Dubai World Trade Centre Set To Host Major Global Events In 2026 With Expanded Facilities

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that the first phase of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is nearing completion. This development is set to host major global events like Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo by early 2026. The expansion highlights DWTC's commitment to enhancing Dubai's event infrastructure, aiming to meet the increasing demand for meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE).

Phase 1 of this AED10 billion project will provide 140,000 square metres of event space. It includes 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion space. These additions are integrated with existing facilities to accommodate up to 50,000 visitors daily. The pavilions offer extra capacity for upcoming events and connect directly to main halls and central plazas.

The temporary pavilions enhance flexibility for events like Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo in 2026. They feature outdoor terraces and activation zones to improve visitor experiences. Convenient pedestrian links connect these pavilions to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. After Q1 2026 events conclude, these areas will revert to construction for further expansion phases.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, stated: "The expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre represents Dubai’s proven capability to deliver large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact. Readiness of the expanded venue, in record time, reflects the seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, from infrastructure and mobility to safety and visitor experience."

The DEC expansion has progressed rapidly with significant construction achievements. Key milestones include substantial completion of building roofs and facades. Phased Power On was achieved with DEWA's help—a crucial step towards operational readiness. Building services are 75% complete with system testing underway.

Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, remarked: "The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion stands as one of Dubai’s most advanced and efficiently executed infrastructure projects, combining intelligent design, scale, and sustainability." He noted that Phase 1's nearing completion reflects coordination with city partners.

Structural Highlights

The project involved over 4,000 workers contributing more than nine million man-hours. Structural highlights include 515 foundation piles, 14,000 tonnes of steel, and 48,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete. Additionally, there are new parking zones and expanded marshalling yards designed for optimal event operations.

This development underscores DWTC’s ability to deliver complex infrastructure efficiently while maintaining high international standards. It reinforces Dubai’s status as a global hub for business and events.

The DEC aims to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions venue in the region by 2031. This expansion strengthens Dubai’s capacity to host world-class events while ensuring quality visitor experiences through its advanced facilities.

With inputs from WAM