Billion-Dollar Agreements Finalized at Gulfood Dubai 2024

The “Gulfood 2024” edition has strengthened Dubai’s position as a leading global destination for exhibitions, conferences, events, and tourism, with the participation of over 5500 exhibitors.

The event has contributed to boosting tourism flow to Dubai and increasing hotel occupancy rates in the emirate, especially in hotels and hotel apartments near the Dubai World Trade Center, according to a report published by Albayan Emirates News Agency.

The largest version of Gulfood welcomed over 150,000 participants from 190 countries, with expectations of commercial deals exceeding 12 billion dollars.

The event included 24 halls showcasing products and advanced solutions from over 5,500 exhibitors, along with interactive activities such as Top Table and Dubai World Cuisine, which brought together more than 100 renowned global chefs.

According to hospitality experts, Dubai has strengthened its position as a global hub for exhibitions and events, after recently hosting the World Government Summit with unprecedented international participation, as well as the 29th edition of the Dubai Shopping Festival.

The busy agenda in Dubai for the month of February also includes the Dubai International Boat Show from February 28 to March 3, featuring over 1000 brands and 200 boats.

Experts confirm that international events and exhibitions stimulate tourism to Dubai and raise hotel occupancy rates to record levels. Many hotels in downtown Dubai have reached full capacity, with expectations of continued strong performance amid a variety of entertainment, artistic, social, and sporting events planned in Dubai during the month of March.

Hotel occupancy rates in Dubai’s hotels and hotel apartments are among the highest in the world, indicating its continued global leadership throughout the year.

In 2023, Dubai welcomed the largest number of international visitors ever, totaling 17.15 million international visitors, representing an annual increase of 19.4% compared to 14.36 million visitors in 2022.

Dubai’s tourism sector achieved exceptional performance last year, enhancing the emirate’s position by being awarded the title of the best global destination in TripAdvisor’s Traveler’s Choice Awards for 2024, the world’s largest travel platform.

This accomplishment makes Dubai the first city to win this award for the third consecutive year.

(Dubai – Albayan)