Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has announced that Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion is in its final stages and on track for completion, with the venue ready to welcome exhibitions from early 2026.
The venue will host Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo, formerly known as Arab Health, marking a development in Dubai’s events infrastructure. The expansion will make DEC the largest purpose-built indoor exhibitions and events venue in the region by 2031.
Phase 1 of the AED 10 billion expansion will deliver 140,000 square metres of event space. This includes 64,000 square metres of exhibition halls and 30,000 square metres of pavilion space, integrated with the existing complex to support up to 50,000 visitors per day.
AED10 billion Dubai Exhibition Centre set to become region’s largest venue
The pavilions provide capacity and flexibility for Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo 2026. These pavilions connect to the main halls and central arrival plaza, with outdoor F&B terraces and activation zones.
Pedestrian access links the pavilions to Expo City’s Al Wasl and the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Following the conclusion of the Q1 2026 events, the pavilion areas will transition back into construction for the next phase of expansion.
“The expansion of Dubai Exhibition Centre represents Dubai’s proven capability to deliver large-scale international events with precision, excellence, and impact. Readiness of the expanded venue, in record time, reflects the seamless collaboration between government entities and city partners, from infrastructure and mobility to safety and visitor experience. As we prepare to host our 2026 mega events, our shared focus remains on ensuring an exceptional experience for every exhibitor and visitor,” Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said in a statement.
“The Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion stands as one of Dubai’s most advanced and efficiently executed infrastructure projects, combining intelligent design, scale, and sustainability. With Phase 1 nearing completion, every structural and operational milestone has been achieved through close coordination with our partners across the city. Our teams are now focused on final readiness, ensuring that the venue’s systems, facilities, and visitor infrastructure reflect DWTC’s uncompromising standards of quality and safety. This development reinforces Dubai’s position as one of the world’s most connected, secure, and future-ready destinations for major international events,” Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre added.
Transport plan ensures connectivity between venues
Ahead of hosting Gulfood Global and the World Health Expo in early 2026, both running simultaneously across Dubai World Trade Centre and the Dubai Exhibition Centre, a citywide mobility and readiness plan has been implemented to ensure visitor movement between the two venues.
In partnership with the Roads & Transport Authority and Dubai Police, DEC’s readiness is underpinned by a transport, mobility and security framework designed to meet standards of safety, accessibility and efficiency.
The Dubai Metro Red Line provides access to the venue via Expo 2020 Station, the largest in Dubai, with increased service frequency and reduced train intervals to accommodate visitor volumes during peak event periods.
A shuttle network of 30 buses will connect DWTC and DEC for Gulfood and WHX, supported by Park & Ride facilities at key metro stations including E&, Centrepoint, National Paints and Al Kifaf to streamline visitor flow across the city.
Onsite, 80 shuttle services will operate within Expo City Dubai, transporting visitors to and from the parking zones and the venue.
Expo City Dubai infrastructure supports event operations
Located at the heart of Expo City Dubai, the Dubai Exhibition Centre benefits from being part of one of the city’s urban environments.
Expo City offers infrastructure that supports event operations at DEC, including roads and public transport infrastructure, access via the Dubai Metro Red Line through Expo 2020 Station, parking capacity across zones, and digital connectivity including 5G-readiness, allowing DEC to host events at scale.
Indoor and outdoor spaces will create an atmosphere, particularly during Dubai’s cooler months. Culinary offerings will form part of the event experience at DEC, featuring open-air plazas with over 50 food trucks, an autonomous smart mini market and a series of mobile F&B innovations ranging from electric mini food trucks to lounges.
Beyond the venue, Expo City Dubai’s food and beverage destination enriches the visitor experience. With its mix of cafes, dining concepts and restaurants set across districts, Expo City provides a culinary ecosystem.
Construction progresses at record pace
Phase 1 of the Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion has progressed at record pace, delivering 140,000 square metres of event space. The milestone underscores DWTC’s ability to deliver infrastructure to standards, reinforcing Dubai’s position as a capital for business and events.
The expansion introduces 64,000 sqm of exhibition halls and 30,000 sqm of pavilion structures, integrated with existing facilities to create a total event-ready capacity for up to 50,000 visitors per day.
Key construction achievements include substantial completion of the building roof and façade, phased Power On achieved in collaboration with DEWA – a step towards readiness, and 75% completion of building services, with system testing and commissioning advanced.
More than 4,000 workers have contributed over 9 million man-hours to date, reflecting the scale behind the project’s delivery. 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, parking zones and expanded marshalling yards designed to optimise event operations
