The Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) is all set to become the largest indoor exhibition and events destination by 2031. This comes in the wake of the Dh10 billion ($2.72 billion) master plan being approved by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. On completion the DEC will become the largest purpose-built indoor events and exhibitions venue in the region.
The expansion of the venue will be carried out in 3 phases: phase 1 will be completed by 2026, and phase 2 by 2028. The final phase, expected to be completed by 2031, will increase the total indoor exhibition space to 180,000 square metres featuring 26 halls.
In alignment with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, the inaugural edition of FESPA Middle East was successfully launched at the DEC with the support of Dubai World Trade Centre’s proactive team helmed by its Vice President Mahir Abdulkarim Julfar. The DEC is once again gearing up to host the second edition of FESPA Middle East from 20-22 January, 2025.
UAE: Leading Global MICE Destination
The MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sector in the Gulf region has seen huge growth in recent years, with the UAE leading the way, holding a 50% share of the region’s total MICE market, according to market intelligence firm Mordor Intelligence. A Coherent Market Insights’ report projects a significant growth in the UAE’s MICE market from $5.65 billion in 2024 to $10.01 billion by 2031.
The UAE is strategically enhancing its event offerings to meet the increasing demand driven by massive infrastructure development, state-of-the-art facilities, and Dubai’s strategic initiative to establish itself as the leading global MICE destination.
“With so much happening, the future looks promising for the region’s exhibition and events industry,” says Bazil Cassim, Regional Manager – FESPA Middle East.
