Dubai Exhibition Centre gears up for mega events

The Dubai World Trade Centre has announced that Phase One of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is nearing completion — a major step towards welcoming key global events from early 2026.

The AED 10 billion expansion project's first phase will add 140,000 square metres of event space, including 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilions capable of hosting up to 50,000 visitors a day.

Once complete, the DEC is set to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031.

Two global mega events — Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo, formerly Arab Health — will be the first to take place at the expanded venue next year.

Temporary pavilions and outdoor activation zones will enhance visitor experiences, all seamlessly connected to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), said the expansion demonstrates Dubai’s ability to deliver “large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact.”

Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, added that the project reflects Dubai’s focus on “intelligent design, scale, and sustainability.”

Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo will run simultaneously across DWTC and DEC in early 2026.

Ahead of these events, a citywide mobility and readiness plan is being rolled out in partnership with the RTA and Dubai Police, featuring increased Metro services, a dedicated express shuttle network, and park-and-ride options to ensure smooth transport between DWTC and DEC.

The expansion reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most connected and future-ready destinations for major international events.

Dubai World Trade Centre announces that Phase 1 of the AED 10 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion is nearing completion, adding 140,000 square metres of event space and boosting capacity to 50,000 per day, ahead of its opening in early 2026. pic.twitter.com/4Jk1889s0c

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) November 12, 2025