Dutch architecture firm UNStudio has unveiled its masterplan for Expo City Dubai, a mixed-use development set to become a key centre for the city’s future. Built on the Expo 2020 Dubai site, the project will preserve more than 80% of the existing infrastructure. This approach ensures that the event’s legacy continues while creating a vibrant, sustainable urban district.
A Vision for Sustainable and Inclusive Living
As part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, Expo City Dubai will feature five districts: Expo Downtown, Expo Fields, Expo Hills, Expo Business, and Expo Valley. These areas will blend residential, commercial, and recreational spaces, promoting a diverse and sustainable environment. UNStudio aims to create a model for urban living, where innovation and well-being take centre stage.
Designed for accessibility, each district will offer essential services and amenities within walking distance. The project includes green spaces, plazas, and high- and low-rise buildings to foster a balanced cityscape. Once completed, Expo City Dubai is expected to accommodate 35,000 residents, 37,000 professionals, and 50,000 annual visitors. By integrating low-density residential areas with mixed-use hubs, the development will support “healthy living” and economic growth.
Blending Nature, Innovation, and Urban Legacy
Danish design studio SLA has shaped the landscape and public spaces to align with Expo 2020’s themes of sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. The masterplan features parks, water elements, and plazas to create a nature-driven, interconnected urban experience. A newly planned Expo Forest will enhance biodiversity and integrate the city with its surrounding landscape.
Expo 2020 Dubai, which attracted over 24 million visitors, continues to influence the city’s transformation. The site later hosted COP28 in 2023, reinforcing its role as a global centre for innovation. With Expo City Dubai, the legacy of Expo 2020 will evolve into a thriving urban destination, combining sustainability, economic opportunity, and future-ready design.