Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced a major relocation of two of the world’s largest trade shows—GITEX GLOBAL and Gulfood—to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai in 2026. This strategic move marks a new milestone in Dubai’s position as a global hub for technology, innovation, and food industry events.
GITEX GLOBAL, renowned as the world’s largest technology and AI exhibition, will benefit from DEC’s state-of-the-art infrastructure, providing expanded exhibition space, enhanced connectivity, and integrated facilities that align with Dubai’s long-term D33 economic agenda. Gulfood, the premier global F&B sourcing event, will operate across both the DEC and Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC) to accommodate its growing scale and international demand.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre is undergoing a $2.7 billion expansion, positioning it as the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events venue. Strategically located near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport, DEC is fully integrated within Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. The expansion ensures sufficient capacity for large-scale international events, offering a platform for global trade, innovation, and sector growth.
Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events and Exhibitions Management at DWTC, emphasized that the relocation not only provides additional hall space but also enables events to integrate with Dubai’s expanding tourism, lifestyle, and cultural districts. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Venue Services Management, highlighted that DEC’s scale and connectivity will allow flagship events to evolve in line with Dubai’s vision of becoming one of the world’s top three urban economies by 2033.
This move reinforces Dubai Exhibition Centre as a new urban hub for mega-events, fostering opportunities for multinational headquarters, scale-ups, and digital nomads. With this transition, Dubai continues to solidify its global reputation as a premier destination for trade, technology, investment, and hospitality.
