Dubai has taken a strategic leap in the global exhibitions and business events sector with the launch of inD, a new B2B live events company formed through a landmark partnership between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa Group PLC. Officially announced on 20 January 2026, this collaboration aims to accelerate business events growth across the UAE, India, Turkey, Egypt, and Bahrain.
First unveiled in March 2025, inD (pronounced “indee”) combines DWTC’s strong portfolio of globally recognized B2B event IPs with Informa’s international scale, operational expertise, and extensive market reach. The partnership will manage over 40 major B2B brands across high-growth sectors including healthcare, energy, aviation, food & beverage, ICT, and cybersecurity.
Flagship events under inD’s management will include Gulfood, the world’s largest food and beverage exhibition; GITEX Global, a leading technology showcase; Middle East Energy, a key energy and sustainability forum; Dubai Airshow, the premier aviation exhibition; and GISEC, a cybersecurity and digital security event. Together, these events are expected to generate revenues exceeding US$650 million in 2026, reflecting the sustained global demand for high-impact, in-person B2B experiences.
The timing of inD’s launch coincides with Dubai’s continued expansion of world-class infrastructure. The Dubai Exhibition Centre, opening in 2026, will offer 140,000 square metres of event space, enabling large-scale exhibitions and conferences and supporting the city’s ambition to host the world’s most prominent B2B events.
inD’s first major showcase will be Gulfood 2026, running across DWTC’s Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and the new Dubai Exhibition Centre. The event is expected to welcome over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global hub for trade, innovation, and investment in the food and beverage sector.
Following Gulfood, inD will host WHX Dubai and WHX Labs Dubai, further establishing the city as a premier meeting point for industries, innovation, and knowledge exchange. These events will offer attendees unique opportunities to explore cutting-edge solutions, network with industry leaders, and identify growth opportunities in multiple sectors.
Industry experts view the creation of inD as a defining moment for the global B2B live events sector. By uniting DWTC’s event IPs with Informa’s operational expertise and global reach, Dubai is positioning itself not just as a destination, but as a leading global hub for event creation, knowledge exchange, and long-term economic impact.
