Dubai World Trade Centre

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) (مركز دبي التجاري العالمي) is a convention and exhibition centre.

History
The history of the Dubai World Trade Centre dates back to its completion in 1979 when it was originally named the Sheikh Rashid Tower, marking Dubai's inaugural major tower and business center. Designed by John R. Harris and Partners (JRHP), the tower was inaugurated by Queen Elizabeth II on February 26, 1979. Subsequent expansions included the inauguration of Halls 1 and 2 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in 1988, followed by Hall 3. In 1996, Halls 4–8 expanded DWTC's exhibition space by approximately 27,870 square meters. The year 2003 witnessed the opening of the new Dubai International Convention Exhibition Centre, along with a concourse connecting Halls 1 and 2, the Convention Tower, Novotel, and Ibis Hotels.

In 2009, Sheikh Saeed Halls opened, augmenting the total exhibition floorspace to 92,900 square meters. In 2015, the DWTC Authority was established under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and ruler of Dubai. The year 2016 witnessed the addition of Za’abeel Halls, contributing 15,500 square meters of event space. Simultaneously, phase 1 of One Central, a commercial development in DWTC, was completed, including Offices 1 with 14,197 square meters of leasable space for businesses and multiple retail and F&B outlets. The same year marked the opening of the 588-room Ibis One Central hotel.

In 2017, phase 2 of One Central was completed, featuring offices 2 and 3, offering over 69,000 square meters of combined leasable space for companies, along with numerous retail and F&B outlets and a rooftop restaurant space. In December 2018, One Central's phase 3, including Offices 4 and 5, was completed, providing more than 64,500 square meters of commercial space.

Sheikh Rashid Tower
Sheikh Rashid Tower is a commercial property historic for its role in Dubai’s rise as a destination for international trade and commerce. It was the region’s first high-rise tower, inaugurated in February 26, 1979 by Queen Elizabeth II. It comprises 39 floors.

Convention Tower
The 13-story Convention Tower is a purpose-built commercial building that provides office spaces to various corporate entities. Completed in 2004, this building accommodates both private and government tenants. Notably, the structure incorporates floor-to-ceiling windows, and its office spaces vary in size from 2,500 sq ft to entire 19,600 sq ft floors. The tower also has on-site business hotels and hosts business events throughout the year.

One Central
One Central is a Grade-A commercial development located within the Central Business District of Dubai, United Arab Emirates. One Central has over 58000 m2 of office space and is a commercial district. It is also home to a 588-room Ibis hotel and a growing collection of restaurants and cafés. It is in close proximity to surrounding city landmarks as well as many dining options, as well as co-working spaces.

Expo Village Residences
Originally developed by Dubai World Trade Centre as the official residential community for Expo 2020 Dubai delegates, Expo Village is a residential and business hub situated centrally in the Dubai South development. It offers short-term or annual lease rental options for 2,273 units spread across four clusters. There is nearby access to a dedicated metro station as well as various businesses and green spaces.

The Apartments
The Apartments is an extended-stay property featuring 543 units, centrally located facing Sheikh Zayed Road, and less than a minute from the main exhibition halls, that offer short-stay serviced accommodation to event organisers and exhibition professionals. The apartments range in size from studios to three bedrooms and benefit from amenities that include a business centre, an outdoor pool with attached cafe, an eatery and bar, gym facilities, a sauna and a steam room.

Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences
Located adjacent to Dubai World Trade Centre, Jumeirah Living World Trade Centre Residences offers luxurious 5-star accommodation for business and leisure travellers. Guests can choose from a range of one-to-four-bedroom serviced apartments for short, mid-term and extended stays. These serviced apartments are well-suited for corporate retreats, offering in-room services and amenities on-site.

DWTC Authority
Established in 2015, Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) is a competitive free zone ecosystem. Located in Dubai's Central Business District, offering Grade A commercial buildings and various workspaces, its tenants benefit from networking and collaboration opportunities during world-class events. The free zone is home to 2,000+ companies from 40+ industries spanning construction, healthcare, IT, media, and trade. In line with DWTC’s overall commitment to growing industry sectors, the free zone regulated by the DWTC Authority provides an environment for leading companies, start-ups, and entrepreneurs and is open to businesses across a multitude of industry sectors that require world-class commercial offices. It is the DWTC Authority’s focus to create the regulatory framework and policies to create and sustain a business-friendly and enabling destination.

Free zone services
In December 2021, as part of the Dubai government's efforts to create new economic sectors, DWTC became a comprehensive zone and regulator for virtual assets and crypto, including digital assets, products, operators, and exchanges.

Company formation
Guidance for Free Zone Establishment (FZE), Free Zone Company (FZCO), LLC branch, foreign company branch, and Business Operating Permit issuance. Support for registration amendments, ownership changes, and share capital amendments.

Licensing services
DWTCA provides different types of licences including support for obtaining new licences, business operating permits and renewal, amendment, or cancellation of existing licences in Dubai’s Central Business District strategic location, for businesses seeking a well-regulated ecosystem under the jurisdiction of the DWTC Authority.

License types

 * Commercial
 * General Trading
 * Professional
 * Event Management
 * E-commerce
 * Single Family Office
 * Multi-Family Office
 * Virtual Assets

Awards and recognitions
Over the years, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has received numerous awards, recognising its contributions to the business and events industry, its architectural significance, and its role in promoting Dubai as a global business hub. Some of the notable awards and recognitions include:

World travel awards
Source:

2023, 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017 & 2010: DICEC - Middle East’s Leading Exhibition & Convention Centre

2011, 2010: DICEC - Middle East’s Leading Meetings & Conference Centre

2021, 2020, 2013, 2006 & 2007: DICEC - World's Leading Meetings & Conference Centre

2001 - 2009: DICEC - Middle East's Leading Conference Centre

Emirates Salon Culinaire
Expo Culinaire 2023 – 19 Medals

Salon Culinaire 2019 – 35 Medals

Salon Culinaire 2018 – 37 Medals

Salon Culinaire 2017 – 51 Medals

Salon Culinaire 2016 – 44 Medals

Food safety and hygiene awards
ISO 22000 Food Safety Certification 2021