Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City will become a 1.2-kilometre-long complex capable of accommodating 65,000 visitors daily following completion of its AED10 billion ($2.72 billion) expansion.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) said construction of the project’s second phase has progressed in 2026. Once completed, indoor event space will increase to 160,000 square metres, while daily visitor capacity will rise to around 60,000.

This phase also includes new multi-storey car parks with an initial capacity of about 7,000 vehicles. Plans also include expanding the connecting area between the halls built in phases one and two, as well as constructing a new access route on the eastern side to improve links with Expo City Dubai and passenger pick-up and drop-off zones.

The first phase was completed in early 2026, increasing indoor exhibition space to 140,000 square metres and the venue’s daily capacity to 50,000 people.

Under the development plan, Dubai Exhibition Centre will expand to 180,000 square metres when the project is fully completed in 2031. The venue will also be able to host more than 20 events simultaneously.

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Amer Al Farsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at Dubai World Trade Centre, said the expansion aims to meet the future needs of the global events industry and provide the infrastructure required to host larger and more complex international exhibitions and events.

He said construction is progressing on schedule, while Dubai Exhibition Centre remains operational throughout the project.

The development also supports Dubai World Trade Centre’s goal of increasing its annual economic contribution to AED54 billion, or about $14.7 billion, by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

The expanded facilities delivered in the first phase hosted major events for the first time earlier this year, including Gulfood and World Health Expo.

Meanwhile, Dubai World Trade Centre plans to host more than 100 exhibitions, conferences and business events across its two venues by the end of 2026. The events will cover sectors including technology, tourism, energy, real estate, construction, beauty and sustainability.

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GITEX Global will also take place later this year, bringing together more than 200,000 technology executives and professionals, 6,800 exhibitors, and participants from more than 180 countries.

Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice President of Dubai World Trade Centre, said business events play a key role in strengthening Dubai’s economy. By attracting international companies, investors and decision-makers, they help expand trade, forge new partnerships and provide access to new markets.

He added that Dubai World Trade Centre would continue to focus on strengthening the city’s position as a leading global hub for business events.