Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has officially approved a substantial AED10 billion ($2.72 billion) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, the DEC will stand as the largest purpose-built venue for indoor events and exhibitions in the region. This initiative, Dubai Media Office reported, is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and is a key element of Expo City Dubai’s vision to evolve into a vibrant economic hub fueled by international exhibitions and events.
Sheikh Mohammed remarked that the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai has been approved, with an investment of AED10 billion. He indicated that this landmark venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events site in the region but will also set new global benchmarks for excellence in the industry. He emphasized the commitment to strengthening Dubai’s position as a global leader in the events and exhibitions arena, aiming to make it the premier destination for major events.
Platforms for connection
Additionally, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the events serve as platforms connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from around the world. He explained that they act as catalysts for economic growth, enhance tourism, and play a vital role in advancing national projects, thereby reinforcing Dubai’s expanding role as a global economic center.
During the briefing, Sheikh Mohammed was informed about the DEC master plan by notable figures 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 Pillar; Helal Saeed Almarri, director-general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA); Dawoud Al Hajri, director-general of Dubai Municipality; and senior management from DWTC.
Future city blueprint
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates Airline, highlighted that Dubai has evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation, connectivity, and forward-thinking enterprise. He noted that under the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the city has solidified its status as one of the world’s most influential cities, where global stakeholders come together to shape the future of business, creativity, and enterprise, making Dubai a vibrant city that attracts talent and opportunities from around the world.
He further mentioned that the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre has been carefully planned to align with the ambitious goals of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the recent expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest upon completion. This coordinated development of a unique urban hub, along with its thriving communities, reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to creating a blueprint for a future city that meets the highest global standards.
Strengthening infrastructure
During the briefing, Helal Saeed Almarri emphasized the DWTC’s commitment to tripling the economic impact of its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector to AED54 billion annually by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This ambitious expansion plan aims to significantly enhance DWTC’s share of the multi-billion-dollar MICE industry. Building on its exceptional event-hosting infrastructure and over four decades of sustained economic contributions, the planned expansion of the DEC will further solidify Dubai’s position as a leading global center for international exhibitions, conferences, and immersive consumer events.
Advancing the MICE sector
Almarri emphasized that, guided by the vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and in alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, diversification and sustainable growth are crucial for positioning Dubai as a leading global economic center. He noted that by leveraging their strategic location as a crossroads for international trade, Dubai continues to offer a comprehensive ecosystem, enabling platforms and world-class infrastructure that support global business and commerce. He explained that the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre is set to advance the MICE sector’s evolution, enhancing regional leadership and event-hosting capabilities to promote sustainable growth and economic progress in the global MICE industry. Almarri stated that the objective is to establish Dubai as one of the top three global destinations for tourism and business, thereby reinforcing the city’s reputation as a model of innovation and opportunity on the world stage.
Phased expansion plan
The DEC master plan outlines the venue’s expansion in three key phases to meet the growing demand for large-scale venues. Phase 1, scheduled for completion by 2026, will feature 140,000 square meters of exhibition space—nearly two and a half times its existing capacity of 58,000 square meters.
Phase 2, expected to be finished by 2028, will increase the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000 square meters, alongside enhancements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and dedicated multi-storey parking. The final phase, anticipated to be completed by 2031, will expand the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square meters, featuring 26 halls on a single contiguous level spanning 1.2 kilometers. This will allow for one mega event or up to 20 simultaneous smaller events. The final phase will also include a hotel with over 300 keys, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations.
Establishing a new hub
Upon completion of all expansion phases, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), becoming the new hub for mega exhibitions. This expansion will allow Dubai to double the annual hosting of large-scale events, growing from around 300 today to more than 600 by 2033, thus bolstering the emirate’s reputation as a premier destination for international exhibitions and business events.
Read more: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid reviews cultural district project in Dubai South
Broader impact on global events
The next-generation destination will enrich Dubai’s calendar of global events across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, food and beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. It will also introduce platforms to enhance global participation in rapidly evolving fields such as media and entertainment, mobility, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
Supporting urban development
Additionally, the DEC master plan supports the development of Dubai’s new urban center, which includes Expo City Dubai, the UAE’s first 15-minute city, the broader Dubai South community, and Al Maktoum International Airport.
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