GITEX GLOBAL is a monster of a tech event. If you've ever been, you know the scale: 170,000 people and 5,000 exhibitors packed into one space. Now, that event and its massive food industry sibling, Gulfood, are packing their bags.

The news is out. Starting in 2026, both GITEX GLOBAL and Gulfood are moving to the Dubai Exhibition Center (DEC) at Expo City. This isn't just about getting more floor space. It's a major power play that signals exactly where Dubai is headed.

The deal was signed during this year's GITEX GLOBAL 2025. GITEX will move entirely to the state-of-the-art DEC. Gulfood will split its time, using both the new DEC and its classic home at the Dubai International Convention & Exhibition Center.

The Strategy: Building a New Mega Hub

This move is a core piece of Dubai's D33 plan, the strategy to double the emirate's economy by 2033. To hit that ambitious goal, you need the infrastructure to match. You simply cannot double an economy without doubling your capacity for business.

The DEC at Expo City is getting a massive $2.7 billion expansion for this very reason. By moving its flagship events there, Dubai is creating a purpose-built urban hub for the future of global business. It allows these events to grow without limits, pulling in more international companies, more investment, and more talent.

What It Means for the Property Market

So, what does this mean for investors and the city's map? When you move events this big, you create a new center of gravity.

The Expo City Gold Rush

A huge shift in demand is coming to the area around Expo City. A senior analyst at Gulf Property Insights confirmed this, noting that new demand pockets will almost certainly boost commercial and residential property values there.

Hotels & Hospitality: Expect a surge in demand for hotel rooms and serviced apartments.
Commercial Space: Co-working spaces and offices will be in high demand.
Residential: Proximity to the new business hub will make nearby communities more attractive.

The Old Center's Next Move

What about the original DWTC area? This move doesn't mean it becomes obsolete. It forces it to get creative. The area will likely reposition itself, attracting a new mix of events and commercial ventures to keep the real estate valuable. We'll see innovation, not abandonment.

This is Dubai future-proofing itself in real-time. The city isn't just waiting for the future of global business; it's building the very foundation for it.