His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has greenlit an ambitious AED10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai.
The project will transform DEC into the largest indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region, a key element of Expo City’s broader vision and Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.
This initiative aims to double the number of large-scale events hosted annually by Dubai, from 300 to over 600 by 2033, significantly boosting the city’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “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 project will unfold in three phases, culminating in a venue 1.5 times larger than the existing Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, complete with integrated facilities such as hotels, retail spaces, and offices.