DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved a substantial AED10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) located in Expo City Dubai.

The ambitious initiative aims to position the DEC as the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Such an expansion is not merely an infrastructural enhancement; it serves as a cornerstone for Expo City Dubai’s aspiration to evolve into a dynamic economic hub, propelled by international exhibitions and events.

In announcing this plan, Sheikh Mohammed emphasised the role of exhibitions in fostering connections among people, ideas, and opportunities globally.

He articulated a vision where these events catalyse economic growth, enhance tourism, and contribute significantly to national development.

“The initiative not only underscores Dubai’s commitment to becoming a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector but also reflects a strategic intent to attract mega-events that can further solidify its status on the world stage.”

Global hub

The expansion aligns seamlessly with broader infrastructural initiatives in Dubai.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum,  Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Board of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), remarked on Dubai’s evolution into a global hub characterised by innovation and connectivity.

“The expansion of the DEC is strategically planned to coincide with developments such as the forthcoming enlargement of Al Maktoum International Airport, which aims to emerge as the world’s largest airport upon completion. These synchronised advancements signify Dubai’s forward-thinking approach and its ambition to craft a modern urban environment that meets the highest international standards.”

The dedication of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTC) to enhance the economic impact of its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector further illustrates the significance of this expansion. By aiming to triple its economic contribution to AED54 billion annually by 2033, DWTC is positioning itself to capture a larger share of the burgeoning MICE industry.

The commitment not only reflects sustained economic value generation over decades but also solidifies Dubai’s reputation as a premier destination for international events.

DEC master plan

Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), said the  ambitious expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) is set to revolutionise the city’s role in the MICE sector.

The DEC master plan outlines a systematic expansion in three critical phases, responding to the increasing demand for large-scale venues. Phase 1, anticipated for completion by 2026, will enhance the exhibition space to 140,000 square metres, nearly two and a half times the current capacity.

Phase 2, scheduled for completion by 2028, promises to expand the total exhibition space further to nearly 160,000 square metres, alongside vital improvements to infrastructure, road networks, and parking facilities.

The final phase, expected by 2031, will culminate in an expansive indoor exhibition area of 180,000 square metres. This ambitious design, featuring 26 halls on a single level spanning 1.2 kilometres, will significantly enhance the city’s capacity to host mega exhibitions and numerous smaller events concurrently.

Upon completion of all phases, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, enabling the emirate to double the number of large-scale events from approximately 300 to over 600 annually by 2033. This escalation is poised to reinforce Dubai’s status as a premier destination for international exhibitions and business events.

Moreover, this next-generation venue will enrich Dubai’s global events calendar across diverse sectors such as technology, healthcare, financial services, and energy.

It will also foster innovation in rapidly evolving fields, including media, entertainment, and tourism. Such initiatives align with Dubai’s broader goals to establish a dynamic urban centre, exemplified by Expo City Dubai and the UAE’s pioneering 15-minute city concept.