His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has announced a significant Dhs 10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, DEC will become the largest venue for indoor events and exhibitions in the region. This ambitious project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a vibrant economic hub focused on international exhibitions and events.
During a recent briefing, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed received an update on the DEC master plan, attended by prominent officials, including Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director-General of The Ruler’s Court of Dubai; Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being; and Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA).
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 Dhs 10 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.”
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed further added, “Our events provide platforms for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from across the globe. They provide the impetus for economic growth, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to advancing our national projects, strengthening Dubai's growing role as a global economic hub.”
Key Developments In The Dubai Exhibition Centre Master Plan
Helal Saeed Almarri highlighted the DWTCA's goal to triple the economic contribution of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector to Dhs 54 billion annually by 2033. This expansion is expected to significantly enhance DWTC's share of the multi-billion-dirham MICE industry. With over 40 years of experience in hosting world-class events, the planned expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre will solidify Dubai's status as a premier global destination for major exhibitions, conferences, and consumer events.
Three Phases Of Expansion For DEC
The DEC master plan outlines a strategic three-phase expansion to meet the growing demand for large-scale venues:
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Phase 1 (completion by 2026): DEC will feature 140,000 square metres of exhibition space, nearly 2.5 times its current capacity of 58,000 square metres.
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Phase 2 (completion by 2028): The total exhibition area will increase to nearly 160,000 square metres, along with enhancements to infrastructure, roadways, and multi-storey parking.
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Phase 3 (completion by 2031): The final phase will expand indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres, featuring 26 halls across a single level spanning 1.2 kilometres. This will accommodate one major event or up to 20 smaller events simultaneously. This phase will also include a hotel with over 300 rooms, retail spaces, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for seamless operations.
Dubai's Leading Hub For International Exhibitions
Upon completion of all phases, DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, establishing itself as the new venue for major exhibitions. This expansion aims to double the number of large-scale events held annually in Dubai, increasing from approximately 300 today to over 600 by 2033, thus reinforcing the emirate's reputation as a leading hub for international exhibitions and business gatherings.
A New Era For Global Events In Dubai
The expanded DEC will enhance the emirate’s calendar of global events across diverse sectors, including technology, healthcare, food and beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. Additionally, it will introduce platforms to encourage greater international participation in rapidly evolving fields such as media and entertainment, mobility, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
Furthermore, the DEC master plan supports the development of Dubai's new urban centre, which includes Expo City Dubai, the UAE’s first 15-minute city, the wider Dubai South community, and Al Maktoum International Airport.