His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a major AED10 billion expansion for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, the DEC will become the largest indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. This development is a key part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aims to position Expo City Dubai as a leading hub for global exhibitions and events.
Sheikh Mohammed stated that the new venue will set global standards for the events industry, helping boost Dubai’s status as a top destination for large-scale events. He emphasized that the expansion will contribute to economic growth, increase tourism, and enhance Dubai’s role as a global economic hub.
The DEC’s master plan includes three key phases. Phase 1, to be completed by 2026, will increase the exhibition space to 140,000 square metres, more than double the current capacity. By 2028, Phase 2 will expand the venue further to 160,000 square metres and add supporting infrastructure. The final phase, to be completed by 2031, will feature 180,000 square metres of exhibition space, along with hotels, retail outlets, and office spaces, allowing the DEC to host mega events and multiple smaller events simultaneously.
This expansion aligns with Dubai’s goals of growing its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector. His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, highlighted the ambition to triple the MICE sector’s economic contribution to AED54 billion annually by 2033. This plan is part of Dubai’s larger economic vision to further cement its role as a global leader in business, trade, and tourism.
By 2033, the DEC will be able to host over 600 events annually, doubling its current capacity of around 300 events. The new facility will also play a crucial role in supporting sectors like technology, healthcare, financial services, and real estate, as well as emerging industries such as media, education, and entertainment.
The DEC’s expansion will integrate with other major developments in the region, including the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport. The development will support Dubai’s efforts to create a future-ready urban hub that meets the highest global standards.
