Dubai Exhibition Centre to undergo AED 10 billion expansion to boost events capacity

Photo : Dubai Media Office

Once the expansion is completed, the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) will become the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region. This ambitious expansion plan is structured in three phases to cater to the increasing demand for large-scale venues.

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Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized that the expansion aligns with the strategic vision for Expo City Dubai, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is poised to become the largest airport in the world when fully operational.

The first phase, expected to be completed by 2026, will significantly increase the exhibition space to 140,000 square meters, nearly 2.5 times larger than the current size of 58,000 square meters. This expansion aims to accommodate more events and enhance the visitor experience.

Phase two, projected for completion in 2028, will further expand the total exhibition area to nearly 160,000 square meters, coupled with improvements to infrastructure, including upgraded parking facilities and road networks.

The final phase, anticipated to be finished by 2031, will elevate the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square meters. This phase will feature 26 halls on a single contiguous level, capable of hosting one large event or up to 20 smaller simultaneous events. Additionally, it will incorporate a hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen to support seamless operations.

Once all phases are complete, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, enabling Dubai to double the number of large-scale events it hosts annually, from approximately 300 to over 600 by 2033.

This expansion not only aims to solidify Dubai's status as a premier global hub for exhibitions and business events but also enhances the city's calendar of activities across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, food and beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. The initiative reflects Dubai's commitment to fostering economic growth and strengthening its position in the global market.