Sheikh Mohammed unveils new master plan for Expo City Dubai

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai says major development will be at heart of emirate's future growth

Expo City Dubai is primed to be major hub for businesses and a leading residential destination. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday approved a new master plan to position Expo City Dubai as a catalyst for the emirate's development.

Sheikh Mohammed said the district - which hosted the Expo 2020 Dubai and last year's Cop28 climate talks - would become a "hub for pioneers, entrepreneurs and investors" and was central to a long-term vision to "propel the UAE into a new era of prosperity".

The blueprint will see the district become the global headquarters for DP World, one of the country's leading businesses, and will feature an expanded Dubai Exhibition Centre.

Spanning 3.5 sq km, Expo City Dubai will be home to more than 35,000 people and 40,000 professionals as it develops into a centre for businesses, investors, homeowners and visitors.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid approved a new master plan for Expo City Dubai. Photo: Dubai Media Office

“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," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"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."

The strategy is critical to the goals of the 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033.

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence, said Expo City Dubai was a testament to the emirate's ambitions.

"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," Sheikh Hamdan said.

"Dubai never ceases to evolve, launching major projects and unique initiatives that consolidate its status as a leader across sectors. As Dubai continues to transform, we remain committed to fostering innovation and empowering talent, ensuring our city leads by example in shaping a prosperous, sustainable future."

City of the future

The plan shows five districts designed as an efficient grid system featuring a smart transportation system and a network of green and blue spaces.

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 innovative and entrepreneurial businesses that share Expo City’s commitment to sustainability and progress, including the Emirates Group’s innovation hub.

Expo Downtown, anchored by DEC, will extend from the metro station to the eastern edge of the site and include the landmark 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.

Work is under way at Expo City Dubai to transform the site into a residential community, with the Expo pavilions as a backdrop. All images: Expo City Dubai

Expo Valley consists of more than 500 townhouses, three to four bedroom villas and high-end villas, built in a nature reserve

The Expo Valley project is adjacent to the Expo site with villas, hiking trails and cycle paths

Expo Valley is one of three residential projects due to be handed over in 2026

A rendering of the plan to build large villas with walking and hiking trails on the former Expo site

A first look at work to build apartments that will overlook the Surreal water feature and Al Wasl Dome

The residential project is part of the legacy masterplan of Expo 2020 Dubai where buildings are being constructed within the existing Expo infrastructure

The development is being dubbed as the country's first 15-minute city, where transport, entertainment, homes, restaurants and offices are a short walk or cycle ride away

Access to the neighbourhood will remain open during construction

The plan for nature trails and walking and cycle paths incorporates a ‘folded earth’ concept, so the view is not blocked by buildings but covered by trees

Expo pavilions in the background as mounds of earth are removed to lay the foundations for the residential project

A rendering of the buildings that will be at the heart of Expo City Dubai, about 100 metres from the main attractions

Construction areas have been cordoned off, with pathways and transport links remaining open for the international conferences and sports events that will continue to be held at Expo City Dubai

A rendering of buildings overlooking the Garden in the Sky observation tower

A panoramic view of the Expo site

Foundations being laid on the Expo City Dubai site

The car-free zone will encourage a healthy lifestyle, say developers, with walking tracks, cycle paths and hiking trails planned

Apartment buildings with views of the main Expo site are due to be delivered in 2026

Linking Expo City to Expo Valley – where construction is already under way – the Expo Forest will offer social amenities, educational spaces and recreation areas embedded in a natural environment and inspired by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.

“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," said Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group chairman and chief executive.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South, said the master plan would bolster the growth of Dubai South and the emirate as a whole.

"Expo City Dubai’s new master plan builds on the expansion of Al Maktoum International Airport to provide a significant strategic advantage for businesses in Dubai South, offering unparalleled convenience and enhancing their ability to operate on a global scale," he said.

“These ambitious projects will advance economic progress as set out in the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, positioning Dubai as a leader in key sectors including trade and logistics, events and tourism.”