Expo City Dubai

What Expo City Dubai does

Expo City Dubai is a government-owned, mixed-use free zone development in Dubai, UAE, operating under the legal entity Expo City Dubai Real Estate Developments FZCO. Originating from Expo 2020 Dubai (held October 2021 to March 2022), the site was repurposed in 2022 as a permanent destination city combining sustainable tourism, residential living, business operations, and event hosting. It serves four primary customer segments: tourists and UAE residents visiting attractions and seasonal festivals; free zone businesses and corporate tenants seeking 100% foreign ownership and ESG-aligned office space; event organizers leveraging venues from 30-person meeting rooms to the 30,000-capacity Expo City Arena; and residential buyers across multiple master-planned districts (Expo Downtown, Expo Business, Expo Hills, Expo Valley, Expo Fields).

The city's core technology and physical infrastructure include the Guinness World Record-holding Al Wasl 360° projection dome, a car-free district layout with 10 km of cycling tracks, 45,000 sqm of parks and gardens, smart-city infrastructure developed in partnership with LG Electronics, a ConTech Living Lab established with Dubai Municipality, and the Expo City Dubai mobile application (iOS and Android) for visitor navigation, event discovery, and ticketing. The destination runs a year-round events program (Al Wasl Season, Winter City, Hai Ramadan, Harvest Festival, UNTOLD Dubai) anchored by Terra (sustainability pavilion), the Vision Pavilion (Dubai story experience), and the Surreal water feature.

The business model is a diversified multi-stream platform. Revenue is generated through (1) free zone licensing and commercial leasing (handled via Savills), (2) residential real estate sales and leasing across projects such as Al Waha (276 units, AED 1.8M+), Sidr Residences, Expo Valley Views (AED 1.69M+), Maha Villas, Yasmina Villas, and Shamsa Townhouses, with handovers between Q2 2027 and October 2029, (3) attraction ticketing (Terra AED 100, Vision AED 75, combo AED 95), (4) event venue rental (C3 Hall from AED 47,500, C3 Plaza from AED 90,000, custom pricing for the 30,000-capacity arena and Al Wasl Plaza), (5) F&B and retail leasing (Al Baik, Brasserie by McGettigan's, Spinneys, BinSina Pharmacy, Big Mart), and (6) tourism experiences (Al Wasl Season Pass AED 999, VIP Guided Tours from AED 330, birthday parties AED 160–220 per child, summer camps AED 152–190 per day, on-site taxi buggies from AED 5). Distribution is hybrid: walk-in and digital channels for B2C audiences, direct sales and Savills for B2B free zone tenants, and a dedicated Sales Centre for residential buyers.

Name

Expo City Dubai

Legal name

Expo City Dubai Real Estate Developments FZCO

Website

https://expocitydubai.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2022

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Expo City Dubai is a government-owned, mixed-use free zone development in Dubai, operating former Expo 2020 infrastructure. It serves tourists, free zone businesses, event organizers, and residential buyers through attractions, venues, offices, and master-planned communities built around a sustainable, car-free urban model.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Mixed-Use Urban Development

NAICS

Promoters of Performing Arts, Sports, and Similar Events with Facilities (711310), Convention and Trade Show Organizers (56192), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900), Services-Miscellaneous Amusement & Recreation (7990)

akta.pro primary industry

Convention & Exhibition Centers (Public Convention Centers, Civic Centers) (THAHAAAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

General Consumer Expos & Trade Shows (MPAGAFAA), Fairgrounds & Expo Parks (THAHAAAH)

Keywords

• Sustainable urban development
• Mixed-use destination
• Free zone services
• Event venue rental
• Residential real estate

