His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Dubai Ruler, has formally endorsed a key AED 10bn expansion plan of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). This colossal plan working towards creating the largest indoor events place in the region for DEC along with increasing the number of large events in Dubai from 300 to 600 per annum.
The expansion supports Expo City Dubai and the enhanced position of the Emirate of Dubai as a global destination and gateway to the events and exhibitions industry under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. As Sheikh Mohammed said, it is vital for the project as it corresponds to the strategy on setting Dubai as one of the world leaders in the meetings, events, and exhibitions industry and the world’s number one destination for mega events.
Since the expansion will be done in three phases, each phase will ensure growth and improvement of the DEC. The first phase, which is due to be completed by 2026, will extend the size of the exhibition area by 140,000 square meters, or almost three times the current size. This initial phase is going to increase dramatically the capacity of the centre to accommodate large events.
In the second phase to be complete by 2028, the exhibition area is planned to expand to about 160,000 sq m; which is expected to be accompanied by significant improvements in facilities and infrastructure, including roads and multi-s‘torey car parks. The last stage of the development, which should be finished within the year 2031 will add the extra exhibition hall area to an extent of 180000 sq meter. It will also include 26 newly constructed new halls with a length of 1.2 kilometers and that will accommodate one large occasion or 20 little occasions at a go. Also proposed is the construction of a 300+ room hotel, more stores, offices, and industrial kitchen to support the operation of the project.
