Dubai is set to reshape its events industry through a substantial AED 10 billion ($2.7 billion) expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City. The move comes as part of the city’s goal to enhance its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, doubling the number of events and elevating the annual revenue to AED 54 billion ($14.7 billion) by 2033.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, greenlit the extensive expansion project, which will position the DEC as the region’s largest indoor venue for exhibitions and events. “We have approved the master plan for the expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED 10 billion. This iconic venue will not only become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination in the region but also set new global standards for excellence in the industry. We are committed to consolidating Dubai’s status as a global leader in the events and exhibitions sector and the top destination for mega events,” Sheikh Mohammed announced.
The expansion is a key part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, aiming to transform Expo City into a dynamic hub for international exhibitions and business events. Sheikh Mohammed emphasized the importance of the city’s events, stating, “Our events provide platforms for connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from across the globe.
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.”
The announcement was made in the presence of senior officials, including Mohammed Al Shaibani, Mattar Al Tayer, and Helal Saeed Almarri, highlighting the strategic importance of the project to Dubai’s future.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Emirates Group, reflected on Dubai’s transformation: “Dubai has evolved from a travel and tourism gateway into a global hub of innovation, connectivity, and forward-looking enterprise. The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre has been strategically planned to align with the visionary goals of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest once fully operational.”
This development will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase scheduled for completion by 2026. The final phase, set for 2031, will include a 300-room hotel, retail outlets, and expanded exhibition space totaling 180,000 square meters. This expansion is expected to help Dubai host over 600 events annually by 2033.
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the World Trade Centre Authority, added that the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 would be central to guiding the growth of the MICE sector. He noted that “the expansion will propel the next phase of the MICE sector’s evolution, driving sustainable growth and economic progress for the global MICE industry.”
The project’s success is expected to reinforce Dubai’s standing as a global leader in hosting international exhibitions and conferences, with a focus on innovation, economic progress, and attracting talent from across the world.
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