Approved: the amazing new master plan for Expo City Dubai

A major overhaul to the Expo site has been given the green light and promises to totally reshape urban living and business in the region.

The official announcement last week of an ambitious new master plan for Expo City Dubai has been described by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai as a fresh chapter for the emirate.

“Today, we approved the new plan for Expo City Dubai, a city with the goal of 'creating the future'. The new master plan establishes Expo City Dubai as a hub for pioneers, entrepreneurs and investors, a magnet for innovators, educators and students, and a vibrant, nurturing community for residents and visitors,” he said.

The development is being carried out by a 100% master government developer, will be a complete Free Zone area, and a prime location for world class connectivity in the high growth Dubai South area.

Expo City in its new incarnation will be an excellent destination for investing and starting a business thanks to great logistics with accessibility to the massive new airport and Jebel Ali Port, not to mention a spectacular new exhibition centre (more on that below).

The overall master plan aims to build on the proud legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai and the UN Climate Change Conference (COP28) to create a community that drives future growth for the emirate.

Spanning a total area of 3.5 sq. km, Expo City will serve as a cornerstone of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), positioning itself as a model for urban excellence in line with the 2040 Urban Master Plan. When complete, it will accommodate around 75,000 residents and professionals – making it a highly attractive destination for investors and developers.

Preserving the past, embracing the future

One of the most impressive aspects of the master plan is its commitment to preserving the essence of the Expo 2020 site. Developed in collaboration with the renowned Amsterdam-based architecture firm UNStudio, the plan retains more than 80% of the existing infrastructure and buildings.

That means much-loved structures such as Terra, Alif, and the Connect Conference Centre will continue to serve as focal points, while new developments will enhance the site’s appeal.

The design includes five distinct districts, each with its unique character and purpose, ensuring that residents and visitors can navigate the city with ease. A network of green and blue spaces, including parks, fields, and water features, will permeate throughout, promoting a healthy and sustainable lifestyle.

What are the five districts, and what will each one feature?

Expo Downtown – The highly-dense Expo Downtown will extend from the metro station to Al Wasl, then on to Terra and the eastern edge of the site. Al Wasl will remain as a ‘cultural garden’ and the district will also include the Terra Living residential buildings, the ‘floating’ Terra Garden, and Terra Tower – a high-end, mixed-use office and hospitality tower and the tallest building at Expo City.

Expo Fields – Providing the main access point to Expo City from the south, Expo Fields will serve as a blueprint for healthy living. This district will include a school, sports fields and facilities, clubhouses, residential properties, retail outlets and F&B venues, as well as Alif Plaza. Expo City Arena will become Expo City’s new open-air concert and festival landmark, with the 30,000-capacity venue capable of hosting concerts, performances and other large-scale events.

Expo Hills – Located on the north edge of the site with direct access from Expo Road, Expo Hills will be a low-density residential community. Combining optimal access to amenities with privacy for residents, it will offer a quieter way of urban living. The Expo Hills Park will include a wadi-like open space and landscaped gardens, while views of Al Wasl and the new skyline of Expo City Downtown will offer a unique backdrop.

Expo Business – Further enhancing Expo City’s existing commercial community, Expo Business will provide a campus-feel environment for innovative and entrepreneurial businesses that share Expo City’s commitment to sustainability and urban solutions and are eager to take advantage of the city’s enabling free zone environment and strategic location. Inclusive and welcoming indoor and outdoor spaces will encourage collaboration, networking and social connection, while flexible temporary and permanent office configurations will adapt to the evolving needs of businesses and encourage novel work models. This district will include the existing Connect Conference Centre, Firdaus Studio and a new 1,500-seat theatre and Art Plaza, as well as DP World’s new global headquarters.

Expo Valley – A beautiful, gated community Expo Valley will feature smart, sustainable villas and townhouses dispersed across an undulating landscape that overlooks a nature sanctuary, lake and wadi. Its unique ‘folded earth’ topography will create a microclimate with lower temperatures and reduced environmental noise and dust, while pedestrian walkways and dedicated paths for bicycles and e-scooters will connect residents to their vibrant community. Within its stunning setting, Expo Valley will feature wellness and recreational facilities including two gyms, two clubhouses, swimming pools, splash pads and kids’ play areas, as well as farm-to-table dining, pop-up cafés and convenient retail options.

Home to a gigantic exhibition space

Officially named the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the gigantic new space unveiled for Expo City will be the biggest in the region, spanning 1.2km and expanding to 180,000 sq. m of world class exhibition space accommodating 65,000 people.

Sustainability at the heart of the design

The master plan emphasises sustainability and resilience, integrating innovative technologies to minimise the environmental impact of urban living. Smart city solutions will be implemented, including energy-efficient buildings, renewable energy sources, and advanced waste management systems.

Meanwhile, the transportation network will prioritise public transit, cycling, and pedestrian pathways, reducing reliance on cars and promoting a more sustainable urban mobility model.

As Dubai continues to evolve, Expo City will play a crucial role in shaping the emirate’s identity as a global leader in sustainability, innovation, and quality of life.

Say goodbye to traffic woes

Another unique aspect of the area’s urban planning is that Expo City will be future proofed against traffic; each of the three highways that lead into it have 14 lanes (7 either side) and there’s a Dubai Metro line right on residents’ doorsteps. Plus, the whole development is built over two floors with underground parking. Sign us up...

Upcoming EXPO City launches

There will be a range of exciting apartment and townhouse launches in the coming months, to stay ahead of any investment opportunities get in touch with our team.

Speak to the Expo City experts