Sheikh Mohammed approves Dh10 billion for Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City

Expansion plan will create the region's largest indoor events venue with 180,000 square metres covering 26 halls spanning 1.2km on a single level

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said events provide platforms to connect people as he approved the plan. Photo: Dubai Media office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a Dh10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.

“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,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a statement released by the Dubai Media Office on Monday.

The investment is part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Masterplan that aims to draw the world’s business leaders and entrepreneurs to the city.

“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,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

Dubai South – the new urban centre

The DEC will take over from the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sheikh Zayed Road as the emirate's home of major events. The move is in line with supporting growth in the Dubai South area, which is where Al Maktoum International Airport is located and where the country's first 15-minute city, Expo City Dubai, is being built.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, chief executive of Emirates airline and chairman of the board of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said the city had evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation and connectivity.

“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,” he said.

“The synchronised development of this unique urban hub, along with its thriving communities, showcases Dubai’s forward-thinking approach in establishing a blueprint for a future city that meets the highest global standards.”

More major events

The masterplan has been divided into three key segments to handle demand. The first phase will be completed by 2026 and will expand the DEC to nearly double its current capacity, taking it to 140,000 square metres of exhibition space.

The next phase will be finished by 2028 and will take the space to about 160,000 square metres and cover infrastructure such as road networks and multi-storey parking. The final phase is expected to be completed by 2031 and will take the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres, with 26 halls that cover 1.2km on one level.

The last phase will also see the opening of more than 300 retail outlets, offices and an industrial kitchen to serve the area. When the expansion is completed, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and will mean the number of major events the city hosts will double to 600 by 2033.

Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, said the authority was committed to tripling the economic contribution of the meetings, conferences and events sector to Dh54 billion by 2033 from Dh18 billion.

He said the DEC expansion would “propel" the next phase of the meetings, conferences and events sector by building on the emirate’s regional leadership and was part of the overall aim of diversification to position the city as a leading global economic hub.

“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,” he said.

“By leveraging our strategic location as a crossroads for international trade, we continue to provide a comprehensive ecosystem, enabling platforms, and world-class infrastructure that support global business and commerce.”