Over 29 entertainment, leisure and sporting events held in 2018

Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 23rd December 2018:   Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced another successful year for its consumer and entertainment events as it closes 2018 having hosted over 500,000 visitors across more than 29 events. This shows approximately seven percent increase in visitor numbers for the consumer and entertainment events from 2017. Ranging from pop concerts and theatrical productions to consumer shows and sporting events, DWTC’s versatile events calendar has been strategic in the evolution of Dubai as a global business, leisure and entertainment hub. 

Mahir Julfar, Senior Vice President - Venue Services Management, Dubai World Trade Centre said: “DWTC’s annual consumer and entertainment events calendar has become an important component of our MICE sector offering as it continues to attract thousands of thrill seekers, super fans, sporting enthusiasts and music lovers from around the world. The number of attendees in 2018 is testament to the strength of this market segment. As we go into the new year, we look forward to contributing to the city’s exciting, multicultural leisure and entertainment offering with an unforgettable line up of events, shows and festivals for the entire family.” 

As one of the most awaited events of the year, more than 420 exhibitors and 45,965 of the region’s pop-culture fans attended Middle East Film & Comic Con in 2018, immersing themselves in international popular culture, film, TV, sci-fi, animation, manga, comics, collectibles, and more, through a series of talks, meet-and-greets, workshops, live events and an exhibition. 

Running for the 19th year, Modhesh World, Dubai's largest indoor family ‘edutainment’ destination, was spread across eight halls over the summer months, featuring a plethora of attractions, experiences, games, shows, contests and workshops.

The 22nd edition of Carpet Oasis drew in 24,000 traders and visitors from all over the world to explore thousands of handcrafted silk carpets and antique souvenirs, including some of the finest products from Iran, Turkey, India, Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. 

One of the highlights for the younger generation this year was the ‘Passport to Adventure’ Disney On Ice production which dazzled a 20,000 strong audience with its combination of world-class ice skaters and heartwarming Disney stories, lavish costumes, dazzling lighting, and enchanting music to create an extraordinary show for families. 

Cirque Du Soleil returned to DWTC in 2018 with a new show inspired by James Cameron’s AVATAR, TORUK – The First Flight. An audience of 10,500 was kept enthralled through a live immersive experience that captured the imagination.

In line with the government’s efforts to make Dubai the most active city in the world, DWTC was once again transformed this summer into the largest indoor sports arena in the region with Dubai Sports World welcoming over 266,000 sports enthusiasts and spectators in 2018 looking to get some sporting action in a sun-free environment. 

The 3rd edition of Dubai Muscle Show, featuring heavyweights from the bodybuilding universe as well as an array of sports competitions and interactive features and fitness demonstrations, attracted almost 10,000 fitness fans - ending the year on a high note for DWTC’s sporting offering.

DWTC’s 2018 consumer and entertainment events offering was complemented by a number of theatrical productions and musical concerts that drew a multicultural audience to the venue. Illustrious comedian Dave Chappelle’s sold out gig with close to 5,000 fans crowned the numerous stage performances that took place at the venue this year. These include Nairooz concerts, Pakistani singing sensation Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, Bollywood star Shreya Ghoshal with a live symphony orchestra, Atif Aslam’s Eid-E-Jashn, Sunidhi Chauhan, Kumar Sanu, Iyad Alrimawi & Orchestra Sharq’s Love & Peace concert, and more.