Dubai has announced plans for a major expansion of Expo City as it looks towards a new stage of ambitious development in the region.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new master plan for Expo City.
The new plan outlines Expo City’s role in spearheading the emirate’s future development and enhancing the emirate’s global stature. The site of the historic 2020 World Expo and COP28, Expo City will serve as a key driver of the emirate’s progress in various sectors.
Expo City Dubai urban plan
Expo City Dubai’s expansion plans firmly establish it as the lynchpin of the city’s growth, offering significant investment opportunities for future-focused entities.
Its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport, Jebel Ali Port and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), positions it as a vital enabler of Dubai’s growth aspirations in critical sectors including trade and logistics, technology and innovation, tourism, business and events.
The plans play a crucial role in achieving the goals of the 2040 Urban Master Plan, in which Expo City is named as one of five key urban centres, as well as the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.
One of the catalysts of this growth is the accelerated development of the Dubai South area, as the emirate continues to position itself as a leading global hub for trade, investment, business and tourism.
Sheikh Mohammed said: “A decade ago, we paved the way for a new city to rise within Dubai – one that would host the world, drive innovation and sustainability, and propel the UAE into a new era of prosperity.
“Together, as a community, we have been on a remarkable journey, and today we reveal a new chapter in our long-term vision to advance our ambitions.
“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.
“A new global centre at the heart of our city’s growth corridor, Expo City Dubai embodies our vision for the future. It is committed to sustainable development, enhancing quality of life for all and creating an environment where businesses thrive, while honouring our rich heritage and embracing the unlimited opportunities ahead”.
The plan shows five districts designed as an efficient grid system featuring a smart transportation system and a network of green and blue spaces:
- Located to the north of the city, Expo Hills will offer a low-density residential community, while Expo Fields to the south will serve as a model for healthy living, with a school, sports fields and open performance areas
- Expo Business will provide a campus-like environment for the most innovative and entrepreneurial businesses that share Expo City’s commitment to sustainability and human progress, including the Emirates Group’s Ebdaa aviation innovation hub
- The urban-dense Expo Downtown, anchored by DEC, will extend from the metro station to the eastern edge of the site and include the iconic Al Wasl dome, as well as the new floating Terra Gardens, and Terra Tower – a mixed-use high-end hospitality and office tower, which will be the tallest on site
- Linking Expo City to Expo Valley – where construction is already underway – the Expo Forest will offer social amenities, educational spaces and recreation areas embedded in a natural environment and inspired by the 2040 Urban Master Plan
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, and Chairman of The Executive Council, said: “Expo City Dubai embodies the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to build a future-ready city that drives sustainability, anticipates opportunities, and constantly raises the quality of life of everyone who calls Dubai home.
“The new master plan for Expo City Dubai positions it as a blueprint for the cities of tomorrow and plays a crucial role in achieving the ambitious goals of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Spanning 3.5sq km, Expo City will be home to more than 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals as it develops into a global centre for businesses, investors, homeowners and visitors who share its vision of a brighter, more connected and sustainable future.
The master plan includes the new global headquarters for DP World and features DEC, a powerhouse of the city’s economic growth and one of the key entry points to the city.
DEC recently announced plans to increase the size of its current venue.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of Expo City Dubai Authority said: “With the announcement of its new master plan, Expo City will become the new cornerstone of this growth, providing an exceptional home and offering unrivalled opportunities for the businesses, investors, people and events ready to take advantage of its world-class connectivity.
“The positive impacts will be felt far and wide, with the city supporting the development of Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port – key drivers of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.”
Helal Saeed Almarri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), and Director General of World Trade Centre Authority, said: “The expansion of the Dubai Exhibition Centre at Expo City Dubai marks a pivotal moment for the global MICE sector. By 2033, this expansion is set to triple the sector’s economic contribution, further solidifying Dubai’s status as a leading international hub for business and innovation.
“With DEC set to become the largest indoor exhibitions venue in the region, our strategic collaboration with Expo City Dubai underlines our commitment to transforming it into a vibrant economic hub, driven by global exhibitions and events.”
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO, said: “The approval of the new master plan further validates DP World’s decision to relocate its global headquarters to Expo City Dubai – a prime location next to Dubai’s Logistics Corridor, linking all the major shipping lines of the world that call on Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport.
“This corridor will reduce sea-air transfer time to less than one hour and is a game-changer for our business as a global trade enabler and that of our clients, particularly those looking to use Dubai as a gateway to some of the world’s fastest-growing markets.”
Follow us on
