Expo City Dubai is evolving beyond its origins as the host site of Expo 2020, transforming into a forward-thinking urban center. The six-month-long global event welcomed over 24 million visitors from 192 nations, establishing Dubai as a hub for progress and innovation. Following its success, the site also hosted COP28, reinforcing its significance in global discussions on sustainability. Now, the Expo City Dubai Masterplan, developed by UNStudio in collaboration with Buro Happold, SLA, and other key partners, introduces a vision for the future, aligning with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the city’s ambitious net-zero 2050 goals.
Building on a Legacy
UNStudio’s approach preserves 80% of the existing Expo 2020 infrastructure, ensuring that the site’s architectural and functional framework remains intact. At the same time, it evolves to meet new demands. The development spans 3.5 square kilometers and will accommodate more than 35,000 residents and 37,000 professionals. It is also expected to attract 50,000 visitors per year. Designed as an adaptable and innovative environment, the masterplan focuses on economic, social, and cultural progress.
The new plan moves away from the organic layout of the Thematic Districts. Instead, it introduces a structured grid that improves navigation and accessibility. This revised layout enhances connectivity across the site, making it more efficient. At the same time, it preserves the character of the original Expo grounds.
A City of Distinct Districts
The masterplan introduces five interconnected districts, each designed to integrate existing Expo assets with new developments. The masterplan envisions Expo Downtown as a high-density area with a diverse mix of spaces, including the tallest building within Expo City. Designed as a hub for sports, entertainment, and education, Expo Fields will feature arenas, a school, and a variety of retail and dining options. Offering a quieter urban experience, Expo Hills combines green spaces with a low-density residential neighborhood. Creating a collaborative environment for forward-thinking companies, Expo Business fosters a culture of innovation. Beyond these districts, Expo Valley, expected to be completed by 2026, will introduce another residential area with a strong emphasis on environmental integration.
Each district ensures that essential amenities are within easy reach, promoting a more connected and accessible way of living. The integration of green corridors and water features enhances the overall design, creating a setting where nature and urban life coexist.
Expanding Connectivity
With the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) relocating to Expo City, new commercial opportunities are expected to emerge. Retail, hospitality, office spaces, and other business ventures will benefit from increased foot traffic, making the area a more attractive destination.
The project is actively connecting Expo Valley with the rest of Expo City to enhance the user experience. A new park, featuring cultural and leisure activities, will act as a gateway between these developments, with micro-mobility pathways ensuring smooth access. The introduction of Expo Market, a local Market Hall, will provide residents with a convenient space to gather, shop, and dine as they move through the area.
With Al Maktoum International Airport set to open in 2030, Expo City Dubai is positioned to serve as a welcoming point for visitors in transit and first-time travelers to the UAE. The plan includes boutique hotels, local retail spaces, and farm-to-table restaurants, offering a first impression of Dubai’s evolving urban landscape.
A City Rooted in Nature
SLA designed the public spaces within Expo City Dubai, focusing on nature-driven solutions that reflect the themes of Expo 2020 – Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity. The plan integrates green and blue spaces throughout the site. They will create a network of parks, plazas, and water features that enhance the livability of the environment. The plan includes planting more than 30,000 native trees across the site to support biodiversity and improve air quality.
A key highlight is the Expo Forest, an urban green space that connects to nearby valley systems. The forest is designed with natural landscapes, ghaf trees, and local wildlife in mind. It will provide an immersive experience with activities such as treetop climbing, birdwatching, and urban farming.
A Sustainable Future
The masterplan follows measurable sustainability goals, keeping environmental considerations central to its execution. The development has already achieved WELL Community Gold Certification, demonstrating a strong focus on health, wellness, and responsible urban planning. The plan also mandates LEED Gold certification for all buildings and BREEAM Excellent ratings for infrastructure and public spaces, reinforcing its commitment to sustainability.
The project will increase the use of renewable energy, optimize water consumption, and reduce carbon emissions. It will also expand public transport options, prioritizing pedestrian-friendly pathways, cycling networks, and micro-mobility alternatives. These measures will encourage a healthier, more environmentally conscious way of living.
Client: Expo City Dubai
Location: Dubai, UAE
Building volume: 2.4M m²
Programme: Transformation / Mixed Use Master Plan
Status: In progress
UNStudio Team: Ben van Berkel, Caroline Bos with Arjan Pit, Dana Behrman, Aurelie Hsiao, Misja Van Veen, Allison Weiler, Michael Labory, Andi Balza, Olga Kotta, Chrysa Triantafyllidou, and Joshua Karategin, Nathan Ngo, Zacharoula Loizou, Yvonne Yuen, Rotem Shenitzer, Jinlai Song, Yimeng Ma, Valentina Amaya, Bart Chompff, Nathan van Nugteren, Lucas Di Gioia, Aleksei Lebedev, Daniel Diez, Juan Manuel Rodriguez, Jose Sanmartin Gonzalez, Carolina Boccella, Mircea Mogan, Hyunjin Park, Andrius Ribikauskas, Luca Fabbri, Alex Kalavech, Caroline Wang, Giovanni Cuguttu, Joe Tu, Luke Kim, Christian Maijstré, Felizitas Dochantschi, Inés Verna, Nawid Piracha, Anna Maria Pisani, Monica Palfy, Shaghayegh Shayan
Advisors:
Buro Happold – Mobility, Sustainability, Accessibility, Environmental Scope, Fire & Life Safety Design, Infrastructure Planning (Wet &Dry), Roads and Highways, Traffic Impact Study, Security, Microclimate, CFD Analysis, Solid Waste Management, SMART City, Acoustics
SLA – Landscape & Public Realm design
Endpoint – Wayfinding
Strategy & Concept Design
LDC – Lighting DesignEGIS/WMI – Architect of Record
Vedra Developers FZ LLC – Project Management Support
CPP wind – Wind Engineering
RTC – TIS
AESG – EIA
Compass – Cost Consultant
Mimar Models – Physical Model
Visualisations by: Plomp, HISM and Hansinok
