Sheikh Mohammed Approves Dh10 Billion Expansion Plan For Dubai Exhibition Centre At Expo City

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, has endorsed a significant expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. This Dh10 billion project aims to transform the DEC into the largest indoor events venue in the region. The expansion is a key component of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to position Expo City Dubai as a vibrant economic hub.

During a briefing on the DEC master plan, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by several key figures including Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director-General of The Ruler’s Court of Dubai; Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA); and Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum highlighted that under Sheikh Mohammed's leadership, Dubai has evolved into a global innovation hub. He stated that "Dubai has evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation, connectivity, and forward-looking enterprise." This transformation positions Dubai as an influential city attracting talent worldwide.

The DEC expansion aligns with Expo City Dubai's visionary goals and the broader objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. It also complements the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport. Once completed, this airport will be the world's largest. These developments reflect Dubai’s forward-thinking approach in creating a future-ready urban centre.

The DEC master plan outlines three phases to meet increasing demand for large-scale venues. Phase 1 will be completed by 2026 and expand exhibition space to 140,000 square metres. Phase 2 will finish by 2028 with space growing to nearly 160,000 square metres. The final phase will conclude by 2031 with total space reaching 180,000 square metres across 26 halls.

This phased development will allow DEC to host one mega event or up to 20 smaller events simultaneously. Additional facilities like a hotel with over 300 keys, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen will support integrated operations.

Economic Impact and Future Prospects

Helal Saeed Almarri emphasized DWTC’s commitment to tripling its economic contribution from the MICE sector to Dh54 billion annually by 2033. This aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. The expansion aims to boost DWTC’s share in the multi-billion-dollar MICE industry significantly.

The expanded DEC will enhance Dubai’s global event calendar across sectors like technology, healthcare, food and beverages, financial services, energy, and real estate. It will also foster participation in emerging fields such as media and entertainment, mobility, education, tourism, and manufacturing.

Once fully operational by 2033, DEC will be one-and-a-half times larger than its predecessor at DICEC. This growth will enable Dubai to double its annual large-scale events from around 300 today to over 600. Such capacity reinforces its status as a premier hub for international exhibitions and business events.

The DEC master plan supports establishing a new urban centre in Dubai encompassing Expo City Dubai and surrounding areas like UAE’s first 15-minute city and broader communities such as Dubai South along with Al Maktoum International Airport.

With inputs from WAM