His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has approved a AED 10B expansion for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, the DEC will become the largest indoor events venue in the region, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Expo City’s vision of establishing itself as a global hub for exhibitions and events.
Sheikh Mohammed highlighted that the expanded DEC will set new global standards for excellence in the industry, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a global leader in the events sector. He also emphasised the economic and tourism benefits that large-scale international events bring to Dubai.
The project will be completed in three phases, with Phase 1 delivering 140,000 square metres of exhibition space by 2026. By the final phase in 2031, the DEC will offer 180,000 square metres of space, featuring 26 halls and additional facilities such as a hotel and retail outlets.
The expansion will position Dubai to double its large-scale events annually by 2033, reinforcing its status as a top destination for international exhibitions and business events. The DEC will also host a diverse range of global events, from technology to real estate, and further integrate with Dubai’s broader urban development, including Expo City Dubai and Al Maktoum International Airport.