Dubai Exhibition Centre Is Getting a USD 2.7 Billion Expansion

Sheikh Mohamed has officially approved a USD 2.72 billion expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. Once completed, the DEC will be 1.5 times larger than its current space, making it the largest venue for indoor events and exhibitions in the region. This expansion will further cement Dubai’s status as a global destination for major events, allowing it to host more than 600 large-scale events annually. 

In his statement, Sheikh Mohammed noted that the DEC will serve as a platform to connect people, ideas, and opportunities from around the world, thereby bolstering economic growth, developing the tourism sector, and reinforcing Dubai’s role as a global financial center. 

The proposed expansion will take place in three phases. Phase 1, scheduled for completion by 2026, will feature 140,000 square meters of exhibition space. Phase 2, expected to be finished by 2028, will increase the total exhibition space to nearly 160,000 square meters, alongside enhancements to supporting infrastructure, road networks, and dedicated multi-storey parking. The final phase will include a hotel with over 300 rooms, retail outlets, commercial offices, and an industrial kitchen for fully integrated operations.