Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has greenlit a massive AED 10 billion ($2.72 billion) expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. This development is set to make DEC the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition and event venue in the Middle East. It is a significant step towards achieving Dubai’s broader goals as outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
This expansion will help position Dubai as a global event and exhibition leader. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized that this venue would set new global benchmarks, making Dubai a prime destination for international exhibitions and mega-events.
Strengthening Dubai’s Global Role
This expansion supports Dubai’s vision of being an economic hub. Sheikh Mohammed noted that events like those hosted at DEC connect people, ideas, and opportunities worldwide. These gatherings drive tourism, stimulate economic growth, and support national projects.
The Dubai Exhibition Centre will expand in three carefully planned phases to meet the increasing demand for large-scale event venues. Phase 1, expected to be completed by 2026, will boost the exhibition space to 140,000 square meters. This is nearly two and a half times its current capacity. By 2028, Phase 2 will expand the venue further to 160,000 square meters. It will contain added infrastructure improvements like enhanced road networks and multi-story parking facilities.
The final phase, anticipated by 2031, will see the venue grow to 180,000 square meters. It will feature 26 exhibition halls, offering flexibility for both mega-events and multiple smaller events to occur simultaneously.
Additionally, this phase will bring new amenities, including a hotel, retail spaces, commercial offices, and a state-of-the-art industrial kitchen. Once completed, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC).
What Does It Mean For Economic Growth?
Dubai has long been a hub for global events, and this expansion is set to take that to new heights. Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA) Helal Saeed Almarri shared that the plan aligns with Dubai’s Economic Agenda D33. It aims to triple the economic impact of the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
The goal is to grow the sector’s contribution to AED 54 billion annually by 2033, further strengthening Dubai’s status as a top destination for business and experiential events.
Dubai’s Vision for Innovation and Connectivity
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates Airline, emphasized the city’s transformation from a travel hub to a global center for innovation and enterprise. This expansion of the DEC aligns with Dubai’s forward-thinking approach. It also includes ambitious projects like the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, set to become the world’s largest.
As part of the larger vision to establish Dubai as one of the world’s most influential cities, the DEC’s expansion will attract high-profile events across various sectors, including technology, healthcare, finance, real estate, and more. It will also provide a platform for up-and-coming industries like media, entertainment, mobility, and education.
What’s Next?
With the expansion set to double the number of large-scale events hosted annually, from 300 to more than 600, by 2033, the DEC will help Dubai’s future as a city of opportunity and progress. By hosting events that bring together global stakeholders, DEC will showcase Dubai as a destination for business, creativity, and enterprise.
As Sheikh Mohammed said, “Our events provide platforms for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from across the globe.” If you want to participate in this thriving economy, contact Glidai Properties today. Use this incredible opportunity to purchase a property right in the heart of major events. Your profit awaits.