DEC will host a number of events organised by Informa during Expo 2020, including the 20th Cityscape Global (10-12 November 2020), a real estate investment and development event for emerging markets; Middle East Film and Comic Con (4-6 March 2021), a festival of pop culture and gaming, expected to attract more than 45,000 people; and the inaugural Games Con (4-6 March 2021), dedicated to the growing online gaming community in the region.
Informa, one of the world’s leading international events, market intelligence and scholarly research groups, was also announced as an authorised ticket reseller, supporting Expo 2020’s goal to attract 25 million visits.
Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “Informa will be bringing some of the most exciting and popular events in Dubai to the DEC, enabling visitors to enhance their experience with all that Expo 2020 has to offer.
“This significant agreement builds on DEC’s growing reputation as one of the most innovative and connected event and entertainment venues in the world.”
Visitors, exhibitors and delegates will be able to combine the full suite of Expo 2020 visitor experiences with DEC events, summits, seminars, product launches, networking opportunities and meetings.
Peter Hall, President of Informa Markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: “Informa has been operating in the Middle East, with Dubai as its hub, for over 25 years. Dubai has established itself as a global meeting point for business, and we have enjoyed enormous success thanks in no small part to the Emirate’s drive for world-class infrastructure and experiences, which Expo 2020 is set to build upon.
“As we prepare to attract thousands of guests to the DEC next year, we are excited to be working with the Expo 2020 team in delivering the best possible experience for our participants and visitors.”
Informa-organised events at DEC include NAJAH (1-2 November 2020), an annual higher education student recruitment fair and exhibition involving international universities; the Seatrade Maritime Middle East exhibition and awards as well as Terminal Operator Conferences during UAE Maritime Week 2020 (6-10 December 2020); and the Leaders in Healthcare conference (dates to be announced next year).
The agreement with UK-headquartered Informa follows the announcement of other major events to be held at DEC during Expo 2020, including the World Government Summit and the Global Islamic Economy Summit, both of which will take place in November 2020, as well as the Global Business Forums on Africa, Latin America and ASEAN and World Chambers Congress 2021, all hosted in partnership with Dubai Chamber.
