His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed an AED 10 billion plan to expand the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai. This expansion will result in the DEC becoming the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region. The development is a core part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and it aligns with Expo City Dubai’s ambition to establish itself as a key economic hub, powered by international events and exhibitions.
Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the approval of the master plan for the DEC expansion, taking note that the investment of AED 10 billion will raise global standards for excellence in the sector. He affirmed Dubai’s commitment to maintaining its position as a global leader in the events and exhibitions industry and a top destination for major events.
He also drew attention to the value of Dubai's events as platforms that unite people, ideas, and opportunities from around the world. These events contribute to economic growth, increase tourism, and play a pivotal role in advancing national projects while solidifying Dubai's role as a growing global economic hub.
During a briefing, Sheikh Mohammed was informed about the master plan for the DEC by several high-ranking officials, including His Excellency Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director General of His Highness The Ruler’s Court of Dubai, and His Excellency Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar.
His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of both Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline, remarked that Dubai has transformed from a tourism gateway into a global hub for innovation and connectivity. He attributed this progress to the leadership of Sheikh Mohammed, who has reinforced Dubai’s status as one of the world’s most influential cities and pointed out that the city has become a magnet for talent and opportunities from across the globe.
Sheikh Ahmed further explained that the DEC expansion is aligned with Expo City Dubai's visionary goals, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the forthcoming expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. This airport is set to be the world’s largest upon full completion. He emphasised how the synchronised development of these urban elements reflects Dubai’s forward-thinking approach to creating a future city that meets the highest global standards.
His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority, highlighted the centre’s goal to triple its economic contribution from the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector to AED 54 billion annually by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. He expressed confidence that this expansion will significantly increase the centre’s share of the MICE industry, building on Dubai’s existing infrastructure and reputation as a leading global hub for international exhibitions and conferences.
Almarri said that, under Sheikh Mohammed's vision and in alignment with the D33 agenda, diversification and sustainable growth are key to solidifying Dubai’s status as a global economic hub. He added that leveraging Dubai’s strategic location continues to create an ecosystem that supports international business. The DEC expansion, according to Almarri, will drive the next phase of growth in the MICE sector, strengthening Dubai’s regional leadership and positioning it among the top three global destinations for tourism and business.
The master plan for the DEC’s expansion is divided into three phases. The first phase, scheduled for completion by 2026, will bring the total exhibition space to 140,000 square metres, nearly two and a half times its current capacity. The second phase, set to finish by 2028, will further increase the space to 160,000 square metres with additional infrastructure improvements, including enhanced road networks and expanded parking facilities. By 2031, the final phase will boost the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres, with 26 halls on a single level stretching over 1.2 kilometres. This will allow for the hosting of one large-scale event or up to 20 smaller events simultaneously. The final phase also includes plans for a 300-room hotel, retail spaces, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen.
When completed, the expanded DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, positioning it as the new home for large exhibitions. The expansion will allow Dubai to double the number of major events it hosts annually, from around 300 today to over 600 by 2033. This growth will further cement Dubai's reputation as a leading destination for international business events and exhibitions.
The upgraded venue will also expand Dubai’s global events calendar across sectors like technology, healthcare, finance, real estate, and more, while introducing new platforms for emerging industries such as media, entertainment, and manufacturing. Additionally, the DEC expansion supports the broader development of Dubai’s urban landscape, which includes Expo City Dubai, the UAE’s first 15-minute city, and the wider Dubai South community anchored by Al Maktoum International Airport.
Original article reference: Government of Dubai.
