Transforming a global event into a lasting legacy with Expo City Dubai

PROJECT OVERVIEW

Transforming a World Expo into a new city 

Before Expo 2020 Dubai opened, the long-term ambition was always to build a resilient and inclusive urban district. The goal was to turn the 438-hectare site into a permanent mixed-use community, one that could host global events and showcase Dubai’s commitment to a net-zero future. 

Expo City Dubai is designed according to the principles of the 15-minute city, prioritising walkability, connectivity and quality of life. The city includes multiple residential districts set alongside commercial, cultural and institutional zones. More than 45,000 square metres of green space connect the site through parks, gardens and pedestrian-first public areas. 

PROJECT STORY

A delivery partner from planning to handover 

Our involvement began with Expo 2020, where our teams supported in the delivery of various projects, from flagship pavilions to supporting infrastructure. While Expo City Dubai retains around 80 per cent of Expo 2020-built infrastructure, we supported the decommissioning of over 270 temporary structures following the event. This work cleared the way for redevelopment while preserving key legacy assets. 

Building on this momentum, we supported the transformation of major structures into high-spec conference venues for COP28, the United Nations’s 2023 global climate summit, delivering rapid upgrades to infrastructure and accessibility. 

Our role has since evolved to support the delivery of a new residential portfolio, including three 16-storey apartment developments, Mangrove Residences, Sidr Residences and Sky Residences.  

We’re also supporting the delivery of Al Waha Residences and Expo Valley, two distinct residential areas within Expo City Dubai. Al Waha is a unique neighbourhood created by reimagining the former Expo 2020 pavilions into low-rise blocks, offering residential, retail and F&B spaces. Expo Valley, meanwhile, is a premium, multi-phase gated community, comprising of townhouses and villas, set within a native landscape that features a nature reserve, lake and wadi. 

Our integrated, digital-first approach is driving consistency by streamlining governance, enhancing visibility and sustaining programme momentum. 

A global benchmark for sustainable urban development 

Expo City Dubai is now a benchmark for climate-conscious, community-focused urban design.  

The city includes multiple LEED-certified buildings, as well as eight existing infrastructure schemes rated ‘Excellent’ under BREEAM (formerly CEEQUAL). Rooftop solar PV systems are capable of generating 5.5 MW of clean energy and smart building systems are designed to cut energy demand by around 30 percent compared to global benchmarks. 

With its walkable layout, wellness-focused design and future-ready infrastructure, Expo City Dubai is a bold model for how cities can be built.