Dubai World Trade Centre Prepares for Q4 Events Amidst Major Expansion

The Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) is preparing for a busy final quarter of 2026, with over 100 exhibitions, conferences, and business events scheduled across its two venues. These events, covering sectors such as technology, travel, tourism, energy, real estate, construction, beauty, and sustainability, underscore Dubai's role as a global business hub.

Key events planned for Q4 include DUPHAT, Middle East Energy, and Arabian Travel Market in September, followed by Arab Lab, WETEX, World Green Economy Summit, Gulfood Manufacturing, The Big 5 Global, and Beautyworld Dubai in October. GITEX Global, a major technology event expected to draw over 200,000 technology executives and 6,800 exhibitors from more than 180 countries, will conclude the year in December.

Venue Expansion Progress

These events will be hosted at both the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) in the city's Central Business District and the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo City Dubai. The ongoing Dh10 billion expansion of DEC is progressing in phases.

Phase 1 was completed in early 2026, increasing DEC's indoor event space to 140,000 square metres and its daily visitor capacity to 50,000 people. This expansion allowed DEC to host major events like Gulfood and World Health Expo.

Currently, Phase 2 construction is underway and, upon completion, will further expand DEC's indoor event space to 160,000 square metres and increase daily visitor capacity to approximately 60,000 people. This phase also includes an extended concourse connecting Phase 1 and Phase 2 halls, a new Eastern Access Road, and new multi-storey parking facilities offering around 7,000 spaces.

Long-Term Vision

The full expansion, anticipated for completion in 2031, aims for DEC to cover 180,000 square metres and extend 1.2 kilometres. Its daily visitor capacity is projected to reach 65,000 people, with the capability to host over 20 simultaneous events. This development aligns with DWTC's broader strategy to increase its annual economic contribution to Dh54 billion by 2033, in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). Since its inception, DWTC has hosted nearly 6,800 events, generating an estimated economic output of AED295 billion and attracting over 43 million business visitors to Dubai.