DWTC hosts 63 consumer and entertainment events in 2016

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the leading destination for business and trade events in the region, will have hosted a total of 63 consumer and entertainment events until the end of 2016, welcoming over one million visitors. This diverse calendar of entertainment events, ranging from theatrical performances and music festivals to consumer shows and sporting events, serves as a complement to DWTC’s solid business and trade exhibitions proposition,reinforcing its commitment to further diversifying Dubai’s events sector and positively contributing to the growth of tourism across the Emirate.

Ahmed Alkhaja, Senior Vice President - Venues, DWTC said: "The demand for multicultural attractions and family entertainment in the UAE has positively impacted the increase in domestic and international leisure tourism to Dubai. In addition to offering a world-renowned platform for the MICE industry, DWTC continues to broaden its consumer and entertainment event offerings to include a variety of home-grown and global events to its calendar, supporting Dubai’s tourism vision and goal to increase visitor footfall.”

Amongst non-trade events hosted at DWTC in 2016, 18 consumer events welcomed over 300,000 visitors and 45 live events attracted over 700,000 visitors. Highlights of the year included Cirque Du Soleil – Varekai, Russell Peters show, Disney Live, Ramadan Majlis, Dubai Sports World, Modhesh World, and more.

Global music maestros and theatre productions draw thousands of fans

Remarkable performances from global music legends drew in a diverse multicultural audience to the venue. The year began on a high note in February with a sold-out show featuring Charles Aznavour, the French-Armenian singer who mesmerized the audience with his timeless, soulful melodies. French singer Enrico Macias, Indian superstar Arijit Singh and Kuwaiti icon Nawal El Kuwaitia also gave memorable performances at DWTC attracting over 13,000 music aficionados.

Six of the finest international comedians entertained audiences at DWTC with their witty humour including Dara O’Brian, Russell Peters and Kapil Sharma. 

In addition to global talent, DWTC also premiered home-grown theatrical productions including the avant garde Al-Faris that foretold an unseen side of the UAE, with its rustic saga musical based on the poems of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Featuring an international cast of 50 performers and musicians from 19 countries, Cirque Du Soleil – Varekai brought high-flying acrobatics and heart-racing acts to the UAE including the Flight of Icarus, Aerial Straps, Russian Swings and the Slippery Surface. The critically acclaimed production has impressed over 8 million people worldwide since it first premiered in Montreal in 2002 and since then, performed at more than 72 cities in 20 countries around the world.

Further captivating firsts for Dubai in 2016 included the fairy-tale Disney classic Beauty and the Beast which welcomed 12,000 fans, in addition to the UFO Show and the breath-taking Cirque Le Noir.

Robust portfolio of consumer events in 2016

In 2016, DWTC provided 65,000 pop-culture enthusiasts a chance to experience the world of science fiction at Middle East Film and Comic Con. The convention gave fans an opportunity to meet celebrities and artists, watch exclusive previews, purchase limited edition merchandise and take part in exciting competitions.

Sport enthusiasts were able to beat the heat and enjoy their favourite sports at DWTC’s home-grown event, Dubai Sports World (DSW), which offered a 25,000 square meters indoor facility with pro-standard pitches and courts for football, basketball, tennis, volleyball, table tennis and more.

During the Holy Month of Ramadan, DWTC welcomed over 22,000 guests to the spectacular Ramadan Majlis. The Majlis featured traditional Arabian cuisine within a lavish Arabesque setting, and also aired the Euros 2016 for fans to enjoy the games during their Suhour with friends and family. In addition, the annual Ramadan Night Market which saw ten fun-filled days of entertainment and shopping offers saw over 137,000 visitors.  

To cater to the increasing demand for consumer goods, DWTC hosted some of the most awaited shopping bonanzas this year including Concept Big brands sale and The Big Spring Clearance Sale which welcomed over 115,000 shoppers. These mega events featured unrivalled offers from established local retailers and world-renowned brands.

With the venue’s 15,500 square metre extension to the indoor complex space, bringing the multipurpose indoor event and exhibition capacity to over 122,000 square metres, DWTC continues to create new business and entertainment opportunities, supporting the growth of the regional event sector.