DUBAI EXHIBITION CENTRE
ESSENTIAL INFORMATION AT A GLANCE
ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW
🔃 GETTING TO DUBAI EXHIBITION CENTRE
Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) is conveniently accessible by car, taxi and Dubai Metro. Located at Expo City Dubai, it is well connected to major roads, including Expo Road (E77) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), ensuring a smooth journey for visitors. The venue is also directly served by the Dubai Metro’s Red Line, with the Expo 2020 Metro Station just a short walk away.
While Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) is located very close to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), it currently serves a limited number of commercial flights. Dubai International Airport (DXB) remains the primary airport for most international travelers and visitors to Dubai. DEC is approximately 40 km (25 miles) from Dubai International Airport, with a drive time of around 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic.
The nearest Metro station to Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) is Expo 2020 Station (R76), located just a few minutes’ walk from the venue. It sits at the end of the Red Line extension. If you're traveling from the original Red Line terminus at Jebel Ali Station (R38), Expo 2020 is just 7 stations away. Metro arrives every 5 - 7 minutes during off-peak hours, and every 3 - 4 minutes during peak hours. The journey is direct and requires no transfers. For a full view of the Metro network and route planning, you can refer to the official RTA Metro Map.
Visitors arriving by car can access the venue via major roads, including Expo Road (E77) and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311). Dedicated parking zones are available nearby for convenience. For those using taxis or ride-hailing apps like Careem and Uber, drop-off is located on Boulevard 2020 Street at the designated Taxi/Car drop-off area. You can find the drop-off area location by clicking here. Many event organisers also partner with Careem and Uber to offer promo codes, giving visitors access to event-specific ride discounts.
Yes, a dedicated shuttle service operates between the DEC parking zones and the Arrivals Plaza, making it easy for visitors to reach the event venue. Parking areas are located adjacent to Expo Village and can easily be identified on-site. The shuttle runs on a scheduled basis throughout the event day, providing a convenient and efficient connection from the car parks to the main entrance. You can find each parking location below for easy navigation via Google Maps:
Yes, a parking map is available on the official DEC website. You can find it here. Alternatively, the map is also available at the venue information points.
Parking is free for all events at Dubai Exhibition Centre. You won’t need to pay or validate your ticket—just park and enjoy your visit.
Currently, DEC does not have EV charging stations in its visitor parking areas. However, charging facilities are available at Expo City Dubai. Find the Google Maps directions to the nearest stations by clicking here:
Valet parking is a service we are able to provide, depending on the event type. Availability is subject to the organiser’s request and the specific requirements of the event.
Gulfood 2026 will have additional security measures, such as bag checks or screening, depending on the specific requirements of the event.
There is one main parking facility that serves both the North and South Halls at Dubai Exhibition Centre. While the parking area is located a short distance from the venue entrance, complimentary shuttle buses are available to conveniently transport visitors to both the North and South Halls.
🏬 AMENITIES & FACILITIES
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the venue. Connect to the “DEC_Free_WiFi” network and complete a simple registration. This service is only applicable for devices operating on 5GHz frequency. To know if your device supports 5GHz radio you can search here to see the specifications of your smartphone or tablet under DATA_WLAN. If it has “Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n” then it supports 5GHz.
Dubai Exhibition Centre offers a range of onsite amenities to ensure a comfortable and convenient experience for visitors. These include restrooms, prayer rooms, food and beverage outlets, Wi-Fi access, lost & found services, and a photocopying centre within the venue.
Additional services such as supermarkets, pharmacies and currency exchange are not available inside DEC but can be found within walking distance at Expo City Dubai and Expo Village. The Expo 2020 Metro Station, which is directly connected to the venue, also offers access to an ATM. For a comprehensive guide to all amenities and facilities at DEC and its surroundings, please click on the following link.
Yes, an emergency medical team (EMS) and first aid facilities are available on-site during events. The professionally certified and highly skilled medical team provides rapid emergency response, from immediate care for trauma and medical conditions to speedy hospital transport.
Two EMS stations are available: one in Concourse South and another in Concourse North, depending on the location of the events. The EMS team is available throughout the entire duration of the event, with additional coverage one hour before and after official event timings.
Yes, Lost and Found services are available at the information desk. While DEC is not responsible for personal belongings, our team will make every effort to help reunite visitors with lost items. You can reach the Lost and Found office by calling 800 EVENT (38368). Please note that reasonable proof of ownership will be required when collecting any recovered items. DEC is not responsible for the safekeeping of unattended belongings.
If you lose something at DEC, please report it to the information desk or contact our customer service team at
800 EVENT (38368) or via email at
care@dwtc.com. Our team will do their best to assist you in locating your lost item.
Yes, phone charging stations are located near information desks. Seating areas also have plug-in chargers available for visitors with their own USB cables.
Only service dogs certified by the relevant authorities are permitted inside the venue.
🏢HOTELS
There are three hotels within walking distance of DEC: Expo Village Serviced Apartments, Rove Hotel and Cheval Maison Expo City Dubai. Addionally, a variety of accommodation options can be found in Dubai South and Dubai Marina. Find out more about Gulfood partnered hotels venue on our plan your trip page.
A range of hotels is available in the area, catering to different preferences and budgets. Whether you're looking for accommodation within walking distance of DEC or options in the wider city, you'll have plenty to choose from.
𓌉◯𓇋 FOOD & DRINKS
Food and beverage options at DEC vary by event. However, visitors can always find a selection of kiosks and cafés on-site, offering different cuisines. While DEC provides several on-site food and beverage choices during events, visitors can also explore a wide range of dining options within walking distance at Expo City Dubai and Expo Village. Whether you're looking for a quick bite, a casual meal, or a more formal dining experience, there are plenty of options to suit different tastes. Find out more about restaurants near DEC by visiting our Venue Guide page.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted at DEC, in line with Dubai Municipality’s hygiene and food safety regulations. However, exceptions can be made for medical reasons. A variety of dining options are available on-site to cater to different preferences.
There are several supermarkets within walking distance of DEC, including Spinneys and Bigmart Supermarket at Expo City Dubai, Tudomart Hypermarket at Expo Village, and Zoom at the Expo 2020 Metro Station. These options provide a range of grocery and convenience items for visitors.