Dubai Exhibition Centre to Become Largest Indoor Events Venue in Middle East

Dubai Exhibition Centre Set for AED 10bn (USD 2.72bn) Expansion

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has given the green light for an AED 10bn (USD 2.72bn) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibition venue in the Middle East.

The DEC’s expansion is divided into three major phases. By 2026, the venue’s exhibition space will nearly double, reaching 140,000 square meters. The second phase, set for completion by 2028, will further expand the space to 160,000 square meters and will include improvements to the infrastructure, road networks, and parking facilities. The final phase, expected to conclude by 2031, will bring the total space to 180,000 square meters, with 26 halls spanning 1.2 kilometers on a single level. 

Boosting Dubai’s Position in Global Events

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector. He highlighted that such venues are essential for economic growth, tourism development, and the progression of national projects. The Dubai Exhibition Centre’s expansion will significantly strengthen the city’s role as a global economic hub. Earlier, Dubai also unveiled a 72Km coastal project aiming to plant 100 million Mangrove Trees to transform the city’s coastline into a green landscape inclusive of boardwalks over mangrove forests, biospheres, pocket beach parks, a botanical museum, and a nature reserve conservation center.

Economic Impact and Future Potential

Upon completion, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will be 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre. This expansion will allow the venue to double its capacity for hosting large-scale events annually, increasing from 300 to over 600 by 2033. In addition to the expanded exhibition space, the venue will feature over 300 retail outlets, office spaces, and a large industrial kitchen. The project is also aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aimed at transforming Expo City Dubai into a dynamic economic hub, driven by global events across industries such as technology, healthcare, real estate, and more.

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