Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has reinforced its role as a central engine of Dubai’s events economy after recording an economic impact exceeding AED 22 billion over the past year. This performance was driven by more than 100 major events that attracted nearly two million visitors, 46 percent of whom travelled from overseas, and supported over 85,000 jobs across the wider economy.
This sustained growth, combined with Dubai’s rising profile as a global business events destination, has prompted DWTC to pursue an ambitious strategy to double the number of hosted events, creating the need for infrastructure capable of supporting larger scale, higher-intensity demand.
From Capacity Constraints to a New Exhibition Vision
Mr Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, noted that increasing demand for larger and more flexible venues exposed operational pressures at the existing site, including congestion, traffic flow challenges, and space limitations during peak event periods. These constraints became the catalyst for a new exhibition vision designed around flexibility, advanced technology, and future-focused capacity.
The outcome is the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City, a AED 10 billion development spanning 180,000 square metres. Once operational, DEC will host flagship global events such as GITEX and Gulfood, while conferences and specialised exhibitions will continue to be delivered at the current Dubai World Trade Centre.
Phased Delivery and Development Timeline
Construction began immediately following the announcement of the master plan in September. The first phase is scheduled for completion in July 2026, with major events set to be hosted earlier in the year, including Gulfood and Arab Health. The second phase will be completed by 2028, followed by the final phase in 2031, bringing the development to full operational scale.
Economic and Urban Impact Beyond Exhibitions
The transformation extends beyond the exhibition sector. The Dubai Exhibition Centre is positioned as a primary anchor for the wider development of Expo City and its surrounding districts, supporting residential communities such as Expo Village and Expo Living, alongside commercial zones, retail destinations, and hospitality assets designed to serve a growing volume of international visitors.
Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport further enhances the strategic value of the area, stimulating demand for land and adjacent developments and opening new opportunities for investment across Dubai South.
What This Means for Businesses
This expansion confirms the events economy as a core pillar of Dubai’s long-term growth strategy, with economic activity increasingly extending into new, infrastructure-led districts. For businesses, the shift creates opportunities across event operations, hospitality, logistics, trade, and support services, alongside strategic advantages for companies establishing operations near emerging commercial hubs.
Within this evolving landscape, Absher Business supports companies and entrepreneurs in evaluating establishment and expansion opportunities linked to new exhibition zones, selecting appropriate legal structures, and managing licensing processes aligned with Dubai’s changing economic and urban dynamics.