Headquarters

HQ city

Dubai

HQ country

United Arab Emirates

HQ region

Middle East

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Infrastructure, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Free Zone Business Services: Revenue from company formation, business setup, and licensing within the Expo City Dubai Free Zone, offering 100% foreign ownership and commercial workspace leasing.
2. Residential Real Estate Sales & Leasing: Revenue from selling and leasing residential units including Al Waha (276 apartments and duplex lofts), Sidr Residences, Sky Residences, Mangrove Residences, Expo Valley Views, Shamsa Townhouses, Maha Villas, and Yasmina Villas across multiple districts.
3. Attraction Ticketing: Revenue from paid entry to attractions including Terra (sustainability pavilion), Vision (Dubai story pavilion), and combo tickets. Terra and Vision Combo Ticket from AED 95 per person.
4. Event Venue Rental: Revenue from hosting events and conferences at venues including Terra, the Connect Conference Centre (C3), Nexus, C3 Hall (from AED 47,500), C3 Plaza (from AED 90,000), C1 Space (from AED 10,000), and open-air events at Al Wasl Plaza, Jubilee Park, and Expo City Arena (30,000-capacity).
5. F&B and Retail Leasing: Revenue from leasing commercial spaces to restaurants, cafés, and retail tenants including Al Baik, Brasserie by McGettigan's, Choy Restaurant, Milky Ice, TEN11, PXB Café, Rove Lounge, Spinneys, BinSina Pharmacy, Big Mart, and Terra Gift Shop.
6. Tourism and Leisure Experiences: Revenue from seasonal events and festivals including Winter City, Hai Ramadan, Harvest Festival, Festival of Cake, Al Wasl Season Pass (AED 999), VIP Guided Tours (from AED 330 per person), birthday parties (AED 160-220 per child), summer camps (AED 152-190 per day), and mobility services (taxi buggies from AED 5 per person).

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Expo City Dubai is a government-owned, sustainable mixed-use destination city developed from the legacy Expo 2020 Dubai site. It operates as a free zone and sells attraction tickets (Terra, Vision, combo tickets), seasonal event passes (Al Wasl Season), residential real estate across multiple named developments, commercial office and coworking leases, event venue rentals for conferences and large-scale events, free zone business setup services with 100% foreign ownership, retail and F&B leasing, and ancillary visitor services such as VIP guided tours and on-site mobility.

