DWTC moves forward with expansion plans

Earlier today, following the inauguration of the Dubai International Arabian Horse Championship at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, His Highness reviewed the final plans for this new state-of-the-art expansion to the existing venue.

The addition of the new halls at the DICEC will provide a total of 1 million square feet of covered exhibition space and cements DWTC's position as the largest venue in the Middle East.

His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai World Trade Centre had earlier announced that the construction of the extended facilities will be completed and new space will be available for hosting events before the end of 2009 and was extremely pleased to see the final plans moving forward as scheduled.

"We are extremely honoured to have our Chairman here to view the progress of work on our new halls," said Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre.

"As has been evidenced by the growth in key shows held at our venue during the first quarter of 2009 such as Arab Health and Gulfood, the demand in key sectors is clearly on the rise and our plans for expansion are hence a critical step that will ensure that DWTC continues to proactively provide enabling infrastructure to support the regional MICE sector growth as well as our high-performing catering business," said Almarri.

Dubai has emerged as the most important exhibition hub in the Middle Eastern and African region, with a leadership position in a sector worth Dhs12bn a year according to UFI (the global association of the events industry). DWTC continues to work toward sustaining and increasing their target of 1-1.5% contribution to Dubai's GDP, on par with global benchmarks such as Singapore and Hong Kong in the events and exhibitions sector.

"We expect the events sector to play a critical role during 2009 as the catalyst to stimulating the investment climate and boosting economic growth, while playing a major role in driving up visitor traffic to the region, in line with the strategic plan of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. With the completion of our new extension this year, DWTC is well-positioned to move forward with our vision to make Dubai the world's leading destination for all exhibitions, conferences and events," added Almarri.