DWTC’s Hospitality Division in H1 2024
- DWTC’s Hospitality division marks a significant increase in its external catering business,by catering to over 104,000 guests at high profile events in H1 2024, more than doubling H1 2023 numbers
- Weddings at DWTC record strong H1 2024 performancewith guests catered toincreasing by 41%, 35,150
- To match the business growth, DWTC’s Hospitality team also grows in scale, with an increase in the number of chefs as well as both permanent and temporary staff
Dubai, UAE – 12August 2024:Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today announced impressive results for its Hospitality business in the first half of 2024,cementing its position as a premier provider for externalevents and on-site catering services, in addition to its established reputation for providing catering services for events held at DWTC venues. The division marked a significant increase in the number of guests catered to at external events, with104,732 guests servedin H1 2024, compared to 43,615 in H1 2023, marking a substantial rise of 140%.This growth reflectsDWTC’s growing influence and expertiseindeliveringoff-site catering across the UAE.
Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, said: “The first half of 2024 has been an outstanding period for our Hospitality division. We have seen a significant increase in our external catering services, more than doubling our performance compared to the first half of the previous year. Our participation in high-profile events such as the Dubai International Boat Show, Dubai World Cup, Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Dubai Airshowshowcaseour ability to deliver exceptional hospitality at scale.This success underscores our commitment to excellence and versality in providing premier catering services beyond our own venues.”
Wedding catering also recorded strong growth in the first half of the yearwith the number of guests catered to rising significantly, up 41% to 35,150 in H1 2024, from 24,790 in H1 2023.
To support the division’s growth, staff numbers also increased proportionately.Working from a state-of-the-art kitchen facility, spanning 3,650 square metres, and delivering fresh, high-quality cuisine entirely in-house, DWTC Hospitality nowemploys 113 chefs– up from 90 at the samepoint last year. The total number of permanent staff has nearly doubled, reaching 195 compared to 100 in the first half of 2023. Additionally, the number of contracted and temporary staff has increased by more than 8%, rising to 25,395 in H1 2024 from 23,473 in H1 2023.
Julfar added: “The primaryfactor behindthe success of ourHospitality division is our people. At DWTC, we are dedicatedto fostering and nurturing talent, ensuring that everyindividual has the opportunity to grow and develop their skills as part of a high-performing team. Investing in our people aligns withour commitment to the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and contributesto the city’s sustainable economic growth.”
Other notable achievements from the Hospitality division include impressiveresults atDWTC venues across the city.The Jafza One Convention Centre (JOCC) catered to 7,150 guests in the first half of 2024, an increase of more than 28% compared toH1 2023. Additionally,the total number of events held at JOCC and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) increased by 17% from 76 in H1 2023, to 89 in H1 2024.
As a major player inDubai’s thriving events industry, DWTC’s Hospitality divisiondelivers award-winning catering services for events both within DWTC venues and at external locations, including weddings, and F&B retail services. Withthe capacity to cater for up to 40,000 guests per day, the division offers more than just world-class catering. It also provides comprehensive event planning and management services including event décor, stage design, audiovisual and lighting effects, live entertainment, and more.
ENDS
About Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC):
A global business facilitator since 1979, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is home to the region’s leading purpose-built convention and exhibition centre. DWTC provides a platform for connecting people, products, innovation and ideas from around the world through a dynamic calendar of international trade exhibitions and its own roster of sector leading mega events. As a designated free zone, complemented by award-winning commercial real estate, DWTC plays an integral role in Dubai and the region’s growth story. Since its inauguration, DWTC has hosted over 6,000 events, with an estimated economic output of AED 248 billion, attracting over 38 million business visitors to Dubai.
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