Dubai is betting massive on the conferences trade. At present, it introduced a $2.7 billion (AED10 billion) enlargement plan for the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo Metropolis Dubai. The challenge, greenlit by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, will make the DEC the biggest exhibition venue within the Center East.
The enlargement is significant to Dubai’s technique to strengthen its standing as a world conferences hub. Consistent with the Dubai 2040 City Grasp Plan, it goals to double the variety of large-scale occasions from 300 to 600 yearly by 2033. It additionally goals to triple the assembly trade’s contribution to the financial system to achieve $14.7 billion (AED54 billion) yearly by that point, which aligns with the goals of the Dubai Financial Agenda D33.
The DEC enlargement will unfold in three phases, with the primary due by 2026. At that time, exhibition area will develop from 624,000 sq. toes to over 1.5 million sq. toes. By 2031, the ultimate part will convey the full area to 1.94 million sq. toes. The finished heart will function a 300-key resort, shops, industrial places of work, and an industrial kitchen. The permitted challenge for the venue will allow it to host mega-events and accommodate as much as 20 smaller occasions concurrently.
Taking Over from Dubai World Commerce Heart
The DEC was purpose-built for Expo 2020. Its enlargement will mark a major push in direction of making Expo Metropolis Dubai the vacation spot’s new city heart. When it comes to measurement and capability, the venue wailing overtake the Dubai World Commerce Heart (DWTC), inaugurated in 1979.
In 2023, 107 exhibitions, conventions and conferences attracted 1.56 million attendees to the DWTC. This quantity consists of 722,000 worldwide attendees, a 60% improve over the earlier yr. The venue organizes 20 occasions, together with the flagship GITEX International and Gulfood exhibits, which attracted round a 3rd of the full attendees.
The federal government is pursuing its plans to boost Expo Metropolis Dubai’s profile and appeal to funding. The challenge connects the town with the broader Dubai South area and the Al Maktoum Worldwide Airport, which, as soon as absolutely accomplished, is deliberate to be the biggest on the planet.
