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Annual Report 2024

DMCC is

Where the world thrives and does business

It is why we are consistently recognised as the world’s premier international business district

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A message from the Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer

“2024 was nothing short of extraordinary. It was a year defined by record-breaking achievements, bold new initiatives, and an unrelenting drive to shape the future of global trade and enterprise.

With an annual growth rate of 8% over the past five years, DMCC has now surpassed 25,000 registered companies, contributing 15% of Dubai’s annual FDI and 7% of its GDP.

The momentum we’ve built in 2024 is strong and gives us a solid foundation to build upon for 2025. DMCC will continue to push boundaries, and shape the future of global business, trade, and urban living.”

Ahmed Bin Sulayem
Executive Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, DMCC

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2024 in numbers

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2,048

Businesses joined DMCC in 2024

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8

New companies register and join DMCC every working day

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96%

Companies' retention rate

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15%

Share of foreign direct investment in Dubai

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100K+

People live and work in DMCC’s JLT and Uptown Dubai districts

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600+

Food and beverage outlets across DMCC’s districts

Trade highlights

icon-circle-diamond Diamonds and Precious Stones

85

Tenders and auctions held throughout the year.

icon-circle-coffee-beans Coffee

7,438

Metric tonnes of coffee handled.

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24,457

Metric tonnes of tea handled.

icon-circle-cube-rotate Tradeflow

AED 1.4 trillion

Total value of transactions.

icon-circle-dgcx DGCX

1.6M

Contracts traded with a notional value of over USD 37.14 billion.

Free Zone

In 2024, DMCC registered 2,048 new companies, taking our total to over 25,000 registered companies. 

This success was down to a number of factors, including international outreach to focus markets, expanding into new industry sectors, and enhancing retention and loyalty services.

Awarded Global Knowledge Zone of the Year 2024 Financial Times’ FDI Magazine (Global & Middle East)

  • Recognised for leadership in trade, FDI, and world-class infrastructure
  • Ranked #5 in the Global Free Zone of the Year’s Top 10
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Property and community

In 2024, Uptown Dubai advanced with Phase 2 groundbreaking, Uptown Plaza completion, and Uptown Social opening, while Uptown Tower earned multiple CTBUH Awards.

JLT saw major plot sales, approval of the Lake A mixed-use hub, and key developer agreements. Sustainability measures cut energy use by 30% and water by 4%, supported by new parking sensors and a Smart & Sustainable Strategy. The community was named Happiest Community of the Year, reflecting DMCC’s focus on enhancing lifestyle, infrastructure, and connectivity.

Ecosystems

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Precious stones

DMCC hosted 85 tenders, launched Dubai Diamond Week with 500+ attendees and 7,000+ visitors, led the UAE’s Kimberley Process Chairmanship, and expanded the RCM to include coloured stones and lab-grown diamonds.

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Precious metals

DMCC took part in major global
gold trade conferences in China,
France, India, Malaysia, Singapore
and the United States.

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Coffee

DMCC Coffee Centre handled 7,438 metric tonnes in 2024 and saw a 50% increase in membership. The centre added new office space, showcased at major events, and hosted the UAE AeroPress Championship.

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Tea

The Tea Centre handled 24,457 metric tonnes, including 6,600 packaged, and expanded value-added tea production.

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Energy

In 2024, DMCC registered 370 new energy companies, bringing the total number across the district to over 3,460. Seven industry events were hosted with 1,600 delegates.

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Crypto

DMCC Crypto Centre took part in 56 key
trade events, significantly raising the profile of the centre at the local and global level. The centre also launched the DMCC Metaverse as a digital twin to boost online engagement.

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Gaming

The Gaming Centre added 28 members (totalling 124), onboarded three partners, won the Best Game Innovation District award, and participated in 14 gaming events.

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AI

DMCC AI Centre fully opened its doors in September with over 70 AI and robotics member companies, including leading names such as AMD, Autel Robotics, Hikvision, and Laipic.