His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, approved a new master plan for Expo City Dubai in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai.
The updated plan describes Expo City Dubai’s contribution to leading Dubai’s future growth and elevating the emirate’s reputation internationally. Expo City Dubai, the location of the historic 2020 World Expo and COP28, will be a major force behind the advancement of the emirate across many industries.
The expansion plans of Expo City Dubai solidify its position as the cornerstone of Dubai’s growth, providing substantial investment opportunities for entities with an eye toward the future. Due to its proximity to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Jebel Ali Port, and Al Maktoum International Airport, it is in a prime position to support Dubai’s ambitions for growth in several important areas, including business, events, trade and logistics, technology and innovation, and tourism.
The plans are essential to realizing the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate’s economy by 2033, and the 2040 Dubai Urban Master Plan, which names Expo City as one of five important urban centers. The rapid development of the Dubai South region is one of the driving forces behind this expansion, as the Emirates maintains its position as a major international hub for business, trade, investment, 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,” His Highness added.
With a 3.5 square kilometer footprint, Expo City Dubai is expected to house over 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals as it transforms into a worldwide hub for enterprises, financiers, property owners, and tourists who share its vision of a more prosperous, interconnected, and sustainable future.
DP World headquarters
The master plan features DEC, a major driver of Dubai’s economic growth and one of the main entry points to the city, as well as the new global headquarters of DP World, a prominent facilitator of international trade and one of the UAE’s flagship organizations. DEC recently declared that it would be expanding its current location.
Directors general of Dubai government departments, senior officials, and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Ports and Borders Security Council and Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, attended the event to approve the new master plan.
Five districts
The plan presents five districts organized into an effective grid system with a network of green and blue spaces, smart transportation, and other features, all while preserving the essence of the magnificent built environment that welcomed 24 million visitors for Expo 2020 Dubai.
Expo Fields, to the south of the city, will serve as an example of healthy living, complete with a school, sports fields, and open performance areas. Expo Hills, to the north of the city, will provide a low-density residential community. The most creative and innovative companies that share Expo City’s dedication to sustainability and human progress, such as the Emirates Group’s Ebdaa aviation innovation hub, will find a campus-like setting at Expo Business.
The metro station will be the eastern boundary of the urban-dense Expo Downtown, which is led by DEC. It will feature the iconic Al Wasl dome, the new floating Terra Gardens, and the tallest building on the site, Terra Tower, a mixed-use high-end hospitality and office tower. Connecting Expo City and Expo Valley, where work is currently in progress, the Expo Forest will provide recreational opportunities, educational spaces, and social amenities within a natural setting, all influenced by the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
The plan is intended to be resilient and to strike a balance between societal progress, environmental preservation, and human needs. It will be implemented gradually and adjusted over time to meet changing demands. Thanks to key performance indicators related to areas like biodiversity, economic growth, energy use, and wellness, Expo City will be able to remain on track to meet its Net Zero by 2050 targets while also setting new standards for sustainable urban excellence.
