A new, sustainable “15-minute city” was built by repurposing around 80% of the existing Expo infrastructure following Expo 2020, which took place from October 2021 to March 2022.
Expo City, which is about 3.5 square kilometers in size, can house more than 35,000 people and 40,000 professionals. To meet Dubai’s 2040 Urban Master Plan and Economic Agenda (D33), the layout applies sustainability, walkability, green areas, and smart infrastructure.
Expo City is open to visitors for free in several areas. Attractions including Terra, Alif, Garden in the Sky, Vision, and Women’s Pavilions request paid admission; these tickets range from AED 21 to AED 52.
Built with LEED-certified buildings, car-free districts, wadis, folded earth contours, and smart structures, Expo City embodies a sustainable urban future. The UAE Pavilion, with photovoltaic wings and energy-efficient design, reflects these green design tenets.
Expo City Location
Expo City Dubai is a living, breathing urban innovation that fuses together culture, sustainability, smart technology, and community into the future blueprint of global cities. This is a smart city with 5G, smart energy and resource systems integrated by WELL-certified infrastructure.
This economic housing district is near several notable neighborhoods, including;
- Dubai Investments Park - 9 minutes away
- Jumeirah Village Circle - 17 minutes away
- Al Barsha - 18 minutes away
- Ras Al Khor- 30 minutes away
Roads, Transportation, Getting In and Around Expo City
Key Passageway: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), Sheikh Zayed Road (E11), and Al Khail Road (E44) are just a few of the important routes that Expo City is conveniently close to.
Bus Routes: Frequent buses run between Expo City and important locations such as the airport, Dubai Mall, and Ibn Battuta.
Metro Facility: The Expo 2020 Metro Station is the last stop on the Red Line Extension. Expo City is accessible via the air-conditioned, direct pedestrian routes. The main Red Line makes an easy transfer at Jabal Ali Station.
Access for Pedestrians: The city was planned to be a pedestrian-friendly place. In the summer, there are numerous cooling structures and walkways that provide shade.
Expo City Buggies: Shuttle services and electric buggy rentals are offered. Families, the elderly, and those with mobility issues would particularly benefit from this amenity.
Bicycles and E-Scooters: There are e-scooter rental stations spread out throughout the city for individuals who feel more at ease riding a bicycle. For scooter access, you can use applications like Lime or Tier.
Parking Facilities: Parking is offered for both free and a fee. There are also charging facilities for electric vehicles (EVs). During events, valet parking is available in designated areas.
Nearby Communities
- Palm Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Village Circle
- Discovery Gardens
- Dubai Investments Park
- Palm Jebel Ali
Property Types in Expo City
Expo City Dubai is notable for its adaptability and innovative architecture. It is easy to see why this master-planned community is attracting a lot of interest from locals and investors when you consider the hospitality options, environmentally friendly building, first-rate amenities, and advantageous location. All of the developments, at most, were created with modern living, sustainability, and connection in mind.
1) Mixed-Use and Master Community Developments
Master-planned neighborhoods include a solid mix of residential, retail, commercial, and recreational facilities—creating self-contained zones with schools, clinics, parks, shops, and pedestrian-friendly environments.
2) Residential Developments
- Apartments: High-rise and mid-rise structures offer studios and apartments with one to four bedrooms. Mangrove Residences, Terra Heights, Sky Residences, Sidr Residences, and Expo City Residences are a few of the major upcoming developments.
- Townhouses: Multi-story residences with three to four bedrooms that are geared for families, such as Shamsa Townhouses and those found in Expo City Residences.
- Villas: Large detached and semi-detached residences with four to five bedrooms, extensive interior and outdoor areas, and opulent design—like Expo Valley's Yasmina and Maha Villas.
3) Penthouses
At the high end of the luxury spectrum, penthouses provide large floor plans, private terraces, and high-end finishes.
4) Developments in Hospitality
Along with upscale hotels and serviced apartments, Expo City offers business, wellness, and leisure facilities for both short-term and long-term visitors.
Al Waha Signature Residences - Developed by Expo Dubai Group, Al Waha Signature Residences features a collection of premium 1 and 2-bedroom apartments and lofts. There are a total of 284 aesthetically designed residential properties available which are inspired by Expo 2020’s iconic pavilions, shaded courtyards, and signature ‘Al Waha’ canopies.
Sidr Residences - This project presents a collection of 1-4 bedroom apartments spanning between 984 sq.ft. to 4,128 sq. ft. The starting price per unit is AED 1,880,000. Sidr Residences are modern smart homes with premium finishes.
Maha Villas - The project has a total of 5-bedroom standalone villas spanning between 7,537 sq.ft. to 13,261 sq.ft. The starting price is capped at AED 13,000,000. The project is to be handed over in Q1 of 2026. Features of this property complex include a private swimming pool and underground parking.
