The Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai has received approval for a whopping USD2.7 billion (Dhs10 billion) expansion, which will make it the largest exhibition centre in the region.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, shared the plans, which aim to enable Dubai to host twice as many large-scale events from 300 to 600. The annual impact of this economic hub is expected to reach about Dh54 billion by 2033.

As part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, the expansion will be completed in three phases. The first phase due to complete in 2026 will see the exhibition space increase to 140,000 sqm from its current 58,000 sqm.

The second phase, expected to complete in 2028, will see an additinoal 160,000 sqm of space with infrastructure improvements like roads and multi-level parking.

The final phase, projected for 2031, will add an impressive 180,000 sqm of indoor exhibition space featuring 26 interconnected halls spanning 1.2km, which can accommodate a mega event or up to 20 smaller events.

The external exhibition plaza will span 22,000 sqm, making it ideal for outdoor events and gatherings. With 7,000 sqm dedicated to retail and dining options, 5,000 sqm to parking and 8,000 sqm allocated for offices, the centre will have the capacity to welcome 65,000 visitors daily. There will also be a hotel offering 300 rooms on-site.

Once complete, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will surpass the size of the current Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre by one and a half times.