Against the backdrop of the Expo 2020 Dubai legacy site, there is a community that is preparing to welcome residents now the world's fair is over.
With a park spanning 38,000 square metres, a running track and a cycling path circling its perimeter, Expo Village has been described as a village within a village.
Factor in restaurants, cafes, salons and supermarkets and the village could become another desirable residential area in Dubai.
Located in Dubai South a few minutes’ walk from the entrance to the Expo legacy site, which will soon evolve into District 2020, the residential complex is made up of 15 mid-rise buildings in four clusters.
Dubai World Trade Centre
Mahmud Al Naib, senior project manager for Dubai World Trade Centre, who runs the flats, said the area is in transition.
“Expo Village was home to thousands of international participants who worked at the [world’s fair] throughout its six-month duration,” he said.
“We have 2,273 apartments located within the four clusters. During Expo, occupancy was at 97 per cent and, within the next few weeks, that will drop to five per cent as workers’ contracts come to an end.
“Over the next few months, we will reinstate the apartments to their original condition for new tenants.”
Made up of studio to three-bedroom flats and 30 three-bedroom town houses, rental prices have yet to be released, but Mr Al Naib said they would be “very competitive for the current Dubai market”.
In terms of size, they go from 40 to 130 square metres.
Al Wasl Dome view from your home
Designed with mixed-community living in mind, each cluster within Expo Village has a gym, swimming pool and children's playground.
Some flats offer a full view of the Al Wasl Dome at the heart of the Expo legacy site.
“We developed Expo Village with so many people in mind, from families, to couples, to young professionals working at start-ups in the nearby District 2020,” Mr Al Naib said.
“Parks and playgrounds throughout the complex make it appealing to families, but we have the flexibility to cater towards the new demographic of people situated in District 2020.
“We are looking at creating a co-working space within some of the retail and home rental units to make remote working more attractive.”
It is likely that the majority of units will be rented out as fully furnished although there are plans to rent some without furniture.
A well-connected community
The entrance to the Expo 2020 Dubai metro line is a minute's walk from each cluster and the area is connected to both Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
“This really is a village within a village, so it is aptly named,” Mr Al Naib said.
“We have a Covid-19 testing clinic, a healthcare clinic, salons, cafes, a supermarket and a pharmacy.
“There are 42 retail and food and beverage units within the site.
“There are lots of seating areas within the gardens and the running and cycling tracks make it an area that very much encourages health and wellness among its residents.”
Now that the six-month world's fair has come to an end, District 2020 will repurpose 80 per cent of the site’s buildings into a mixed-use community.
With many technology companies committed to setting up offices within the site, Expo Village hopes to become a popular option for families and professionals within Dubai.
Goodbye Expo 2020 Dubai — in pictures
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Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA -
Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP -
Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP -
Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP -
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP -
Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP -
A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA -
Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters -
Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA -
Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters -
Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National -
Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images -
An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters -
Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images -
Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images -
Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters -
A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters -
A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters -
The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National -
The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National -
A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National -
Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters -
People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP -
The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP
