Dubai: Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) today announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) expansion is in its final stages and on track for completion, signalling readiness to welcome world-leading mega exhibitions from early 2026. Set to host two of the most influential global events, Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health), this milestone underscores DWTC's continued commitment and investment in expanding Dubai's events capacity and infrastructure. DEC is on course to become the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031, strengthening Dubai's ability to meet the world's growing meetings, incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) demand.
According to Emirates News Agency, Phase 1 of the AED10 billion expansion is set to deliver 140,000 square metres of event space. This includes 64,000 square metres of new exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of flexible pavilion space, integrated with the existing complex to support up to 50,000 visitors per day. The temporary pavilions provide additional capacity and flexibility for Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026. These pavilions connect directly to the main halls and central arrival plaza, with outdoor food and beverage terraces and activation zones enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Convenient pedestrian access links the pavilions to Expo City's Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Following the conclusion of the Q1 2026 mega events, the pavilion areas will transition back into construction for the next phase of expansion. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre, highlighted the expansion's role in showcasing Dubai's capability to host large-scale international events. He noted that the readiness of the expanded venue reflects seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, ensuring an exceptional experience for exhibitors and visitors.
Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, remarked that the DEC expansion is one of Dubai's most advanced infrastructure projects. He emphasized the achievement of structural and operational milestones through coordination with partners across the city. The focus remains on ensuring the venue's systems, facilities, and visitor infrastructure meet DWTC's uncompromising standards of quality and safety.
Phase 1 of the DEC expansion has progressed at unprecedented speed, delivering 140,000 square metres of event space. This milestone underscores DWTC's ability to deliver complex infrastructure efficiently and to international standards, reinforcing Dubai's position as a global hub for business and events. The expansion introduces 64,000 square metres of permanent exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of temporary pavilion structures, seamlessly integrated with existing facilities to create a total event-ready capacity for up to 50,000 visitors per day.
Key construction achievements include the substantial completion of the building roof and facade, phased power on achieved in collaboration with DEWA, and 75% completion of building services with system testing and commissioning well advanced. More than 4,000 workers have contributed over 9 million man-hours, showcasing the project's extraordinary scale and dedication. Structural highlights include 515 foundation piles, 14,000 tonnes of steel, and 48,000 cubic metres of reinforced concrete, complemented by 78,000 square metres of roof sheeting, new parking zones, and expanded marshalling yards designed to optimize event operations.