By Desmond Nleya
Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion at Expo City Dubai is nearing completion — a major milestone in the emirate’s preparations to host international mega events starting early 2026.
Valued at AED 10 billion, the project will deliver 140,000 square metres of state-of-the-art event space, including 64,000 square metres of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion areas. Once fully operational, the venue will accommodate up to 50,000 visitors daily, reinforcing Dubai’s global standing as a premier destination for large-scale business and trade events.
Two major global exhibitions — Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026 — are set to inaugurate the expanded facilities. The temporary pavilions, seamlessly connected to the main halls and central plaza, feature outdoor dining terraces and activation zones designed to elevate the visitor experience.
Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at DWTC, highlighted that the project underscores Dubai’s expertise in delivering world-class events through close collaboration with government bodies and city partners across infrastructure, mobility, and safety sectors.
Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, described the expansion as one of Dubai’s most advanced infrastructure initiatives, combining intelligent design, sustainability, and global standards of excellence.
With over 4,000 workers contributing more than 9 million man-hours, Phase 1 has achieved key milestones — including structural completion, phased power activation with DEWA, and 75% progress on building services. Following its debut in 2026, construction will continue toward making DEC the largest purpose-built indoor exhibition venue in the region by 2031.
Source: Emirates News Agency
