Dubai's Dubai Exhibition Centre to Host GITEX Global and Gulfood in 2026: A Historic Shift for Global Trade Events
In a significant development that promises to reshape the landscape of international trade events, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that two of the world’s foremost exhibitions, GITEX Global and Gulfood, will make their way to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai starting in 2026. This strategic relocation marks a pivotal moment not only for the venue itself but also for Dubai’s aspirations to become a leading global hub for innovation, trade, and economic growth.
The formal agreement underpinning this groundbreaking decision was executed between Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events & Exhibitions Management at DWTC, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Venue Services Management, during the ongoing GITEX Global 2025. This collaboration underlines the commitment of the DWTC to amplify Dubai’s stature as a premier destination for business and tourism.
GITEX Global, renowned as the largest technology and artificial intelligence exhibition worldwide, will transition entirely to DEC, embodying a new era for technology showcase and innovation. Concurrently, Gulfood, which stands as the largest food and beverage sourcing event globally, will utilize both the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and DEC for its forthcoming editions. This dual approach signifies an expansion of opportunities for businesses across these vital sectors.
LohMirmand expressed that this move heralds a transformative phase for Dubai’s event landscape. It not only enhances the capabilities of the city’s flagship exhibitions but also allows for growth that is parallel to Dubai’s burgeoning tourism, lifestyle, and cultural sectors. Julfar emphasized the advanced infrastructure and connectivity offered by DEC, which aligns seamlessly with Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33), an ambitious initiative aimed at duplicating the emirate’s economy by the year 2033.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre is currently undergoing a substantial investment and expansion program, amounting to an estimated US.7 billion. Once completed, DEC is poised to be the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition venue in the Middle East. Its strategic location near the anticipated Al Maktoum International Airport underscores the facility’s role in fuelling the economic dynamism of the region. The DEC will be fully integrated within Dubai’s robust 2040 Urban Master Plan, ensuring that it meets the future needs of visitors and exhibitors alike.
The significance of this transition goes beyond logistical parameters; it illustrates Dubai’s broader vision for economic diversification. As a city that has consistently pushed boundaries in tourism, trade, and technology, the decision to host GITEX Global and Gulfood at DEC aligns with the emirate’s goals to attract international businesses and professionals, fostering an interconnected global economy.
Dubai’s global appeal is reaffirmed by its strategic initiatives that prioritize innovation, sustainability, and connectivity. The introduction of cutting-edge exhibition facilities at DEC positions the city to not only embrace current industry trends but also to create an ecosystem where startups, established enterprises, and industry leaders can collaborate effectively.
The hosting of these mega-events is expected to draw thousands of participants, including exhibitors, industry experts, and investors from around the world, thereby generating substantial economic benefits for the local and regional economies. The synergy created by the relocation of such high-profile events will likely enhance Dubai’s reputation as a facilitator of global trade, drawing in not only companies individually but entire sectors eager to capitalize on the emirate’s flourishing market opportunities.
In conclusion, the upcoming transition of GITEX Global and Gulfood to the Dubai Exhibition Centre is emblematic of Dubai’s forward-thinking ethos. It encapsulates the city’s ambition to redefine its role on the world stage and to emerge as a pinnacle of innovation and business excellence. As the foundation is laid for these significant exhibitions, all eyes will be on Dubai as it endeavors to establish a new benchmark in the world of international trade events.
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