State-owned events and exhibition giant Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is reportedly considering a public listing in Dubai for its joint events business with UK-based Informa Group. According to reports citing anonymous sources, Rothschild & Co has been appointed to advise on the potential initial public offering.
The move signals a significant development for Dubai’s capital markets and its thriving MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions) sector.
A Strategic Partnership
The potential IPO stems from a partnership announced in March 2025 that created Informa International. This joint venture combines the exhibitions, conferences, and professional training businesses of both DWTC and Informa in Dubai and associated markets. At its inception, the venture was projected to generate revenues exceeding $700 million.
This listing aligns directly with Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda, which includes a strategic goal to triple the annual GDP contribution of the MICE sector to AED 54 billion by 2033.
Dubai’s Economic Engine
DWTC stands as a cornerstone of Dubai’s business and tourism landscape, hosting flagship international events such as Gitex Global, the Dubai Airshow, Arabian Travel Market, and Gulfood.
In 2024 alone, events hosted at the venue generated a record AED 22.35 billion ($6 billion) in economic value for the emirate, fueling growth across hospitality, retail, transport, and other vital sectors. The global MICE market, valued at over $1 trillion, provides a substantial backdrop for the venture’s growth potential.
Navigating the Regional IPO Climate
While the initial public offering could materialize as early as this year, it comes amid a shifting landscape for regional listings. The Gulf IPO market experienced a slowdown in 2025, with 44 listings raising $6 billion, the lowest figure since 2020, according to Kamco Invest.
However, the strategic value of this particular listing is seen as a key driver. “Putting this business on the exchange isn’t just about money. It’s about unlocking value, planning for growth and aligning performance with investor expectations in a booming global market,” said Vijay Valecha, CIO at Century Financial.
The potential DWTC-Informa IPO joins a pipeline of anticipated listings in the UAE, including Etihad Airways and Binghatti Holding, and follows reports of Saudi Arabia’s plans to list its own events management company, Sela.
About Dubai World Trade Centre
The Dubai World Trade Centre is an integrated events and exhibitions venue located in the heart of Dubai. Since its inauguration in 1979, it has been a catalyst for business tourism in the MENA region, hosting over 500 events annually and connecting people, products, and ideas from around the globe.
Source: AGBI
