External events a major asset to Dubai World Trade Centre in H1 2024

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced a strong performance for its Hospitality division in the first half of 2024. The results show a significant increase in number of guests at external events. 104,732 guests were served in H1 2024, compared to 2023’s 43,615 – an uptick of 140%. Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, executive vice-president DWTC, said: “The first half of 2024 has been an outstanding period for our Hospitality division … Our participation in high-profile events such as the Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Cup, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Dubai Airshow showcase our ability to deliver exceptional hospitality at scale.” Wedding catering also recorded strong growth in the first half of the year with the number of guests catered to rising 41% from 24,790 in H1 2023 to 35,150 in H1 2024. To support the division’s growth, staff numbers increased. Working from a state-of-the-art kitchen facility, spanning 3,650sqm, and operating entirely in-house, DWTC Hospitality now employs 113 chefs – up from 90 at the same point last year. The total number of permanent staff has nearly doubled, reaching 195 compared to 100 in the first half of 2023. Additionally, the number of contracted and temporary staff has increased by more than 8%, rising to 25,395 in H1 2024 from 23,473 in H1 2023. Julfar commented: “Investing in our people aligns with our commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and contributes to the city’s sustainable economic growth.” Other notable achievements from the Hospitality division include impressive results at DWTC venues across the city. The Jafza One Convention Centre (JOCC) catered to 7,150 guests in the first half of 2024, an increase of more than 28% on the previous year. The total number of events held at JOCC and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) increased by 17% from 76 in 2023 to 89 in 2024.