Shamsa Townhouses - As an upscale residential development by Expo Dubai Group in Expo Valley, Shamsa Townhouses features a collection of 3 and 4 bedrooms spanning between 2,655 sq.ft. and 3,235 sq.ft. The starting price of a unit is AED 3,699,000 and the project is scheduled for Q1 of 2026. A “green link” that presents easy access to dining, entertainment, and shopping opportunities is a feature of Shamsa townhouses, which are part of Expo City and are all built to the greatest environmental standards.
Sky Residences - Capped at AED 1,700,000, Sky Residences is a range of 1, 2 and 3-bedroom apartments spanning between 931 sq.ft. to 2,186 sq.ft. Each apartment is designed with meticulous attention to detail and modern aesthetics. The project is scheduled to be handed over in Q3 of 2026.
Sales and Rental Trends in Expo City
With 223,904 transactions and AED 753.6 billion in sales, Dubai’s real estate industry saw a noteworthy 18.8% value gain and 34.8% volume growth in 2024. This rise connects with sustained demand spurred by Expo City’s makeover and favorable macroeconomic policies.
In 2024, off-plan sales accounted for 60.6% of home transactions, compared to 54% in 2023. Investor interest at Expo City is being fueled by various payment arrangements, such as 50/50 post-handover plans spread over three years.
High-net-worth foreign investors, particularly from Germany and Switzerland, are drawn to Expo City. Several levels and entire buildings are being quickly seized.
Since 2021, property values in the vicinity of Expo City have shot up by 10% to 20% due to strategic government-led construction and demand.
Apartments typically sell for AED 1,970,000, while townhouses sell for AED 3,910,000 on average. The villas are around AED 14,790,000.
A Surge in Rent
In desirable neighborhoods including Marina, Downtown, and Business Bay, rental rates jumped by 15–30% between 2022 and 2024; in neighborhoods close to Expo City, the spike was as high as 40%. In 2024, Dubai South, which is next to Expo City, saw a rental growth of roughly 19% annually.
Dubai South outperforms several core areas with gross rental rates ranging from 6 to 8.5%. Given the strategic infrastructure and tenant demand, Expo City yield estimates range from 5% to 7%, and they may even be higher.
High tenant interest is demonstrated by occupancy rates of about 92%. With planned job growth and a projected shortage of residential units by 2026, demand for rentals—particularly those with two or three bedrooms—is forecast to stay high.
Expo City Property Sales Prices
According to a reliable source, townhouses in Expo City are limited to AED 3,905,830, while apartments typically sell for AED 1,971,638. The average price of a villa is AED 14,786,400. These figures point to premium placement, especially for townhomes and villas, which reflects the development’s futuristic visionary and smart planning.
Due to increased demand, metro extensions, and infrastructure, property values in Dubai South (including the area around Expo City) have shot up by 10% to 20% since 2021. Residential prices in Dubai South gained +24.8% year over year as of Q2 2025, with the mid-market and budget categories driving the growth.
By 2027, Dubai anticipates adding over 243,000 new homes, which might help level out rental trends and pricing.
Nearby Attractions and Landmarks
The Adventurous Octopus (Octavia): A quirky playground shaped like an octopus, packed with climbing and sliding activities.
Garden in the Sky: Also known as the “flying park,” this rotating observation tower takes you 55 meters up for breathtaking panoramic views of the city.
Expo 2020 Dubai Museum: A heritage-rich exhibit that narrates the entire journey of Expo 2020—from the UAE’s first World Expo bid to its global legacy—through immersive storytelling.
The Firdaus Orchestra: The UAE’s first all-female symphonic group, has its headquarters at Expo City. They play both classical and traditional instruments, flaunting the fusion of culture with contemporary identity.
Al Wasl Plaza: A central architectural hub, this serene garden by day transforms into a dazzling nighttime spectacle with immersive projections and light shows.
Women’s Pavilion: A meaningful exhibit celebrating gender equality and highlighting women’s development.
Surreal Water Feature: A striking, Instagram-worthy installation serving as both a visual centerpiece and a venue for special events.
Taqa Island: An energy-themed zone set within the Terra pavilion, combines science, art, music, and play.
Schools and Educational Institutions near Expo City
The International School of Choueifat – DIP
With opportunities for US pathways like SAT and AP courses in the latter years, The International School of Choueifat, situated in Dubai Investments Park (DIP 1), provides an organized, academically focused atmosphere that follows the British curriculum, including IGCSE, AS, and A Levels.A 400-meter rubberized running track, a synthetic grass football field, a gymnasium, a multipurpose sports hall, ballet and gymnastics rooms, a semi-Olympic pool, a computer and science lab, a library, and shaded playgrounds are among the school’s amenities.
