Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, sharing plans for the Expo City Dubai expansion. Photo Credit: Government of Dubai Media Office
Big changes are coming to Expo City Dubai – the Dubai Exhibition
Centre (DEC) has been approved for an AED10 billion (US$2.7 billion)
expansion plan that will cement the venue as the largest purpose-built
indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region.
As part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, this investment will aim to draw even more global exhibitions and events to the city.
“Our events provide platforms for connecting people, ideas, and
opportunities from across the globe,” said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid,
vice president and prime minister of the UAE, and ruler of Dubai.
“They provide the impetus for economic growth, boost tourism, and
contribute significantly to advancing our national projects,
strengthening Dubai's growing role as a global economic hub.”
Three phases over six years
The expansion will be completed in three phases:
Phase 1, set for completion in 2026, will see the DEC’s exhibition space nearly tripled to 140,000sqm.
Phase 2, to be completed in 2028, will expand the total exhibition
space to 180,000sqm, and add enhancements to supporting infrastructure,
road networks, and dedicated multi-story parking.
The final phase will be expected to complete in 2031 and will
increase the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000sqm featuring 26
halls on a single contiguous level that spans 1.2km.
Once all phases of expansion are complete, the DEC will be 1.5 times
larger than the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition
Centre (DICEC), serving as the new home for mega exhibitions.
Furthermore, the DEC master plan supports the establishment of
Dubai's new urban centre, encompassing Expo City Dubai, the UAE’s first
15-minute city; the broader Dubai South community; and the recently announced expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest once fully operational.