Overview
- Project leaders say Phase 1 is finishing around six months ahead of the July 2026 completion target, with operations commencing in early 2026.
- The complex is slated to open on January 26, hosting Gulfood Global first and World Health Expo in February as the inaugural mega events.
- Phase 1 delivers 140,000 sqm of event capacity, including 64,000 sqm of new halls and about 30,000 sqm of flexible pavilion space integrated with the existing site.
- Construction milestones include roof and façade completion, DEWA phased power-on, roughly 75% of building services finished, and more than 4,000 workers contributing over nine million man-hours.
- Temporary pavilions will revert to construction after Q1 2026 as Phase 2 targets 2028 and Phase 3 2031, with a city plan in place featuring increased Metro frequencies, a 30-bus express shuttle between DWTC and DEC, park-and-ride options, and 80 on-site shuttles.