CHICAGO — Just under a year after announcing plans to launch a joint venture, Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa have confirmed a strategic partnership to form inD, a new operating business.
The partnership combines Informa’s wholly-owned B2B Live Events business in the UAE and IMEA region with DWTC’s B2B Live Events business. The new business will bring together a strong lineup of high-growth industry events, including WHX, Middle East Energy, Dubai Airshow, Gulfood, GITEX and GISEC brands.
Through the combined business, approximately 1,000 colleagues will be brought together to operate the more than 40 brands encompassed by this partnership.
“The creation of inD deepens our partnership with DWTC at a time of structural growth for our industry, strong economic growth across the region and dynamic market growth in the UAE in particular, as the supply of high-quality venue space increases to meet growing demand for B2B Live Events,” stated Stephen A. Carter, Group Chief Executive of Informa.
According to the announcement from Informa, inD will provide market access, unique expertise and national leadership benefits, while serving as Informa’s largest partnership business globally.
Related. Informa Announces Joint Venture with Dubai World Trade Centre Called Informa International
inD will be fully consolidated and reported within the Informa Group, with the company holding 52% equity. DWTC owns the remaining 48% equity.
“Dubai has long been the world’s leading destination for global business events. This partnership now elevates that position further by transforming Dubai into an IP and knowledge hub that not only accelerates international growth opportunities for DWTC’s flagship brands but also strengthens Dubai’s long-term GDP impact, further cementing its role as a leading global player in B2B events. Together with Informa, we are building a platform for sustained growth, innovation and global reach,” His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, CEO, Dubai World Trade Centre, stated.
Profitable Business in Booming Region
According to Informa, “inD is targeting 20%± underlying revenue growth to deliver revenues of $650m+, with adjusted operating profit margins of 30%+.”
The company also stated it sees opportunities for brand extension, syndication and expansion by bringing other brands in Informa’s portfolio to the UAE and bringing established inD brands to other international markets.
It comes at an opportune time, as the exhibition business in the greater Middle East region is booming as countries focus on economic diversification.
This boom has included significant investments in events infrastructure, including stadiums and convention centers. Aligning with the timing of the inD partnership, The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion will bring Dubai’s capacity to more than 3 million square feet by 2031.
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