supported by additional venue infrastructure expected to be completed by 2026.

His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, emphasized that this partnership will enhance Dubai’s position as a preferred global hub for the MICE sector. He noted that the collaboration is set to transform cross-border trade and create sustainable value for various industries through the power of B2B events.

Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive of Informa PLC, highlighted the existing strong partnership with DWTC and expressed enthusiasm for expanding their relationship. He described the venture as an opportunity to create something unique in a vibrant and rapidly growing market.

Informa Group, a FTSE-100 company, has been a leader in Live B2B Events and has operated in the UAE for over 25 years. Meanwhile, DWTC has been at the forefront of B2B events in the UAE for more than four decades, managing key venues such as the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre.