The legacy of Expo 2020: Your guide to Expo City Dubai
When ‘The World’s Greatest Show’ – Expo 2020 in Dubai came to a close, the question on everyone’s mind was: what would happen to the Expo site? Well, there was always a comprehensive plan in place. The venue was all set to be transformed into a large-scale, human-centric district called Expo City Dubai.
This guide looks at everything we know about the community carrying forward the legacy and spirit of Expo 2020.
EXPO CITY DUBAI MASTER PLAN
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice
President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai unveiled the new master plan for Dubai Expo City. The site of the former World Expo is set to be transformed and will be the centre of Dubai’s future.
A global model for urban excellence, it will be a focal point of the the 2040 Urban Master Plan and hub for the key sectors driving the delivery of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The outlook of the Expo City Dubai location will change with an area of 3.5 sq. km. undergoing gradual phased development. It will become home to 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals.
The plan has been developed by Amsterdam-based architecture design firm, UNStudio. Importantly, over 80% of the current infrastructure will be retained.
Five districts have been designed for an efficient grid system. It will ensure navigation, circulation and accessibility. Here are the different spaces that will be built in the near future.
EXPO DOWNTOWN
This area will extend from Al Wasl to the metro station.
EXPO FIELDS
Expo Fields will have residential properties, ideal for anyone in pursuit of a healthy lifestyle. The district will have plenty of facilities including a school, sports fields, retail outlets clubhouses, F&B venues and Alif Plaza.
The Expo City Arena with a 30,000-capacity, will host open-air concerts and festivals.
EXPO HILLS
Expo Hills will be a low density residential area with optimal amenities matched with requisite privacy. If you prefer a more laidback lifestyle, this space will be for you. The Expo Hills Park will be the highlight of the district.
EXPO BUSINESS
A part of the current Expo City Dubai location will be converted to Expo Business space providing a campus feel for innovative and entrepreneurial businesses. With a focus on sustainability and urban solutions, businesses will be able to take advantage of the free zone environment and strategic
location.
The district will be the home to Firdaus Studio, Connect Conference Centre, a newly built 1,500-seat theatre and Art Plaza. The DP World’s new global headquarters will also be here.
Within this district, there will be the Expo Market. It will have a farmer’s market providing access to fresh and nutritious food to the residents. There will also be farm-to-table restaurants and cafés.
EXPO VALLEY
Prefer living in a gated community? Then Expo Valley could be an excellent choice featuring smart, sustainable villas and townhouses. Overlooking
nature sanctuary, lake and wadi, these homes will be perfect to raise a family. With it’s unique ‘folded earth’ topography, the community will create a a microclimate with lower temperatures and reduced environmental noise.
Among the amenities residents can benefit from pedestrian walkways and pathways for e-scooters and bicycles, feature wellness and recreational
facilities such as two clubhouses, two gyms, swimming pools, splash pads and kids’ play areas. Moreover, those living in Expo Valley will have access to pop-up cafés farm-to-table dining and convenient retail options.
EXPO FOREST
Expo Forest will be the link between Expo Valley and Expo City. The publicly accessible green space will have ghaf trees, cycling tracks, hiking trails, water elements and adventure play. The greenhouses for urban farming and hands-on learning spaces will be worth exploring.
The aim is to support local wildlife, enhancing habitat connectivity and biodiversity.
EXPO HIGH STREET
Expo High Street will have F&B ventures, cultural spaces and cafés in a pedestrian-first environment. It will pass through three districts.
Expo City Attractions
Expo City Dubai has a host of attractions to explore. Here is what visitors can look forward to.
Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion
Explore how humanity’s choices impact the environment and the natural world at Terra.
- Price: AED 50 (free for people of determination and kids under 12)
- Location: Sustainability District
- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Last entry at 05:15 pm)
Alif – The Mobility Pavilion
Go on a fantastic journey across space and time at Alif. Learn about the greats of Arab civilisation and the Emirates Mars Mission.
- Price: AED 50 (free for people of determination and kids under 12)
- Location: Mobility District
- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Last entry at 05:15 pm)
Vision Pavilion
Want to know how Dubai transformed into a modern metropolis? This particular pavilion celebrates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. Check out stunning displays, immersive exhibits and personal stories that highlight the evolution of Dubai over the years.
- Price: AED 50
- Location: Sustainability District
- Timings: Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Last entry at 05:30 pm)
Women’s Pavilion
As the name implies, this pavilion is all about celebrating the achievements of women and how they have shaped the future.
- Price: AED 50 (free for people of determination and kids under 12)
- Location: Sustainability District
- Timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Last entry at 05:15 pm)
Stories of the Nation
Expo City Dubai has introduced Stories of Nations Exhibitions, which include exhibits, memorabilia and musical instruments from the 200 nations participating in the Expo 2020 fair.
The displays allow visitors to explore what made Expo 2020 great. Among them are imitations of the swings in the Germany pavilion and a turtle made of plastic bags from Comoros Island. While many iconic objects have returned to their respective countries, more than 80 original items are still on display, including sculptures, artefacts, musical instruments, memorabilia and textiles.
- Price: AED 50
- Location: Opportunity District | Sustainability District | Mobility District
- Timings: Monday – Sunday | 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Last entry at 05:30 pm)
Remember that:
- Entry to Stories of the Nation is free for kids under 12 and people of determination.
- You don’t need to buy separate Stories of Nations tickets (AED 50) for each pavilion. One ticket would suffice.
- You can access all three Stories of Nations exhibitions with the Attractions Pass (AED 120).
Garden in the Sky
Enjoy a bird’s eye view of the city atop “the flying park” or Secret Garden as it takes you up 55 metres into the air. The green tree-lined deck gives the garden a natural look that is a sight to behold.
- Price: AED 30 (free for people of determination and kids under 2)
- Location: Jubilee District
- Timings: 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Last entry at 09:45 pm)
Around the World
Enjoy a ride on this carousel with your mount of choice. The stunning Italian-made ride is a hit with kids at Expo City Dubai.
- Price: AED 20 (free for people of determination and kids under 2)
- Location: Mobility District
- Timings: 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Al Wasl Plaza
This structure is among the highlights of Expo City and currently has the largest 360° project surface anywhere. Al Wasl Plaza hosted several high-profile concerts when Expo 2020 was in full swing, with singers like Alicia Keys and Coldplay making an appearance.
- Price: Free
- Location: Al Wasl Plaza
- Timings: Open 24 hours (Light projections from sunset until 01:00 am)
Al Wasl Plaza code –
Surreal
The magical spectacle of music, water and fire in Jubilee District is open for visitors.
- Price: Free
- Location: Jubilee District
- Timings: Open 24 hours
Things To Do At Expo City Dubai
Outdoor and Wellness
Staying true to its goals and initiatives, Expo City has plenty of wellness and outdoor activities and facilities for visitors.
RASHID’S ADVENTURES PLAYGROUND
Kids will have a blast playing on slides shaped like whales, climbing on play structures that resemble ocean liners, and bouncing on spring-mounted sharks. Plus, they’ll love exploring a 3D maze designed to look just like a majestic humpback whale!
- Location: Jubilee Park
- Timings: Monday to Sunday |02:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Entry: Free
TAQA ISLAND
Terra’s Taqa Island is an energising and engaging place for kids, showcasing science, technology, art, music, and sculpture. It fosters problem-solving skills and teamwork, all while advocating for the welfare of our planet’s inhabitants. It’s bound to stimulate the minds of young ones!
- Location: Sustainability District
- Timings: Saturday and Sunday |10:00 am to 06:00 pm
- Entry: Free for kids below 12
ADVENTUROUS OCTOPUS PLAYGROUND
If you’re looking for a fun and adventurous activity for kids, you should check out the Octopus playground outside Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion. It’s got an incredible maze that they can navigate through with ink clouds.
- Location: Al Forsan Park
- Timings: Monday to Sunday |02:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Entry: Free
LATIFA AND THE SPACE CITY PLAYGROUND
Latifa’s playground offers an exciting opportunity for children to discover the wonders of the universe, including the planets. With thrilling activities like sliding, jumping, and bouncing, kids can embark on a cosmic adventure through space.
- Location: Al Forsan Park
- Timings: Monday to Sunday |02:00 pm to 10:00 pm
- Entry: Free
AL FORSAN PARK
Al Forsan Park covers a vast area of 2.2 hectares and takes inspiration from the beautiful and intricate designs of Arabian carpets. The park features a variety of exciting attractions, all connected by a well-designed network of pathways for easy access.
- Location: Al Forsan Park
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry: Free
JUBILEE PARK
Jubilee Park is a truly magnificent space designed to commemorate the UAE’s 50th anniversary. You’ll be able to experience the Garden in the Sky, an observation tower that provides panoramic views of Expo City Dubai. It’s an essential attraction for anyone who wants to explore the park!
- Location: Jubilee Park
- Timings: Open 24 hours
- Entry: Free
Buy Expo City Dubai Tickets
As per the Expo City Dubai official website, ticket prices for Terra and Alif start at AED 50 per pavilion. These pavilions are free for kids under 12 and People of Determination. However, they do need to pick up the free passes at any ticketing booth.
ONE DAY PASS
Visitors to Expo City Dubai can take advantage of a one-day pass. For AED 120, the pass grants access to the following:
- Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion
- Alif – The Mobility Pavilion
- Vision Pavilion
- Women’s Pavilion
- All 3 Stories of Nations exhibitions
Entry to Surreal and Al Wasl is free.
The mentioned tickets are available for purchase online via the Expo City website. You can also buy them on-site. Please remember that the pass remains valid on the same date as the first pavilion entry.
Expo City Dubai tickets price may vary.
Expo City Dubai Timings
- Attraction timings: 10:00 am to 06:00 pm (Monday to Sunday)
- Booked school groups: 09:00 am to 06:00 pm
Expo City Restaurants You Need to Try
Are you tired after exploring many of the district’s stunning pavilions? Worry not, as you can find everything from fast food to healthy bites. Here are the top restaurants at Expo City Dubai.
Please note that Al Fanar, WOFL and The Mattar Farm at Expo City are temporarily closed during the summer for renovation.
AL BAIK
The famous Saudi Arabian fast food chain is also quite a hit in the UAE. And now, you can find an Al Baik outlet in Expo City. Whether you prefer chicken burgers or fried nuggets, there’s something for all taste palates.
- Location: Opportunity District, opposite Saudi Pavilion
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
B-CAFE
Taste the most authentic coffee, croissants and delicious desserts at B-Cafe. These coffee beans have tempting aromas and are proudly roasted in the UAE.
- Location: Mobility District
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
GRAND BEIRUT
Come and indulge in the mouth-watering and genuine tastes of Lebanese cuisine at Grand Beirut.
- Location: Mangrove Avenue in the Sustainability District
- Timings: 12:00 pm to 10:00 pm
THE DAILY
If you’re searching for a place to indulge in various international cuisines, your quest ends at The Daily in Rove Expo 2020. This eatery is perfect for satisfying your cravings, whether you’re looking for a morning java fix, a quick lunch break or a cosy dinner. With many homemade-style dishes, healthy salads, booster drinks, and vegan options, all taste buds will surely find something they like.
- Location: Rove Expo 2020, Horizon Avenue
- Timings: 06:30 am to 11:30 pm
- Contact: +971-4-879-2020
If you want to explore other choices, check out the food trucks at Expo City – Mattar Farm and WOFL.
Events at Expo City Dubai
Expo City hosts various events and festivals throughout the year.
Visit the official Expo City Dubai website to learn more about the upcoming events and workshops. While many events have free entry, some activities and workshops might have additional charges.
Events
Some past events that have been enjoyed by Expo City’s many visitors.
COP 28
The Conference of Parties, or COP, is a yearly meeting organised by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), where countries discuss and negotiate climate policies and agreements. The conference aims to address climate change and work towards global solutions.
Expo City Dubai hosted COP 28 in the UAE from 30 November until 12 December 2023. COP28 is a significant milestone for the UAE as it pioneered using renewable energy and meeting its biodiversity conservation targets.
UNTOLD Dubai
Dubai’s First Mega Festival was held in Expo City Dubai in February 2024!
RAMADAN FESTIVAL
Expo City Dubai hosted a “Hai Ramadan” festival from March 3 to April 22, 2023.
WINTER WONDERLAND
Winter City Expo City celebrated Christmas and the New Year. Though it was free to visit, charges did apply for some workshops and activities.
DUBAI FITNESS CHALLENGE
The heart of Expo 2020, Al Wasl Plaza, was the venue for plenty of workout sessions throughout Dubai Fitness Challenge 2022. There were acrobatic gymnastics sessions, cross-fit classes, yoga, cycling events and marathons.
FIFA WORLD CUP QATAR 2022 LIVE SCREENING
Expo City Dubai had dedicated fan zones where football fans could watch their favourite players in action on giant screens.
Dubai Exhibition Centre – A hub for events
Business professionals, entrepreneurs, and social butterflies can look forward to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) events. It will play host to regular events and conferences.
Positioned next to Expo 2020 Metro Station and overlooking the beautiful Al Wasl Plaza, this customisable event space spans 45,000 sq. m. Businesses and individuals can choose from 14 multi-purpose exhibition halls with excellent audio-visual resources.
LIVING IN EXPO CITY DUBAI – RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Expo City Dubai will be ideal for ambitious professionals and families who wish to work and live in one place, maintaining a solid work-life balance.
Live at the heart of Expo City Dubai with three residential clusters offering a new model for people-centric urban living. Immerse yourself in a lifestyle that combines eco-friendly apartments and townhouses within an environmentally aware community. pic.twitter.com/BUDZSXJCtT
— Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) April 13, 2023
CONNECTED, HUMAN-CENTRIC COMMUNITY
The facilities and amenities in the Expo City Dubai residential areas will include the following:
- Retail strips
- F&B outlets
- Schools
- Parks
- Pedestrian walkways
- Cycling tracks
MANGROVE RESIDENCES
Mangrove Residences is the latest addition to the residential area in Expo City. With handovers expected in 2025, the development will offer 450 luxury units.
