Mohammed bin Rashid approves AED 10bn DEC expansion plan
DEC to become the region’s largest indoor venue, supporting Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan and global hub ambitions
Dubai Approves AED10 Billion Expansion for Exhibition Centre to Boost Global Events Industry
The AED 10 billion expansion plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) signifies Dubai’s strategic ambition to strengthen its position as a global leader in the events and exhibitions industry. This expansion, a critical part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, is designed to meet the growing demand for large-scale events, making the DEC the largest indoor events and exhibition venue in the region.
The phased expansion highlights Dubai’s commitment to long-term, sustainable growth. By increasing the DEC’s exhibition space in stages, from 140,000 square metres in Phase 1 to 180,000 square metres by the final phase in 2031, Dubai ensures the venue can host mega-events and simultaneously support smaller events, demonstrating versatility in accommodating global events of all sizes.
This development is strategically aligned with Dubai’s broader economic goals, particularly its objective to triple the MICE sector’s contribution to the economy by 2033. As Dubai doubles the number of large-scale events, the city’s influence in industries such as technology, healthcare, and education will grow, fostering global innovation and collaboration.
The expansion also underscores the importance of integrating infrastructure projects. The DEC’s proximity to the expanding Al Maktoum International Airport and Expo City Dubai strengthens Dubai’s position as a future-oriented urban centre. This alignment reflects Dubai’s vision of becoming a sustainable city that leads in global standards of innovation, connectivity, and development.
Through this expansion, Dubai further solidifies its reputation as a global economic hub, providing platforms for businesses, governments, and innovators from around the world to converge. This move is not just about increasing physical capacity but also about enhancing Dubai’s role in shaping the future of global business, tourism, and international cooperation.
