Dubai has taken a major strategic leap in the global exhibitions and business events landscape with the creation of inD, a new B2B Live Events business formed through a landmark partnership between Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) and Informa Group PLC. Officially announced on 20 January 2026, the partnership brings together the strengths of two global powerhouses to accelerate growth across the UAE, India, Turkey, Egypt and Bahrain.
First unveiled in March 2025, inD (pronounced indee) combines DWTC’s strong portfolio of globally recognised B2B event IPs with Informa’s international scale, operational expertise and market reach. The new entity will manage more than 40 major B2B brands across high-growth sectors including healthcare, energy, aviation, food & beverage, ICT and cybersecurity. Flagship shows such as Gulfood, GITEX Global, Middle East Energy, Dubai Airshow and GISEC will now operate under the inD umbrella.
The combined portfolio is projected to generate revenues exceeding US$650 million in 2026, underlining the sustained global demand for high-impact, in-person B2B experiences. The timing of the partnership is particularly significant as Dubai expands its world-class infrastructure, with the Dubai Exhibition Centre set to offer 140,000 square metres of event capacity in 2026.
inD’s first major showcase will be Gulfood 2026, which will run at an unprecedented scale across DWTC’s Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, welcoming over 8,500 exhibitors from 195 countries. This will be followed by WHX Dubai and WHX Labs Dubai, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global meeting point for industries, innovation and investment.
From an industry perspective, the formation of inD marks a defining moment for the global B2B Live Events sector, positioning Dubai not just as a destination, but as a leading global hub for event IP creation, knowledge exchange and long-term economic impact.