Interested buyers can book 1 to 3-bedroom apartments, 4-bed lofts and 3-bedroom townhouses. All residential units will offer scenic views of Al Wasl Plaza and Jubilee Park.
Many popular Expo City attractions will be steps away from Mangrove Residences, including Alif, Terra and the UAE Pavilion.
SMART MOBILITY
Expo City Dubai will promote seamless mobility in Dubai, offering smart shuttles and public transport services. The area will be entirely pedestrian-friendly.
A CULTURAL AND SOCIAL DESTINATION
Residents and visitors will have plenty of opportunities to have fun at Expo City Dubai! Something will always happen at iconic attractions like Terra or Al Wasl Plaza, from festivals to community-orientated events!
WORKING IN EXPO CITY DUBAI
INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
The community will have a specially curated ecosystem to encourage innovation and inter-business partnerships. The facility will also organise conferences and industry events year-round to foster economic growth.
LEASABLE OFFICE SPACES
Expo City Dubai will provide leasable commercial spaces for small businesses and global companies. Designed to foster collaboration, these will include offices and co-working spaces. Aside from businesses, the facilities will be suitable for innovation labs and R&D centres.
There will be 123 LEED-certified buildings with courtyards. And you will spot commercial office spaces designed to cater to businesses of all sizes. From Fortune 500 companies to local startups, you will find the top corporates operating in the area.
For instance, the German technology giant Siemens is already working towards opening an office in the community and moving hundreds of staff.
A TECH-FRIENDLY WORK ENVIRONMENT
Expo City Dubai will provide your employees with a flexible, tech-enabled environment with 5G and IoT technologies and calming outdoor spaces. Smart metering and sensors will monitor the consumption of power, light, water and climate conditioning systems.
COMPETITIVE FREE ZONE STRUCTURE
Expo City Dubai will have a competitive free zone structure to help innovation-driven businesses test their ideas or run pilot projects. The authorities have not yet released the major details of this agile framework.
EXPO CITY DUBAI’S INNOVATION ECOSYSTEM
The community will serve as a growth catalyst by offering opportunities for leading companies and small businesses.
GROWTH SECTORS
The community will focus on four growth sectors: Smart Logistics, Industry 4.0, Smart Cities and Smart Mobility. This will set a precedent for a more innovative and sustainable city.
- Smart Mobility: Technology-driven mobility apps and solutions
- Smart Logistics: Smart solutions that enable an effective network of traceable goods
- Industry 4.0: Accelerating the growth of computer-generated manufacturing systems to meet real-time challenges and demands
- Smart Cities: Sustainable and intelligent urban spaces
TECHNOLOGIES
Expo City Dubai will support the creation of future smart cities. It will employ the most advanced technologies across key industries, including the Internet of Things, Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Big Data.
ENABLERS
Expo City Dubai will bring academic institutions, research and development centres, incubators and accelerators together to instigate the exchange of ideas and knowledge, resulting in transformative progress.
FAQS ABOUT EXPO CITY
CAN I FIND RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS IN EXPO CITY DUBAI?
Expo City Dubai’s new residential development, Expo Valley, is scheduled for completion in 2025. The off-plan project offers interested buyers 3 to 5-bedroom villas, duets and townhouses.
Those who prefer apartment living can consider Mangrove Residences in Expo City Dubai.
Can I visit Expo City today?
Yes, you can. There’s lots to see and do at the venue, from visiting attractions and parks to participating in workshops and events. Don’t forget to check out the official website for details.
I cannot walk long distances. What are my best transport options?
That’s not a problem. You can hail one of the transfer shuttles and quickly get from one place to another.
When can I move to Expo City Dubai?
Residential projects in the community are scheduled for completion in 2025. If you are considering moving to the area, you can look at the residential areas near Route 2020 for now.
How can I contact Expo City?
Here is the contact information for the community’s corporate office.
- Location: Expo Road, Dubai South, Jebel Ali
- Timings: Monday to Thursday: 08:00 am to 05:00 pm | Friday from 08:30 to 12:30 pm
- Contact: +971-4-555-2030
How can I get to Expo City Dubai?
The community is connected to the entire city via three key highways and a dedicated Dubai Metro station, EXPO 2020, which is part of the newly launched Route 2020.
That brings an end to our guide on Expo City Dubai. We hope you’re excited by the prospect of this smart, human-centric city in Dubai. It will play a vital role in accelerating sustainable developments in the UAE.
If you want to know about other futuristic communities, read up on Dubai Future District, which is expected to lay the foundation for a new Dubai.
Aside from this upcoming community, the usage of renewable energy is intrinsic to the country’s sustainability goals. Here are the primary sources of renewable energy in the UAE.
For more information and updates about Expo City Dubai, subscribe to MyBayut.
The cover image is courtesy of Expo City Dubai’s official website.