Nibras International School
A demanding American curriculum (AERO Common Core Plus) that is in line with American standards and enhanced by the International Primary and Middle Years frameworks is provided at Nibras International School (NIS).Students from Kindergarten (ages 4) through Grade 12 are taught by native English speakers, and upon graduation, students are eligible to enroll in Advanced Placement (AP) courses and get a U.S. High School Diploma. Besides, the school organizes ISP International Learning Opportunities (ILOs), including foreign exchanges, film festivals, and Model UN.Science labs, libraries, art rooms, a heated indoor pool, a multipurpose gym, a floodlit sports field, a tennis court, and technological resources like Chromebooks and Google for Education integration are among the facilities.
Greenfield International School (GIS)
Established in 2007 by the Taaleem company, Greenfield International School (GIS) is situated in Dubai Investments Park, approximately 1.9 km from Expo City. One of the top IB schools in Dubai, it is permitted to provide all four IB programs to students between the ages of 2 and 18. The school has 40 clubs including robotics, media, MUN, sustainability, and MasterChef.Our goal at GIS is to establish a premier IB Continuum School known for its exceptional teaching and learning standards and robust academic culture. Being a private school, GIS has two buildings specifically for the Primary Section, each of which has music rooms. Upper Primary also has access to a dedicated performing arts studio. Along with a gym and a dedicated fitness studio, the school also features two multipurpose sports halls that are vibrant venues for a variety of indoor sports and physical education programs.
Hospitals and Medical Clinics near Expo City
NMC Royal Hospital – DIP
NMC Royal Hospital is a full-service hospital also in DIP, with easy access and comprehensive care available. The hospital spans approximately 17,695 m² with 73 beds spread across VIP suites, private, and shared rooms. It is located in Dubai Investments Park 1. Equipped with 4 operating theatres, 1 labour room, 2 delivery rooms, ICU, and NICU with isolation capabilities, the hospital offers 24×7 emergency services, ambulance, community pharmacy, and outpatient services (including Fridays). Diagnostic tools include the latest 1.5 Tesla MRI plus CT scans, X-ray, ultrasound, mammogram among others.
Mediclinic Me’aisem – City Centre Me’aisem
As a multispeciality clinic conveniently located in City Centre Me’aisem, Mediclinic Me’aisem offers outpatient care with specialization in Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OB-GYN), Ophthalmology, Dermatology, General Surgery, Dentistry, Physiotherapy, and Internal Medicine. The clinic offers an external entrance from the car park and ample free parking. It is open daily from 8 AM to 9 PM (Monday to Sunday).
GMC Clinics – Green Community
Located at Dubai Investment Park (DIP), GMC Clinics provides a robust mix of medical and dental specialties, including: General Practice and Family Medicine, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Paediatrics, Internal Medicine, Dermatology, and Dentistry. The hospital accepts various health insurance plans with transparent billing. It is a well-rounded multi‑specialty medical and dental centre centrally located in Green Community. The opening times are Sundays to Thursdays 8 AM to 9 PM but they remain closed on Fridays.
Restaurants and Cafés in Expo City
Dampa Seafood Grill (Mobility District)
Just 18 minutes away, Dampa Seafood Grill serves authentically Filipino-style seafood, piled high by the kilo. From squid, calamari, cajun mussels, grilled lobster, Thai curry, to chipotle, you can expect a delicious palette of finger food dressed with different sauces.
Alkebulan – The African Dining Hall (Jubilee Park area)
Alkebulan is a revolutionary pan-African food hall created by Chef Alexander Smalls and is regarded as the first African dining hall in history. Tasty Goat East African cuisine, Afro-Asian wok fare at Sweet Ophelia’s, Afro-Street wraps, and other regional delicacies are available at 10 distinct counters. For an immersive gastronomic exploration of Africa, this is essential.
Tawa (Opportunity District / Al Wasl Plaza)
A fully gluten‑free bakery, Tawa offers delectable pizzas, sandwiches, pasta, and Emirati baked specialties. While all meals are prepared in a gluten-free kitchen, this is perfect for those with dietary preferences and health-focused food.
Things To Do in Expo City
Women’s Pavilion
Celebrates global female changemakers, highlighting achievements and inspiring gender-equitable futures.
Alif (Mobility Pavilion)
Expo City Dubai's Mobility Pavilion has dynamic nighttime lighting, interactive indoor experiences, and iconic architecture. From ancient desert excursions to future Martian exploration made possible by AI-powered advancements, you can experience it all.
Terra (Sustainability Pavilion)
A visually stunning, eco-conscious pavilion with solar-powered “Energy Trees” that generate electricity.
Vision Pavilion
A tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s leadership and the transformation of Dubai into a modern city.
Stories of Nations Expo 2020 Museum
Dive into immersive narratives showcasing collaborations and legacy-building milestones of Expo 2020.
