Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a 10 billion dirham expansion plan for the Exhibition Center (DEC) in Expo City Dubai. This initiative aims to transform the DEC into the largest indoor event and exhibition venue in the region, aligning with Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan. The expansion is a strategic step to consolidate Dubai as a dynamic economic hub driven by internationally significant exhibitions and events.
The ruler expressed his commitment to this ambitious project, stating that it will not only set new global standards of excellence in the sector but also reinforce Dubai’s status as a world leader in events and exhibitions. He highlighted the importance of events as platforms to connect people, ideas, and opportunities from around the world, driving economic growth and tourism. This development contributes significantly to the advancement of national projects and Dubai’s growing role as a global economic center.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and the Board of Directors of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), noted that Dubai has evolved from being a gateway for travel and tourism to a global hub of innovation and connectivity. Under the ruler’s leadership, Dubai has established itself as one of the most influential cities in the world, attracting talent and opportunities internationally.
Details of the expansion and its impact on the MICE sector
This ambitious expansion plan will significantly increase the participation of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) in the multi-billion dollar MICE sector (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). Building on its world-class infrastructure and more than four decades of sustained economic value generation, the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre will strengthen the emirate’s position as the preferred destination for international exhibitions, conferences, and experiential events.
The DEC master plan envisions an expansion in three key phases to meet the growing demand for large-scale venues:
Phase 1 (2026): The Dubai Exhibition Centre will feature 140,000 square meters of exhibition space, almost two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000 square meters.
Phase 2 (2028): The total exhibition area will expand to nearly 160,000 square meters, along with improvements in support infrastructure, road networks, and multi-story parking.
Phase 3 (2031): The total covered exhibition area will reach 180,000 square meters, with 26 pavilions on a single contiguous level stretching over 1.2 kilometers. This will allow the hosting of a mega-event or up to 20 smaller simultaneous events. Additionally, it will include a hotel with over 300 rooms, shops, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations. Once all phases are completed, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), becoming the new venue for mega-exhibitions. This expansion will allow Dubai to double the number of large-scale events it hosts annually, increasing from approximately 300 to more than 600 by 2033, thus strengthening its status as a leading center for international exhibitions and business events.
Boost to the economic development and global positioning of Dubai
The development of this next-generation destination will enhance Dubai’s global event calendar in key sectors such as technology, healthcare, food and beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. Additionally, it will introduce platforms aimed at boosting greater global participation in rapidly growing fields like media and entertainment, mobility, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
The DEC master plan also supports the establishment of Dubai’s new urban center, which includes Expo City Dubai, the first 15-minute city in the United Arab Emirates, the wider Dubai South community, and Al Maktoum International Airport. This integrated development highlights Dubai’s visionary approach to urban planning, meeting the most demanding global standards and creating thriving and connected communities.
This project not only reinforces Dubai’s physical infrastructure but also enhances its reputation as a vibrant city that attracts talent and opportunities from around the world. By becoming a global convergence point for shaping the future of business, enterprise, and creativity, Dubai positions itself as a global economic hub and a prime destination for mega-events and international exhibitions.
The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Center is a strategic step that drives economic growth and strengthens the emirate’s position on the international stage. By offering world-class facilities and opportunities to connect on global platforms, Dubai continues to attract investments and consolidates itself as a leader in innovation and business development.
