Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is nearing completion, marking a significant step toward hosting global mega events from early 2026.
The AED10 billion project, located at Expo City Dubai, is on track to deliver 140,000 square metres of event space, including 64,000 square metres of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion areas. Once completed, the venue will accommodate up to 50,000 visitors per day, positioning Dubai to meet the growing global demand for large-scale business events.
Two of the world’s most prominent exhibitions, Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026, will be the first to use the expanded venue. The new temporary pavilions are directly connected to the main halls and central plaza, offering outdoor dining terraces and activation zones to enhance visitor experience.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, said the project reflects Dubai’s proven capability to deliver major international events with precision and excellence. He credited the rapid progress to strong collaboration among government entities and city partners focused on infrastructure, mobility, and safety.
Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, added that the expansion represents one of Dubai’s most advanced infrastructure projects, integrating intelligent design and sustainability while maintaining world-class standards.
With more than 4,000 workers contributing over 9 million man-hours, Phase 1 has reached key milestones including structural completion, phased power activation with DEWA, and 75% progress on building services. Following the 2026 events, construction will continue toward making DEC the region’s largest purpose-built indoor exhibition venue by 2031.
News Source: Emirates News Agency
