Expo pavilions get second life as luxury loft homes in Expo City Dubai

Work begins to redevelop pavilions into low-rise flats that will be handed over next year at prices from Dh1.7million

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  A general view of national pavilions that will be redeveloped into luxury lofts at Expo City, Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Al Waha residences have been launched and will convert existing Expo pavilions into high-end homes. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  Expo City Dubai will remain open for events and conferences during the construction work. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  The Al Waha apartments will be in the heart of the new Expo City development. Chris Whiteoak / The National

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  A render shows a duplex loft in the first low-rise residential offering on the Expo City site. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  Work has begun to repurpose low-rise buildings into 500 luxury apartments and duplex lofts. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  The first units will be handed over at the end of next year. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  The high-ceiling Al Waha homes cost upwards of Dh1.7 million. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A render shows how the homes will look alongside Expo landmarks such as the Alif or Mobility pavilion, the Surreal water feature and shaded courtyards. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  Investors have an option to purchase an entire two-storey building of 10 to 12 homes. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  The low-rise buildings will open out to winding pathways that criss-cross the community. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  The UAE’s first 15-minute city will have attractions, parks, offices, transport within walking or cycling distance. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  Infrastructure is already in place with a Metro, road networks, proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A master plan highlighted Expo City Dubai as a centre for pioneers, entrepreneurs and investors. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  The city will welcome more than 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A rendering of the masterplan for the city being built as the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A rendering of a living room. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A rendering of the residential spine. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A rendering of a penthouse bathroom. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  A rendering of an aerial view of an alleyway. Photo: Expo City Dubai

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  Another penthouse bathroom. Photo: Expo City Dubai

Pavilions that housed exhibitions of dozens of countries during Expo 2020 Dubai are being redeveloped into high-end apartments in the heart of Expo City Dubai.

Work has begun to repurpose low-rise buildings into about 500 luxury apartments and duplex lofts, with the first units to be handed over at the end of next year.

The high-ceiling Al Waha homes cost in excess of Dh1.7 million with large windows that will look over Expo landmarks such as the widget-shaped Alif or Mobility pavilion, the Surreal water feature and planned green courtyards.

The January launch is part of Expo City Dubai’s master plan for a pedestrian-friendly community, where people can park their cars at home or in the office and walk, cycle, use electric scooters and buggies across the development.

“We are extremely excited about the launch of this Expo City signature collection, the Al Waha residences, that are a unique offering of luxury two-bedroom lofts and one and two-bedroom luxury apartments located at the heart of Expo City,” Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer at Expo City Dubai, told The National.

“This will be just a few steps away from all the attractions and landmarks of Expo City in a one-of-a-kind urban neighbourhood where a traditional Arab city meets modern living. This is our first low-rise residential experience. What makes it unique is the design of the existing shaded structures outside, the lush green landscape and water features. It will be a truly special place, a smart city at the heart of Expo City.”

Price range

Expo has promised spacious and sunny apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury fittings and fixtures at affordable prices. One-bedroom apartments are priced from Dh1.7 million, two-bedroom units from Dh2.9 million and the two-bedroom lofts start at Dh3.9 million, all with gym and pool access.

Investors have an option to purchase an entire two-storey building of 10 to 12 homes.

The low-rise buildings will be redeveloped to create luxury loft homes with starting prices of Dh1.7million. Chris Whiteoak / The National

“We want everybody to be able to afford living in Expo City,” Mr Al Khatib said. “We do that with top designs in terms of sustainability, technology and living experiences as well payment plans that make it very affordable.”

Prospective homeowners will pay 50 per cent during the two-year construction period in five instalments and the remaining 50 per cent when the project is completed.

The newly launched Al Waha apartments will be inside low-rise buildings that were home to the exhibits of hundreds of countries and organisations during Expo 2020.

Larger country pavilions such as the winged UAE pavilion, the Saudi, Morocco, India and China pavilions remain on site and Expo is working with the nations to redevelop the structures.

Blueprint for Dubai’s growth

The UAE’s first 15-minute city where attractions, parks, offices, and public transport facilities are within walking or cycling distance is being closely watched as a blueprint for other developments.

“We work closely with so many verticals in terms of developing the full city. So, we are very careful on how we create the offering as we want to stay human-centric,” Mr Al Khatib said. “The entire community is pedestrianised with walkability across the entire city. We have ensured you can cycle from one end to the other with dedicated cycle lanes, you can walk or use your scooter from one point to another point without any disruptions.”

The city is being built as a legacy project across a 3.5sq km area that drew millions of visitors to the UAE to the enormously successful World’s Fair in 2021, when travellers got back on planes following the coronavirus pandemic.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, approved a master plan last year that highlighted Expo City Dubai as a catalyst for the emirate’s growth.

Sheikh Mohammed said the district would be a “hub for pioneers, entrepreneurs and investors” and was central to “propel the UAE into a new era of prosperity”.

Strong transport infrastructure is already in place with a metro, six-lane road networks, bus links, proximity to the Al Maktoum International airport and Jebel Ali port.

The city aims to welcome more than 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals, with DP World announcing the site for its global headquarters, German engineering giant Siemens moving offices here and work under way to build the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the region’s biggest indoor exhibition and conference area.

The new units will look into shaded courtyards and green spaces in the heart of Expo City. Credit: Expo City Dubai

The timeline

The first residential towers Mangrove Residences are on track to be handed over in the first quarter of 2026, followed by other residential apartment and villa projects linked with hiking trails and cycle paths. Expo City will continue to remain open with exhibitions and events planned during the year despite the continuing construction.

“We are a very unique development because the infrastructure is ready and in place. During the construction we will remain open, making sure activities continue at Expo City,” Mr Al Khatib said.

“This year we have more plans to come. Our plans are studied carefully with market requirements and, more importantly, what Expo City needs in terms of adding residential components to the commercial offering. The year 2026 is actually a very important year. We are excited about the new exhibition centre with construction by Dubai World Trade Centre and its completion in 2026. It's also the year to deliver our residential projects under construction to our tenants and owners.”