Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion nears completion, to host events in 2026

Dubai: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) announced that Phase 1 of the Dh10 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is nearing completion, positioning the venue to welcome major international exhibitions from early 2026.

The first phase will deliver 140,000 square metres of new event space, including 64,000 sqm of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 sqm of flexible pavilions. Once complete, DEC will be able to accommodate up to 50,000 visitors daily. The expansion forms part of a broader plan to make the complex the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031.

Global events, infrastructure

The expanded DEC will debut by hosting Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health) in early 2026. Temporary pavilions will connect directly to the main halls and central plaza, featuring outdoor terraces and activation zones. The setup is designed to enhance visitor flow and experience while providing the scale needed for simultaneous large events.

Pedestrian links will connect DEC to Expo City’s Al Wasl and Expo 2020 Metro Station, providing direct metro access. After the 2026 events, construction will resume for the next expansion phase.

Citywide mobility, readiness

To support the dual hosting of Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo, DWTC has partnered with the Roads & Transport Authority (RTA) and Dubai Police to implement an integrated mobility and security plan.

Key features include:

• Direct access via the Dubai Metro Red Line at Expo 2020 Station, the city’s largest metro station.

• Increased train frequency and reduced intervals during event peaks.

• A dedicated express shuttle fleet of 30 buses linking DWTC and DEC.

• Park & Ride facilities at major metro hubs, including E&, Centrepoint, National Paints, and Al Kifaf.

• 80 continuous shuttle services within Expo City Dubai for visitor transfers between parking zones and venues.

Smart events destination

Located in Expo City Dubai, DEC benefits from extensive urban infrastructure designed for large-scale events. The venue integrates high-speed digital connectivity, including 5G-readiness, advanced road networks, and significant parking capacity.

The expansion also emphasizes visitor experience, combining indoor and outdoor spaces with over 50 food trucks, an autonomous smart mini market, and premium F&B lounges. These offerings align with Dubai’s push to create immersive, high-capacity event environments.

Construction progress

More than 4,000 workers have contributed over 9 million man-hours to the project. Key construction achievements include:

• Completion of the building roof and façade.

• Phased power activation in coordination with DEWA.

• 75% completion of building services, with system testing and commissioning underway.

The project’s structure includes 515 foundation piles, 14,000 tonnes of steel, and 48,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, supported by new parking areas and marshalling yards to optimize logistics and event operations.

DWTC’s expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre reinforces the emirate’s growing role as a global hub for business, trade, and large-scale international events — a core pillar of Dubai’s long-term economic vision.