EXPO CITY
DUBAI
United Arab Emirates
Expo City Dubai is a blueprint for sustainable urban living, balancing societal advancement with environmental stewardship. With its unrivalled location and world-class connectivity, it sits as the anchor between the Dubai Exhibition Centre, Al Maktoum International Airport and Jebel Ali Port. An award-winning freezone, Expo City is a hub for the people, ideas and industries driving the delivery of Dubai’s Economic Agenda (D33). The 3.5sqkm city, designed with 15-minute planning principles, features residences (the first of which is due for handover in 2026), modern offices and educational, cultural and entertainment offerings – all set within extensive green spaces to ensure a harmonious urban experience. The master plan will follow a gradual, phased development, with Expo City becoming home to around 35,000 residents and 40,000 professionals.
Future Cities criteria compliance
Environmental & Nature
Sustainability sits at the core of Expo City Dubai’s design. Its master plan is pre-certified Platinum under the LEED Cities and Communities standard – the highest possible rating –reflecting a holistic approach to low-carbon, resource-efficient urban development. As the UAE’s first Green Innovation District, the city supports eco-conscious businesses in decarbonising and scaling their solutions, while circular economy principles guide day-to-day operations, from rescuing and redistributing surplus food to composting food waste across the city. Expo City is also a Certified Sustainable Destination under the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC), illustrating the centrality of environmental, social and economic sustainability to the city’s vision.
Smart City
Designed as a fully integrated smart city, Expo City Dubai uses advanced metering and sensor technologies to monitor energy and water consumption and manage waste more efficiently. City-wide infrastructure under the master plan will also include 200,000+ live data points from sensors, IoT and cameras for real-time analytics. Walkability and micro-mobility are prioritised, supported by seamless connectivity to the Dubai Metro and wider transport network. Beyond infrastructure, the city functions as a living testbed where new technologies and solutions are trialled in a real urban environment, helping to shape the next generation of smart city development.
Human-Centric
Expo City Dubai is an inclusive, innovation-driven and people-centric city of the future. Its master plan has achieved pre-certification under the WELL Community standard, which prioritises health, wellbeing and quality of life as part of the built environment. Pedestrian-friendly districts, generous green spaces and thoughtfully integrated amenities encourage healthier, more balanced lifestyles, while the close proximity of offices, homes and leisure spaces helps create vibrant communities where people can live, work and socialise with ease. Expo City is also a Certified Autism CenterTM, demonstrating its commitment to creating a welcoming and accessible environment for all.