The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai is set to undergo a massive AED10 billion (US$2.7 billion) expansion, positioning itself as the region’s largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue.
DEC’s expansion will be carried out in three phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by 2026. This phase will increase the exhibition space to 140,000m2, nearly two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000m2.
Phase two, expected to be completed by 2028, will expand the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000m2, 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 180,000m2, 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 300+ key hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully-integrated operations.
The Dubai World Trade Centre Authority aims to triple the economic contribution of its business events sector to AED54 billion annually by 2033, which is in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
The expansion plan, approved by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai, is part of Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan which aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a dynamic economic hub.
