His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, approved a Dh10 billion ($2.72bn) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
On completion, the DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai’s vision of becoming a dynamic economic hub, driven by global exhibitions and events.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said: “We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED10 billion. This iconic venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region but also set new global standards for excellence in the industry. We are committed to consolidating Dubai’s status as a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector and the top destination for mega events.”
The DEC master plan outlines the venue’s expansion in three key phases to accommodate the increasing demand for large-scale venues. In Phase 1, set for completion by 2026, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will feature 140,000 square metres of exhibition space, nearly two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000 square metres. Phase 2, expected to be completed by 2028, will expand the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000 square metres, along with enhancements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and dedicated multi-story parking.
The final phase, expected to be completed by 2031, will increase the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level that spans 1.2 kilometres. This will accommodate one mega event or up to 20 simultaneous smaller events. The final phase will include a 300+ key hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), highlighted DWTC’s commitment to tripling the economic contribution of its MICE sector to AED54bn ($14.7bn) annually by 2033, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This ambitious expansion plan is set to significantly increase DWTC’s share of the multi-billion dollar MICE industry.
Building on its world-class event-hosting infrastructure and over four decades of sustained economic value generation, the planned expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre will further strengthen the emirate’s position as a preferred global hub for international exhibitions, conferences, and experiential consumer events.