Sheikh Mohammed Approves AED 10 Billion Expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved an AED 10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, the DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region. This project is a pivotal element of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to transform Expo City Dubai into a thriving global hub for exhibitions and economic activities.

Commenting on the announcement, Sheikh Mohammed stated: “We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED 10 billion. This iconic venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region, but it will also set new global standards for excellence in the industry. We are committed to solidifying Dubai’s position as a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector and as the top destination for mega events.”

His Highness also emphasised the significance of Dubai’s events in fostering international collaboration: “Our events provide platforms for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from across the globe. They serve as catalysts for economic growth, boost tourism, and contribute significantly to advancing our national projects, enhancing Dubai’s role as a growing global economic hub.”

The announcement followed a briefing attended by senior officials, 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 DWTC management.

Strategic Vision and Expansion Plans

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Dubai Airports, and Emirates Airline and Group, along with Chairman of the Board of the DWTCA, highlighted Dubai’s evolution: “Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation, connectivity, and enterprise. The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre aligns with Expo City Dubai’s visionary goals, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the ongoing expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest. This synchronised development will further showcase Dubai as a forward-thinking global city, attracting talent and opportunity from around the world.”

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of DWTCA, emphasised that the DEC expansion is in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to triple the economic contribution of Dubai’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector to AED 54 billion annually by 2033. Almarri added: “Guided by Sheikh Mohammed’s vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda, we are focused on diversifying and driving sustainable growth, positioning Dubai as a leading global economic hub. The expanded DEC will strengthen our global MICE sector leadership, support economic growth, and bolster Dubai’s standing as one of the top three global destinations for tourism and business.”

Phased Development

The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre will occur in three phases:

• Phase 1: Set for completion by 2026, the DEC will expand to 140,000 square metres, nearly 2.5 times its current size.
• Phase 2: Scheduled for 2028, the exhibition space will grow to 160,000 square metres, accompanied by enhanced infrastructure, improved road networks, and multi-storey parking facilities.
• Phase 3: By 2031, the DEC will offer 180,000 square metres of indoor space, featuring 26 halls spanning 1.2 kilometres. The venue will accommodate one mega event or up to 20 smaller events simultaneously. This final phase will also include a 300+ key hotel, retail spaces, offices, and an industrial kitchen for integrated operations.

Upon completion, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC), allowing Dubai to double its capacity to host large-scale events, from 300 annually to over 600 by 2033.

The expanded DEC will significantly enhance Dubai’s event calendar across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, financial services, real estate, media, and tourism, further establishing the emirate as a premier global hub for exhibitions and business events.

A Vision for Dubai’s Future

The DEC expansion is part of a broader vision to establish Dubai as a world-class urban centre. The development aligns with the creation of Expo City Dubai, which will be the UAE’s first 15-minute city, in conjunction with the growing Dubai South community and the expanded Al Maktoum International Airport.

Once completed, this next-generation destination will offer a platform for global participation in emerging industries and will reinforce Dubai’s role as a global model for innovation and opportunity.