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DWTC expansion targets 60,000 daily capacity with AED 10bn investment
Phase one of Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion set for September 2027 completion as venue scales infrastructure.
Dubai Exhibition Centre expansion reaches 10 percent completion#
Dubai Exhibition Centre is advancing a three-phase expansion that will increase daily visitor capacity to 60,000 people, with phase one scheduled for completion in September 2027. The project, part of Dubai World Trade Centre, is currently 10 percent complete and carries an AED 10 billion investment, Amer Alfarsi, Vice President of Real Estate Development at DWTC, told reporters on 9 September 2026. Phase two is scheduled for completion by 2028.
Expansion adds 160,000 square metres and connectivity infrastructure#
The second phase will deliver 160,000 square metres of space, including permanent halls, 100,000 square metres of dedicated service yards, an expanded road network, a multi-storey car park and direct connectivity to Expo City Dubai. The concourse will connect opposing hall sides and allow multiple exhibitions to run simultaneously, according to Alfarsi. Phase one, originally announced in 2024, was completed in January 2026, nearly six months ahead of schedule.
DWTC recorded 2.97 million visitors across 401 events in 2025#
Dubai World Trade Centre recorded 2.97 million visitors in 2025, a 12 percent increase year on year, across 401 events. Healthcare and medical was the top performing sector with 23 events and 436,000 participants. DWTC's 2025 events generated AED 25.03 billion, approximately USD 6.82 billion, in economic output, a 12 percent increase year on year, and contributed AED 14.66 billion in gross value added to Dubai's economy, according to a report published 9 June 2026.
Q4 2026 calendar schedules over 100 events across two venues#
More than 100 exhibitions, conferences and business events are scheduled across DWTC's two Dubai venues through the end of 2026. The fourth quarter programme includes DUPHAT, Middle East Energy, Arabian Travel Market, Arab Lab, WETEX, World Green Economy Summit, Gulfood Manufacturing, The Big 5 Global, Beautyworld Dubai and GITEX Global. GITEX Global is expected to bring together more than 200,000 technology executives, 6,800 exhibitors and participants from more than 180 countries, according to DWTC. Events will take place at Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre and Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai.
Sources3 sources across 3 domains
- khaleejtimes.comKhaleej TimesPhase one completion date September 2027, 10 percent completion status, 60,000 daily capacity target, AED 10 billion investment, 100,000 sqm service yards, phase two 2028 completion, 160,000 sqm phase two scope, 2.97 million visitors 2025, 401 events 2025, healthcare sector 23 events 436,000 partici
- gulfnews.comGulf NewsOver 100 events Q4 2026, AED 10 billion expansion investment, phase one delivered early 2026, 140,000 sqm indoor space phase one, 50,000 daily capacity phase one, 160,000 sqm phase two target, GITEX Global 200,000 executives 6,800 exhibitors 180 countries, Q4 event names and schedule
- zawya.comZawyaAED 25.03 billion economic output 2025, USD 6.82 billion equivalent, 12 percent increase year on year, AED 14.66 billion gross value added, 94,000 jobs supported, 108 large-scale events 2025, 2.18 million attendees, 947,000 international visitors, AED 5.5 multiplier per AED 1 spent, AED 9,900 averag
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