Dubai Exhibition Centre set for AED 10 billion expansion

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has approved a AED 10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City.

Once completed, the DEC will be the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region.

The expansion will unfold in three phases to meet growing demand.

"The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre has been strategically planned to align with the visionary goals of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the recently announced expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest once fully operational," said Sheikh Mohammed.

Phase 1, set for completion by 2026, will increase the exhibition space to 140,000 square metres - almost two and a half times its current size of 58,000 square metres.

The second phase, projected for 2028, will further expand the total exhibition area to nearly 160,000 square metres, along with improvements to infrastructure and parking facilities.

The final phase, expected to finish by 2031, will bring the total indoor space to 180,000 square metres, featuring 26 halls on a single level, capable of hosting one large event or up to 20 smaller ones.

This phase will also include a hotel, retail spaces, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for seamless operations.

When all phases are completed, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, allowing the emirate to double its annual large-scale events from approximately 300 to over 600 by 2033.

This expansion will further establish Dubai as a global hub for exhibitions and business events, enhancing its calendar across various sectors including technology, healthcare, food & beverages, financial services, energy and real estate.

#Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region. pic.twitter.com/oSNdDEUzuB

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 23, 2024

.@HHShkMohd: We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED10 billion. This iconic venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region but also set new… pic.twitter.com/LyPXtiZsAL

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 23, 2024

#Dubai unveils bold vision for MICE industry with the expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai pic.twitter.com/if1TNSBhpp

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 23, 2024