Middle East
earning pre-certification for WELL Community, the leading international standard for health and wellbeing in built environments, and LEED Cities and Communities Platinum pre-certification, with buildings designed to cut energy and water demand by 30% and 50% respectively versus international standards. Circularity underpins material waste management systems, minimising landfill and setting a regional example of regenerative urban development. Culture & tourism thrive Expo City inspires too. Retaining key attractions from Expo 2020, including Alif, Terra, Vision Pavilion and the iconic Al Wasl Plaza, the city “continues to deliver the magic and cultural diversity that defined the World Expo experience”. Its events calendar is robust and imaginative, packed with immersive projections, multicultural celebrations, and the Annual Al Wasl Season featuring concerts, community festivals and family entertainment. With more than 30 event venues and the ongoing US$2.72 million expansion of DEC, Expo City is fast becoming the UAE’s events powerhouse. Once complete, DEC will offer 180,000 sqm of indoor space, 26 halls and capacity for 65,000 daily visitors. Major global events, including COP28, have already been hosted here, and Gulfood and GITEX, two of Dubai’s largest economic drivers, relocate to the centre in 2026. A second city in the making In the next few years, Expo City will house 35,000 residents and more than 40,000 professionals, but the wider vision extends further. With DWC set to become the world’s largest air hub and the continued expansion of DEC, the surrounding district is poised to evolve into what Douglas-Home describes as a potential “second city of Dubai”, re-mapping the emirate’s economic and cultural geography. “We are excited to see how this bold vision takes shape,” he says, “and to welcome partners who share our determination to build a more connected and sustainable future.” vision takes shape”.
covering biodiversity, wellness, economic growth, energy use and more. This blueprint positions Expo City as a key pillar of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan – a strategy to future-proof the emirate’s long-term growth. Its location strengthens this role: situated near Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), set to become the world’s largest once fully operational; Jebel Ali Port, already the globe’s largest man-made port; and the expanding, on-site Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC). Combined, these assets establish Expo City as a strategic enabler of Dubai’s ambitions across logistics, technology, tourism, innovation and global events. Central social districts unite While most cities around the world are rethinking how people live and work, Expo City is taking action with its pioneering Central Social Districts (CSDs) concept, merging business, leisure and community into one interconnected environment. Designed around 15-minute planning principles, residents, professionals and visitors have convenient access to homes, green spaces, hospitality, dining, retail and state-of-the-art workplaces, all within a short walk or bike ride. Pe- destrian-friendly shaded walkways, micromobility options like e-bikes and scooters, plus easy Dubai Metro access enhance connectivity while improving air quality and safety. For business travellers attending major global conferences at DEC, this integrated experience is a major draw. Community wellbeing first Wellbeing is also a foundational value of Expo City, with clear benefits, says Douglas-Home: “Being part of a community that prioritises your wellbeing and quality of life makes you more engaged, and more likely to contribute to its resilience and growth.” This philosophy is visible in how the city approaches environmental responsibility, community engagement and economic sustainability too. The on-site Food Rescue Programme, for example, collaborates with the city’s
“Being part of a community that prioritises your wellbeing and
quality of life makes you more engaged”
F&B partner, Terrazo, to redirect surplus meals to those in need, reducing waste and supporting vulnerable communities. As of November 2025, more than 14,000 meals had been rescued and redistributed, preventing seven tonnes of food waste and avoiding more than 15 tonnes of CO 2 e emissions. Similarly, the Seeds of Change initiative encourages visitors to voluntarily offset their event-related carbon footprint. Expo City matches each offset purchased, doubling the impact and reinforcing accountability. “Both these initiatives highlight our belief that it is not only possible but imperative to find a balance between sustainability ambitions and business objectives if both internal and external stakeholders are engaged in the process,” says Douglas-Home. This approach extends to the creation of the UAE’s first Green Innovation District, a dedicated free zone for businesses committed to decarbonisation and circular economy practices. Regenerative urbanism action This circularity mindset shaped Expo City from the start. In a powerful example of repurposing at scale, more than 80% of Expo-built infrastructure has been retained. The city’s master plan has achieved major global recognitions,
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