Malaysia is gearing up to host two major international events — the World Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (WITEX 2025) and the first-ever World Cultural & Arts Festival (WCAF 2025) — from August 22 to 24 at Sunway Resort Hotel, Bandar Sunway.
Organised by the Malaysia Tourism Agency Association (MATA), WITEX 2025 is the rebranded and expanded version of the Asia Islamic Tourism & Trade Expo (AITEX), reflecting the rapid global growth of Islamic tourism and cross-border trade. This will be the third edition of the event, now elevated to a global platform.
In a statement today, MATA said the 2025 expo will be more vibrant than ever, featuring over 150 exhibition booths and attracting strong participation from both Islamic and non-Islamic nations, including countries from ASEAN, BRICS and the global tourism sector.
With the theme “Empowering the Future of Islamic Tourism and Trade through Culture and Innovation,” the dual events will serve as a multidimensional platform, bringing together government leaders, tourism stakeholders, business investors, and the public to promote international trade, investment opportunities, and cross-cultural exchange.
“Admission is free to the public, with the expo running daily from 10am to 8pm,” it said.
WITEX 2025 will feature several high-profile segments aimed at boosting international tourism investment and cross-cultural collaboration, including the World Islamic Tourism Conference (Aug 22-23), Ministers & CEOs Summit (Aug 24), Tourism Investment Asia (a key highlight of WITEX 2025, specialised segment designed to attract investment into Islamic tourism projects across Asia, the Middle East and Africa) and B2B Trade Networking Sessions.
Running alongside the business-focused components, WITEX and WCAF will offer a vibrant cultural programme for the general public, including the national pavilion and cultural shows, halal travel and tour deals, as well as lucky draws and airline vouchers.
“Capping off the week is the World Islamic Tourism and Trade Awards (WITA 2025), a prestigious black-tie gala honouring excellence in Islamic tourism, trade and cultural diplomacy.
“To be held at the Grand Ballroom of Sunway Resort Hotel on Aug 25, the awards will recognise outstanding agencies, corporations and leaders with over 30 accolades, complemented by musical performances and the Combo Orchestra.”
Meanwhile, MATA president Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Khalid Harun said WITEX 2025 is more than just an exhibition – it is a global bridge of trade and trust.
“It reflects Malaysia’s leadership in the Islamic tourism economy and showcases our readiness to welcome the world ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026,” he said.
WITEX 2025 and WCAF 2025 are officially aligned with the state’s Visit Selangor Year 2025 and are a build-up to the national Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
The expo is supported by the Malaysia Convention & Exhibition Bureau (MyCEB), Selangor Tourism, Etiqa Takaful, Batik Air Malaysia and Housecoff.
