The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) launched the first quarter with an impressive conference and exhibition lineup. In the first nine months of 2022, Dubai returned to pre-pandemic economic form with year-on-year GDP growth of 4.6 percent.
By hosting a full calendar of large-scale MICE events, welcoming international visitors in record numbers, setting new event benchmarks, and actively supporting the wider business ecosystem, Dubai World Trade Centre has boosted economic momentum.
“With our Q1 events calendar of events spanning a wide range of industry sectors in 2023, Dubai is set to continue to grow as a global MICE destination,” said DWTC Executive Vice President of Venue Services Management Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar.
This year’s Dubai Pharmaceuticals and Technologies Conference and Exhibition (DUPHAT) will serve as the launchpad for the events calendar for 2023. It is planned to take place between 10th-12th January, and it will build on last year’s success, when AED 5.1 billion worth of business deals were signed.
From 11th-13th January, World of Coffee Dubai returns for its second edition. Presented by DXB LIVE in partnership with The Specialty Coffee Association, this premier trade show launched in 2022 with the Roaster Village, Cupping Room, UAE National Championships, Brew Bar, and SCA Community Lounge.
Intersec, the leading global emergency services, security and safety event, will bring together the industry and accelerate conversations to address global security challenges. There will be over 50 countries represented, along with 10 official pavilions and four high-profile conferences. Intersec will host a world-class conference with over 500 international and regional speakers.
DWTC will host the Arab Health Exhibition and Congress from 30th January to 2nd February. A ‘show within a show’ and conference within a conference, the Intelligent Health Pavilion showcases the most innovative and sustainable healthcare technology, with use cases from collaborating equipment manufacturers, e-Health solution providers, and digital health disruptors.
UAE International Dental Conference & Arab Dental Exhibition (AEEDC Dubai) is another legacy medical event scheduled for 7th-9th February. With its 23rd edition, the largest scientific dental conference and exhibition in the world will once again focus on Education & Innovation Transfer. The event is a must-attend for dentists, dental specialists, hygienists, technicians, radiologists, students, dentistry associations, and ministry representatives.
The world’s largest and most influential annual trade show for the food and beverage industry returns from 20th-24th February. In addition to offering an unrivaled trading platform, this five-day event showcases world-class talent, innovation, and business opportunities across the food and beverage industry.
March will be one of our busiest months ever with Dubai Derma kicking off proceedings from 1st-3rd March and the largest scientific skincare gathering in the Middle East, North Africa and Indian Subcontinent. With 250 renowned speakers, plus direct access to global exhibitors sharing the latest breakthroughs in skincare and cosmetics, this popular annual conference offers three days of quality education, inspiration, and skills development.
Middle East Energy (MEE), which runs from 7th-9th March, will span five key product sectors and host the first Strategic Conference under the patronage of the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. The only high-level forum for senior energy and utility decision-makers in the Middle East and Africa that unpacks complex opportunities and challenges. More than AED 2.5 billion was transacted by Middle East Energy in 2022.
World Art Dubai (WAD) brings inspiration and originality to Dubai’s event calendar from 9th-12th March with artworks spanning every medium, from paintings, prints and photography to sculpture, pottery and glass. DWTC will organize the 2023 edition of the WAD Awards, which will recognize top talent across five categories: Emerging Artist; Solo Artist; Gallery; Outstanding Art, and NFT Award.
From 13th to 15th March, the 19th edition of the Dubai International Humanitarian Aid & Development Conference & Exhibition (DIHAD) will be held. With the theme ‘Energy and Aid: capitalising on available resources’ and a focus on the way many energy sources are increasingly limited in output, as demand increases, under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler.
In 2004, DIHAD was the first humanitarian aid and development event in the region. International NGOs, Red Crescent and Red Cross, UN agencies, charity organizations, academic institutions, relief aid suppliers, and governmental bodies are brought together to address the needs of people and countries affected by natural disasters and crises.
GISEC, the region’s most established networking and business platform for IT security, will gather information security and technology professionals, business leaders from 14th-16th March for unique networking opportunities with high-profile government figures and top businesses from around the globe. Featuring 300+ government entities in one place, GISEC is supported by the UAE’s Cybersecurity Council, Dubai Electronic Security Centre, Telecommunications & Digital Government Regulatory Authority and Dubai Police. It attracts the most government decision-makers and solution buyers.
In addition to Light Middle East, there’s the School & Nursery Show (4th-5th February), Breakbulk Exhibition (13th-14th February), Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) & Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (1st-2nd March), World Police Summit (7th-9th March), and Dubai International Horse Fair (17th-19th March).).
“DWTC is a key trade enabler and a destination for innovation, knowledge exchange and idea generation, and we will continue to develop our portfolio of legacy and industry-first events in alignment with the government’s long-term strategic vision,” Julfar said in conclusion.