Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced today that two of the world’s largest events, GITEX GLOBAL and Gulfood, will move to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai starting in 2026. The strategic relocation marks a significant expansion of Dubai’s events infrastructure and aligns with the city’s long-term economic vision.
GITEX GLOBAL, the world’s largest technology and artificial intelligence exhibition, will transition fully to DEC, while Gulfood, the premier global food and beverage sourcing event, will operate across both DEC and the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre (DICEC). The dual-venue approach for Gulfood is designed to accommodate its scale and diverse participant base.
The agreement was formalized on the sidelines of GITEX GLOBAL 2025 by Trixie LohMirmand, Executive Vice President of Events & Exhibitions Management at DWTC, and Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Venue Services Management at DWTC.
LohMirmand emphasized the strategic importance of the move, stating that the events will benefit from enhanced space and integration within Dubai’s expanding urban and tourism ecosystem. “In Dubai’s new urban centre, the events have space to grow, not only in the traditional sense through hall space, but across Dubai’s expanding tourism, lifestyle and cultural districts,” she said.
Julfar described the relocation as a “new era for Dubai’s event economy,” highlighting DEC’s future-ready infrastructure and its alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033.
The DEC is currently undergoing a US$2.7 billion expansion that will make it the largest purpose-built indoor events venue in the region. Its location near the upcoming Al Maktoum International Airport and integration within the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan position it as a central hub for global business, innovation, and investment.
The relocation is expected to enhance the capacity, global reach, and economic impact of both flagship events, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a leading destination for international exhibitions and trade.
