MENA Newswire News Desk: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, has approved an ambitious AED10 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. This expansion is set to position the DEC as the largest purpose-built indoor venue for events and exhibitions in the region, aligning with Dubai’s goal of becoming a global hub for major international gatherings.
The development forms part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, further integrating Expo City Dubai’s vision of establishing a dynamic economic center driven by global trade, exhibitions, and events. The expansion will solidify Dubai’s status as a world leader in hosting mega-events and enhance its role as a vital global economic player.
“We have endorsed the master plan for expanding the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai, with an investment of AED10 billion,” said His Highness Sheikh Mohammed. “This iconic venue will not only be the largest in the region but will also set new global benchmarks for the events industry. Our goal is to cement Dubai’s position as the premier destination for international events, exhibitions, and conferences.”
He added, “Our events act as a global platform, connecting people, ideas, and opportunities from all over the world. These activities significantly contribute to our national projects, economic growth, and tourism, further enhancing Dubai’s role as a leading global economic hub.”
During the briefing, Mohammed Al Shaibani, Director-General of The Ruler’s Court of Dubai; Mattar Al Tayer, Commissioner-General for Infrastructure, Urban Planning, and Well-Being Pillar; Helal Saeed Almarri, Director-General of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA); and Dawoud Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality, were present to discuss the project’s scope and its anticipated impact on Dubai’s economy.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Board of DWTCA, said, “Under the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai has transitioned from a travel and tourism hub to a global center for innovation and enterprise. The expansion of the DEC is a testament to this vision, creating a vibrant urban landscape that attracts talent, businesses, and opportunities from around the world.”
The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion will unfold in three phases, with Phase 1 to be completed by 2026. Once all phases are concluded by 2031, the DEC will cover 180,000 square meters, making it one of the largest exhibition venues in the world. This development aligns with the strategic objectives of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the planned expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest airport once fully operational.
Helal Saeed Almarri emphasized that the expansion will triple the economic contribution of Dubai’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector to AED54 billion annually by 2033. The project also aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, ensuring Dubai remains a global leader in the MICE industry, hosting over 600 large-scale events annually by 2033.