H.H Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, UAE Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Board of Dubai World Trade Centre (DTWC), chaired the company’s Board Meeting, held on 28th of June 2010 at DWTC. The meeting, which was attended by the DWTC Board of Directors and DWTC’s CEO, included a discussion and review of DWTC’s five year strategic plan for the events industry, as well as a review of operational results and achievements in 2009 and 2010 to date.
One of the many noteworthy achievements highlighted at the meeting was the positive performance of DWTC despite a particularly challenging year for business across the globe. DWTC venues – the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and Airport Expo Dubai – welcomed over 1,240,000 visitors and 31,197 exhibiting companies across meetings, exhibitions and conferences in 2009, representing a 12 and 2.5 per cent annual growth in visitor and exhibitor volumes, underlining the confidence in Dubai as the hub for regional trade.
His Highness also discussed DWTC’s effectiveness in positioning Dubai as the business destination to regional and global markets and commented on the company’s high levels of performance and capabilities in hosting over 100 world-class events annually, and attracting new exhibitions and global congresses in 2011 and the coming years. His Highness reinforced the fact that the expertise, modern infrastructure and partnership between government, private entities and associations have paved the way for Dubai’s wins of 10 major global congresses over the next 18 months including the World Congress of Cardiology in 2012, being held for the first time in the Middle East at the Dubai World Trade Centre. Next year a number of new congresses will be hosted at DWTC including UITP (International Public Transport), the World Diabetes Congress, the International Hospital Federation, the Human Genome Congress and others to be announced, that will bring over 70,000 global delegates to Dubai.
In order to cater for the increasing demand and positive growth in the region’s events sector, DWTC’s recent infrastructure expansion, the Sheikh Saeed Halls which includes the UAE’s largest indoor events space – The Trade Centre Arena, was highlighted as a further step to achieving its strategy of positioning Dubai as the world’s leading events destination. Additionally, plans for DWTC’s imminent multi-story car park expansion that will add over 1,000 spaces and facilitate parking and access to the venue during major exhibitions was announced.
His Highness was pleased to note that the strength of Dubai’s resources coupled with the DWTC’s 31 years of expertise in venue management and exhibition organizing have led to further expansion of its presence overseas in the Region. Following the resounding success of the Saudi International Boat Show, the Trade Centre will continue its endeavours to share knowledge and expertise throughout the Middle East.
During the meeting, H.H Sheikh Hamdan praised the efforts of the Board and expressed his appreciation for the company’s hard work and achievements, and wished everyone continued success. The Board Members in attendance included H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Deputy Chairman, Mr. Butti Saeed Al Ghandi, Mr. Ziad Abdulla Galadari, Mr. Abdulla Mohammed Rafia, Mr. Khalifa Suhail Al Zaffin, Mr. Saoud Ibrahim Obaidalla, Mr. Abdulrahman Mohammed Rashid Al Sharid, Mansoor Bin Jassim Al Thani, Corporate Operations DWTC and Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO of DWTC.
