Event Scale
The DWTC complex has huge, well-organized halls that can handle major trade shows and smaller events.
Dubai World Trade Center Tower - Sheikh Rashid Tower
Trade Centre
Sheikh Rashid Tower in Trade Centre is Dubai’s first high-rise landmark and the historic centrepiece of the DWTC complex. Visitors mainly come for large exhibitions such as GITEX, GISEC and Arab Health, while the tower itself remains a working commercial building with striking skyline significance.
Reputation Score
4.6
★★★★★
915 ratings
Source: Google Maps
The Good Stuff
Metro Access
World Trade Centre Metro Station on the Red Line makes arriving without a car straightforward.
Historic Landmark
Completed in 1979, Sheikh Rashid Tower was Dubai’s first high-rise building and remains a prominent skyline landmark.
Helpful Staff
Several visitors describe the reception, security and general staff as friendly, polite and helpful.
Visitor Facilities
Event visitors can find a wide choice of food stalls, dining options, restrooms and service areas.
Flexible Halls
The exhibition halls can be divided to suit different event requirements and were described as clean and well maintained.
Tips for a Better Visit
Take Metro. Use World Trade Centre Metro Station on the Red Line to avoid Dubai traffic and simplify arrival.
Check Gate. Confirm the event’s entrance before arriving: visitors have found the right gate tricky to reach.
Budget Parking. If driving to GITEX, allow for event parking charges of AED 100 for the first hour and AED 50 for each later two-hour period.
Find Directory. Ask reception for directions when you arrive, as one visitor said the complex needed a directory.
Plan Events. Check which exhibition is taking place before visiting; the complex hosts many exhibitions throughout the year.
Confirm Drop-off. If using a taxi, confirm the exact drop-off point in advance because drivers may miss the venue.
Plan the visit
Practical details
Dubai World Trade Centre - Sheikh Zayed Rd
Trade Center Second, Dubai
Popular Mentions
Shisha Fair
The Shisha Fair was praised for its massive, organized venue layout and accessible facilities.
GITEX
GITEX is one of the major exhibitions held at the DWTC complex and has event-specific parking arrangements.
GISEC
GISEC is named by a visitor among the major exhibitions hosted at the venue.
Arab Health
Arab Health is one of the large exhibitions mentioned as taking place at DWTC.
World Art Dubai
World Art Dubai is cited as one of the art fairs held at the complex.
Common Concerns
Event Crowds
Popular events can become very crowded, so moving around the complex may take longer than expected.
High Parking
Parking can be expensive during events; one visitor reported AED 100 for the first hour at GITEX.
Traffic Delays
Driving in and out can be slow, with heavy traffic around the parking access during major exhibitions.
Wayfinding
The correct entrance and gate can be difficult to locate, especially when relying on Google Maps.
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The Bottom Line
Sheikh Rashid Tower is more than a photo stop: it is Dubai’s first high-rise landmark and the historic centrepiece of a much larger working exhibition and business complex. The main reason to visit is usually an event, with reviews naming GITEX, GISEC, Arab Health and the Shisha Fair. The halls are enormous but reportedly well organized, with food stalls, dining options, restrooms and service areas spread through the venue.
The tower has real historical interest. Completed in 1979, it once stood alone in the desert and remains a recognizable symbol of Dubai’s early commercial ambition. It is still primarily a commercial building, so access and atmosphere can depend heavily on the event or office you are visiting rather than on a permanent sightseeing programme.
For transport, the World Trade Centre Metro Station on the Red Line is the easiest bet and avoids the traffic that visitors report around the parking entrances. Driving is convenient when spaces are available, but event parking can be costly: one GITEX review reported AED 100 for the first hour, then AED 50 every other hour. Allow extra time to find the correct gate, and ask reception for help if Google Maps or the complex layout leaves you guessing.