The move forms part of the wider Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Credit: Matyas Rehak via Shutterstock.

UAE (United Arab Emirates) Dubai vice-president, prime minister, and ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has sanctioned a Dh10bn ($2.72bn) expansion initiative for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) located at Expo City Dubai.

The project is aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and aims to transform the venue into the leading events and exhibition space in the region.

The development of the DEC will occur in three phases.

By 2026, the first phase will see the centre’s exhibition space increase to 140,000m² from its current 58,000m².

The second phase, set for completion by 2028, will further extend the exhibition area to approximately 160,000m² and will include infrastructure improvements such as roads and parking facilities.

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The third and final phase, projected to finish by 2031, will boast an indoor exhibition space of 180,000m² with 26 interconnected halls capable of hosting either one large event or multiple smaller ones simultaneously.

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Additional features will include a hotel with more than 300 rooms, retail spaces, office areas, and a comprehensive industrial kitchen.

Upon completion of all phases, the updated DEC is expected to surpass the size of the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre by one and a half times.

The expansion is anticipated to double the annual number of major events hosted in Dubai from approximately 300 to more than 600 by 2033, solidifying Dubai’s desired role as a premier destination for international exhibitions and business gatherings.

The enhancement of the DEC also supports the creation of a new urban centre that includes Expo City Dubai as part of the UAE’s inaugural 15-minute city concept, along with the Dubai South community and Al Maktoum International Airport.

Dubai Civil Aviation Authority president and Dubai World Trade Centre Authority board chair Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “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 recently announced expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the world’s largest once fully operational.

“The synchronised development of this unique urban hub, along with its thriving communities, showcases Dubai’s forward-thinking approach in establishing a blueprint for a future city that meets the highest global standards.”