After Expo 2020 concluded, the future of the site that attracted millions was uncertain. However, the 4.38 sq km area has since evolved into Expo City Dubai, a vibrant district focused on sustainability, innovation, and global collaboration. It is now one of Dubai’s most dynamic mixed-use communities, featuring international firms, educational programs, and cultural institutions that honor the World Expo legacy. The rising interest in real estate reflects the area’s appeal to professionals and families who want to live near this new center for technology, research, and eco-friendly urban living. Major corporations are supporting this transformation; DP World is moving its global headquarters to the district, while Nestlé plans to establish its MENA headquarters there by mid-2025.
Siemens has set up a global logistics HQ under a 10-year lease, and Norway’s DNV opened a wellness-focused office in May 2025. This influx of prestigious tenants signals Expo City’s shift from an event venue to a sustainable business ecosystem, with companies citing sustainability standards, accessibility, and digital-first infrastructure as major drawcards. Expo City is managed by the Expo City Dubai Authority (ECDA) as a digitally operated free zone, providing over 180 business services and flexible licensing options. It allows 100% foreign ownership and full capital repatriation, alongside duty-free operations and multi-year visas. There are also provisions for short-term and freelance permits and smooth license transfers for businesses relocating from other areas.
Entrepreneurs and SMEs can utilize the Future Forward Business Hub, which offers coworking spaces with plug-and-play offices. Initiatives like Scale2Dubai, which has already selected 85 startups from 27 countries, continue to attract global innovators. Expo City hosted COP28 in December 2023, drawing thousands of delegates to the Al Wasl Plaza and the Dubai Exhibition Centre. GITEX Global, the region’s leading tech fair, will also relocate to Expo City by 2026, solidifying its place as Dubai’s new innovation hub. These events ensure a steady visitor flow, boost hospitality demand, and increase visibility for local businesses. On the residential front, Expo City is expanding with two primary clusters—Expo Central and Expo Valley—emphasizing sustainability, open spaces, and wellness-oriented design.
Significant projects include the Mangrove Residences and Sky Residences, which offer apartments with views of green corridors. The community includes modern villas and townhouses such as Sidr, Yasmina, Shamsa, Maha, and Al Waha Signature Villas, all designed for privacy and walkability. A new partnership with Aldar announced for 2024 aims to develop a mixed-use community with additional residential, retail, and lifestyle amenities. These projects support Expo City’s ambition to become a 15-minute city, where work, leisure, and home are all within walking distance. The district is LEED-certified and aspires to achieve one of the highest sustainability ratings in the region.
Several factors contribute to the area’s appeal to investors and residents: connectivity through the Dubai Metro Red Line (Expo 2020 Station), and its closeness to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), which is undergoing a AED 128 billion expansion. Once completed, DWC will accommodate up to 260 million passengers each year, enhancing the area’s long-term growth prospects. The lifestyle offered includes car-lite mobility, cycling routes, public plazas open 24/7, and family-friendly community designs that attract professionals seeking a balanced life. As corporate presence increases, demand for properties in Expo City Dubai is expected to remain strong among investors and residents who work in the vicinity. While both Expo City Dubai and Business Bay contribute to Dubai’s economy, they serve distinct markets.
Expo City features a low-density, green campus-style layout, whereas Business Bay is a dense high-rise central business district. Expo City operates as a free zone under the ECDA, focusing on innovation, sustainability, and events, while Business Bay is more oriented towards finance, real estate, and retail. In terms of office pricing, Expo City is witnessing early-stage demand, while Business Bay is the second most expensive area in Dubai. Expected rental yields in Expo City are around 7–8% by mid-2025, while Business Bay offers proven returns on investment. In summary, Business Bay provides liquidity and established ROI, while Expo City presents early-stage potential driven by sustainability, corporate migration, and airport-led expansion.
The development model of Expo City, reusing the Expo 2020 infrastructure rather than demolishing it, serves as an international case study in sustainable urban development. The area, encompassing headquarters, startups, schools, residences, and cultural events, reflects Dubai’s shift toward a cleaner, smarter, and more balanced growth model. As DWC expands and more companies establish their presence, Expo City’s evolution from a fairground to a functional city blends economic vitality with environmental foresight.