The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) in Expo City is poised to become a hub of global events and exhibitions, with its first phase set to open in early 2026, six months ahead of schedule. The Dh10-billion project will feature over 10,000 parking spaces in its initial phase, strategically distributed across the city to accommodate millions of visitors. Mahir Julfar, Executive Vice-President of Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), emphasized the Centre’s commitment to sustainability and convenience, with 7,000-plus parking spaces dedicated to exhibitors and a transport hub designed to shuttle visitors efficiently. The first phase will offer 140,000 square metres of space for exhibitions, conferences, and large-scale events, with the first major exhibition scheduled for January 2026. Phase two, covering 160,000 square metres, will be completed by 2028, featuring permanent halls, enhanced road networks, and direct connectivity to Expo City. The final phase, set for 2031, will expand the Centre to 180,000 square metres of indoor space across 26 halls, complemented by integrated hospitality, retail, and commercial facilities. Julfar highlighted the Dubai Metro as a preferred transport option, with plans to increase its frequency and provide park-and-ride services. Additionally, 20 shuttle buses will operate between the Dubai World Trade Centre and DEC every 30 minutes. The Centre’s strategic location includes three nearby hotels, 45-plus hotels within 20 minutes, and over 150 hotels, three shopping malls, and 15 major attractions within a 30-minute drive. The completion of Maktoum International Airport by 2033 is expected to further enhance the ecosystem, solidifying DEC’s reputation as the ‘future city of Dubai.’
Dubai Exhibition Centre to have over 10,000 parking spaces, extensive transport options
