DMCC unveils The Plaza at Uptown Dubai, a 21,000 sqm open-air events space accommodating 4,000 guests. New venue anchors district expansion with two commercial towers adding 62,000 sqm of office space.
Dubai, UAE — Dubai's ever-evolving urban landscape has taken a significant step forward with the unveiling of a large new events space at Uptown Dubai, reflecting the emirate's broader strategy to create vibrant, mixed-use neighbourhoods that combine work, living and cultural experiences. The new venue — officially called The Plaza — opened this week and is positioned to become a focal point for large-scale gatherings, community festivities and international programmes that can draw both residents and global visitors.
Situated at the heart of the growing district developed by the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) , The Plaza covers approximately 21,000 square metres and can accommodate up to 4,000 people at a time. Its central location physically links the flagship Uptown Tower — the district's iconic high-rise — with surrounding commercial and residential components, helping to animate the area with activity and footfall that transforms it from a mere business district into a genuine destination.
The venue is designed as a modern, open-air space for hosting a broad range of events, from corporate conferences and exhibitions to concerts, cultural festivals, product launches and large public gatherings. Equipped with advanced staging capabilities, high-performance lighting and digital display systems, it has been built to support a year-round agenda of programming that can serve both business-focused tenants and leisure-seeking audiences seeking memorable experiences in a distinctive setting.
Dubai's urban projects have increasingly shifted focus from simply building towers to activating spaces that draw communities together and sustain daily engagement — and Uptown Dubai is a prime example of this trend. Rather than treating public areas as secondary add-ons, developers are now placing them at the centre of planning, recognising that active public realms enhance district identity, increase visitor numbers and help retain corporate and residential tenants who increasingly seek environments where they can live, work and play without long commutes.
This philosophy reflects a global shift in urban development priorities. Cities worldwide have learned that successful districts are not defined solely by their architecture but by the quality of life they offer and the vibrancy of their public spaces. The Plaza embodies this understanding, providing a physical heart for Uptown Dubai where community can gather and connections can form.
According to Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman and CEO of DMCC, The Plaza represents a "defining milestone" in Uptown Dubai's evolution. He described the space as one that will bring people together through business, culture and shared experiences, while helping to position the district as a premier venue for major regional and international events.
"Spanning 21,000 square metres and designed to host up to 4,000 guests, The Plaza introduces a scale and capability that position Uptown Dubai as a premier venue for major international events, as well as everyday community moments," he said, underscoring its dual focus on global attraction and local engagement that can serve multiple constituencies throughout the year.
The opening of The Plaza comes as Uptown Dubai enters its next phase of expansion, which includes the construction of two major commercial towers that will add approximately 62,000 square metres of Grade A office and retail space. These buildings, rising to 23 and 17 storeys, are part of a plan to deliver a total gross floor area of over 538,000 square metres across the district once fully completed, creating one of the most significant new business districts in the emirate.
This expansion aims not only to enhance Uptown Dubai's commercial offering but also to reinforce its position as one of the emirate's largest integrated business hubs — attractive to multinational companies, investors and global talent seeking premium office environments with access to world-class amenities. By clustering premium office space alongside vibrant public venues like The Plaza, the district is positioning itself as more than just a workplace; it's being shaped as a destination where work, leisure and culture intersect in ways that enhance productivity and quality of life.
The design and infrastructure of The Plaza also reflect this philosophy. With flexible layouts and cutting-edge event technology, it can adapt quickly to different formats and scales, from corporate summits and technology expos to fashion shows and cultural performances. This versatility further enhances Uptown Dubai's ability to draw diverse audiences throughout the year, ensuring that the district remains active and engaging across all seasons.
In recent weeks, even before its official launch, The Plaza has begun to host community-oriented programming, such as the Moonlight Market — a month-long Ramadan night market that blends food, retail, creative workshops, games and live entertainment in an open-air setting, demonstrating the venue's potential as a social and cultural hub in addition to its economic role. The market has drawn thousands of visitors, showing that demand for such spaces is strong and that The Plaza can quickly become a beloved local destination.
Managed by hospitality group 7 Management in partnership with DMCC, The Plaza is already emerging as a dynamic lifestyle destination in its own right, designed to bring people together in relaxed yet memorable settings. The venue's proximity to major Dubai areas like Jumeirah Lake Towers (JLT), Dubai Marina and The Palm Jumeirah — all within a short drive — further amplifies its appeal as a central gathering place for residents, professionals and visitors alike who seek convenient access to high-quality events and experiences.
The programming strategy for The Plaza aims to balance large-scale international events with smaller, more intimate community gatherings. This approach ensures that the space remains active and relevant across different timescales, hosting everything from major concerts that draw visitors from across the region to weekly farmers' markets that serve local residents.
Uptown Dubai occupies a strategic position within the emirate's urban fabric, located along Sheikh Zayed Road and offering excellent connectivity to the rest of the city. The district's integration with Dubai's road and metro networks makes it accessible from across the emirate, enhancing its viability as a destination for events and gatherings.
The surrounding neighbourhoods of JLT, Dubai Marina and The Palm provide a substantial residential population that can support The Plaza's community programming. These areas are home to tens of thousands of residents who previously had limited access to large-scale public event spaces within walking distance of their homes.
With Dubai continuing to invest heavily in infrastructure and placemaking, developments like Uptown Dubai's Plaza represent a broader shift toward creating vibrant, multifunctional urban neighbourhoods that support business growth, social engagement and cultural exchange. As The Plaza ramps up its schedule of events and programming, it is poised to help define Uptown Dubai as a leading destination for both global gatherings and everyday community life, underscoring the emirate's role as a world-class city for living, working and visiting.
The coming months will see an expanding calendar of events at The Plaza, ranging from cultural festivals to corporate gatherings, from community markets to international conferences. Each event will add to the district's growing reputation and draw new audiences to discover what Uptown Dubai offers.
For DMCC, The Plaza represents a significant addition to its portfolio of world-class facilities that support Dubai's position as a global business hub. For Dubai residents, it offers a new destination for leisure and entertainment. For visitors, it provides another reason to explore the emirate's ever-expanding array of attractions.
The Plaza opens. Uptown Dubai expands. The city's evolution continues.
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