His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice-president and prime minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved an AED10bn (US$2.72bn) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
On completion, the DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. Part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the expansion is integral to Expo City Dubai’s vision of becoming a dynamic economic hub, driven by global exhibitions and events.
HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED10bn. 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.”
He 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.”
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and chairman of the Board of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), added: “Dubai has evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation, connectivity, and forward-looking enterprise. Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, we have reinforced our status as one of the world’s most influential cities – a place where the world converges to shape the future of business, enterprise and creativity, making Dubai a vibrant city that attracts talent and opportunity from around the globe.”
Al Maktoum International Airport has also recently announced an expansion which is set to make it the world’s largest once fully operational.
During the briefing, His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri highlighted the DWTC’s commitment to tripling the economic contribution of its MICE sector to AED54bn annually by 2033, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.
Almarri said: “Our goal is to solidify Dubai’s standing as one of the top three global destinations for tourism and business, reinforcing the city’s role as a model of innovation and opportunity on the global stage.”
Three key phases
The DEC master plan outlines the venue’s expansion in three key phases to accommodate the increasing demand for large-scale venues. In Phase 1, set for completion by 2026, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will feature 140,000sqm of exhibition space, nearly two and a half times its current capacity of 58,000sqm.
Phase 2, expected to be completed by 2028, will expand the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000sqm, 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 180,000sqm, 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 also include a 300+ key hotel, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations.
Once all phases of expansion are complete, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) and enable Dubai to double the number of large-scale events hosted annually, increasing from approximately 300 today to over 600 by 2033.
The next-generation destination will enhance Dubai’s calendar of global events across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, food & beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. It will also introduce platforms to drive greater global participation in rapidly evolving fields such as media and entertainment, mobility, education, tourism, and manufacturing.
Furthermore, the DEC master plan supports the establishment of Dubai's new urban centre, encompassing Expo City Dubai, the UAE’s first 15-minute city; the broader Dubai South community; and Al Maktoum International Airport.
