Massive Construction Effort Underway

The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai is undergoing a major expansion, with plans to incorporate 14,000 tonnes of steel, an amount comparable to the weight of two Eiffel Towers. The project will also require 78,000 square metres of roof sheeting—equivalent to covering 62 Olympic-size swimming pools.

With an investment of Dh10 billion, the expansion is part of Dubai’s larger vision for urban growth, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. This plan envisions Expo City Dubai as the UAE’s first “15-minute city,” nestled within the broader Dubai South development and Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC).

Capacity to Host 20 Events Simultaneously

Set to open in 2026, DEC will have the capability to host up to 20 events at once. High-profile events, including Gulf Foods, Arab Health, and Gitex, will transition to the new venue, benefiting from its spacious, adaptable design. The building will meet LEED certification standards, promoting sustainability, and feature column-free halls stretching 120 metres in length.

Amer Alfarsi, Acting Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, highlighted the venue's flexibility: "The design allows us to host a large-scale event across the entire 1.2 km space or accommodate multiple events simultaneously. With 180,000 square metres of exhibition space, we can tailor our setup to meet a range of event needs."

Phase One: Expanding Exhibition Space to 140,000 Square Metres

In the first construction phase, 515 foundation piles will be installed, supporting 14,000 tonnes of structural steel. This phase will add 64,000 square metres of permanent exhibition space and 30,000 square metres of temporary space, bringing the total indoor events area to a staggering 140,000 square metres by 2026. This expanded space will accommodate up to 50,000 visitors daily.

In addition, the development includes new parking facilities and expanded marshalling yards to facilitate smoother event logistics. The project is managed by globally renowned consultants Mace and Egis, ensuring that construction and operations meet the highest standards.

Economic Impact and Increased Event Frequency

According to Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, DEC’s expansion will significantly boost Dubai’s economy. DWTC has hosted more than 6,000 international events over the last 45 years, attracting 38 million visitors and generating Dhs248 billion in economic activity. With DEC’s expansion, Dubai aims to double its annual event count from 300 to 600 by 2033, tripling its economic impact from Dh18 billion to Dh54 billion.

"This expansion will enable us to elevate Dubai's exhibition landscape, transforming single events into mega-shows," Julfar said. "Gulf Food, which began as one exhibition, has expanded into Gulf Food Manufacturing, and we foresee similar developments across industries like technology, energy, and security."

Future of DWTC as a Key Event Venue

While DEC will serve as a new focal point for international exhibitions, the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) will continue hosting events. Julfar noted that DWTC remains essential for various event types, including concerts, awards, and government summits. It will continue to be a popular venue for over 25 annual university graduations, a figure expected to rise.

The DWTC’s international conference schedule is booked through 2039, confirming ongoing demand. "With DEC, we’re not just increasing capacity; we’re strengthening Dubai’s status as a global event hub," Julfar added.

A Landmark for the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan

Once complete, DEC will stand as the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition centre in the region, central to Expo City Dubai's vision of becoming a leading economic and cultural hub. Through this expansion, Dubai is reinforcing its reputation as a premier destination for global exhibitions and events, driving growth and innovation across multiple sectors.

The expansions plans were first announced in September this year after Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai’s Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler, endorsed an ambitious Dh 10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.

The project aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to position Expo City as a global economic centre for international events and exhibitions.