Product overview

Expo City Dubai is a sustainable mixed-use development and former Expo 2020 site serving as a hub for innovation, entertainment, business, and residential living. The offering is organized as a platform-plus-districts model comprising: (1) Flagship Attractions including Terra (sustainability pavilion), Vision Pavilion (Dubai's story), and Al Wasl Plaza (iconic projection dome); (2) Al Wasl Season events program unifying seasonal festivals; (3) Expo City Camps and Birthday Parties at Terra for family experiences; (4) Expo City Dubai App and VIP Guided Tours for visitor services; (5) Five residential districts (Expo Downtown, Expo Business, Expo Hills, Expo Valley, Expo Fields) offering diverse housing from apartments to villas; (6) Free Zone services, office spaces, coworking, and Future Forward Business Hub for business operations; (7) Event venues including Connect Conference Centre (C3) and Nexus; (8) Dining, retail, and hospitality amenities. The city features sustainable design principles with car-free districts, extensive green spaces, and accessibility features.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Terra Sustainability Pavilion Flagship sustainability pavilion attraction exploring humanity's relationship with nature, featuring interactive exhibits on environmental impact and conservation. Ticketed entry for tourists, families, and school groups.
• Vision Pavilion Immersive attraction celebrating Dubai's story and bold vision, inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum's book My Story. Ticketed entry for tourists and visitors.
• Al Wasl Plaza Iconic central plaza featuring the world's largest 360° projection dome (Guinness World Record holder), serving as the cultural heart for events, celebrations, and public gatherings. Free public access.
• Surreal Water Feature Mesmerizing water feature blending synchronized water displays with lights and music, creating a surreal visual spectacle. Free public access attraction.
• Terra and Vision Combo Ticket Combined entry ticket offering access to Terra (sustainability pavilion), Taqa Island (interactive science and play experience), and Vision (Dubai story pavilion) at a discounted rate. From AED 95 per person.
• Al Wasl Season Pass Season pass offering unlimited access to all Al Wasl Season events including Winter City, Hai Ramadan, Harvest Festival, Carols by Candlelight, New Year's Eve, Firdaus Orchestra concerts, Festival of Cake, and Dhai Dubai Light & Art Exhibition. AED 999 per pass.
• Al Wasl Season Seasonal events program unifying festivals and cultural experiences including Winter City, Hai Ramadan, Harvest Festival, Carols by Candlelight, New Year's Eve, Firdaus Orchestra concerts, Festival of Cake, and Dhai Dubai Light & Art Exhibition.
• Expo City Camps Holiday and term break camps for children aged 5-12 offering activities including photography, art, robotics, water activities, and scavenger hunts at Terra pavilion. Pricing AED 89-500 per child per day depending on season and program.
• Terra Birthday Parties Themed birthday party experiences at Terra including Wilderness Adventure and Ocean Expedition options, with eco-friendly decorations, interactive activities, private party rooms, and kids meals. AED 160-220 per child.
• Expo City Dubai Mobile App Mobile companion app for iOS and Android enabling visit planning, real-time events, navigation, parking assistance, dining discovery, and hidden gem exploration.
• VIP Guided Tours Specialized guided tours including Sustainable Planet Tour, From Sand to Space: Exploring Arab Civilization, and Innovation & Technology Tour. From AED 330 per person with dedicated ambassador and private buggy service.
• Yellow Taxi Buggy Service On-site yellow taxi buggy transportation service for short trips within the car-free city. From AED 5 per person per trip; free for children aged 3 and under and people of determination.
• Expo Valley Views Residences Sustainable residential community offering one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments inspired by natural valley rhythm. Starting from AED 1.69 million; handover 31 October 2029. Aligned with UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy.
• Al Waha Residences Exclusive collection of 276 luxurious apartments and duplex lofts remodelled from Expo 2020 legacy buildings, featuring distinctive Al Waha canopies, courtyards, and sikkas. Starting from AED 1.8 million; handover Q2 2027.
• Sidr Residences Urban living residences steps from Al Wasl Plaza with iconic views of Al Wasl Dome and UAE Pavilion. Handover starting Q4 2027.
• Mangrove Residences Distinctive residences with 1-4 bedroom options in Expo Downtown district near Terra and Al Wasl Plaza.
• Sky Residences Residential living in Expo Fields district at the heart of Expo City Dubai.
• Maha Villas Five-bedroom spacious villas in Expo Valley with private gardens and premium amenities.
• Yasmina Villas Villa and townhouse community in Expo Valley featuring Shamsa 1 townhouses designed for sustainable living.
• Shamsa Townhouses Townhouses in Expo Valley inspired by sustainable living with large sliding doors connecting interior to garden spaces.
• Connect Conference Centre (C3) Flagship conference venue at Expo Business district offering auditorium, forum, hall, lounge, meeting rooms, and plaza spaces for business events. Spaces start from AED 2,500 (Meeting Room) and up to AED 90,000+ for larger halls.
• Nexus Event Venue Multipurpose event venue at Expo Business district available for corporate events, meetings, and conferences.
• Expo City Dubai Free Zone Services Business setup services offering 100% foreign ownership, company formation packages, commercial workspace leasing, licensing, and business directory for international corporations seeking UAE operations.
• Coworking Spaces Flexible coworking spaces at Expo Business district for businesses and freelancers.
• Office Spaces Commercial office spaces available for lease at Expo City Dubai for corporate tenants.
• Future Forward Business Hub Business hub supporting innovation and enterprise within Expo Business district for forward-looking companies.

Quantifiable outcome

• Free Zone 'Rising Star' of 2025 — Global recognition by fDi Intelligence
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

Eight partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Dubai MunicipalitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 17 December 2025Dubai Municipality signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Expo City Dubai Real Estate Developments FZCO to establish a regional ConTech innovation hub at Expo City Dubai. The hub functions as a living lab for pilot projects in 3D concrete printing, modular construction, robotics, AI, IoT, BIM, and net-zero technologies, supporting regulatory sandboxes and certification pathways for innovative materials. Positions Dubai as a global platform for sustainable city development and reinforces the Green Innovation District initiative under the UAE Ministry of Economy and Tourism.
• Kerry GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 December 2025Kerry signed a long-term lease agreement with Expo City Dubai to establish its Regional Customer Co-Creation Centre — a food and beverage innovation hub within Expo City Dubai. The centre will focus on research, development, and customer collaboration, serving as Kerry's first such facility in the UAE and supporting its regional expansion in the Middle East. Multiple sources (agriland, irishexaminer, rte) confirm this partnership.
• SavillscoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 26 November 2025Savills was appointed to manage commercial leasing, property management, and tenant fit-out services across Expo City Dubai's commercial spaces. The engagement includes supporting ESG principles and fostering a diverse business ecosystem, targeting global and regional tenants.
• LG ElectronicscoreTechnology or Integration · 25 November 2025LG Electronics partnered with Expo City Dubai to develop smart city infrastructure and expand its B2G business in the Middle East. LG will supply AI-enabled solutions, integrated smart home systems, and sustainable infrastructure supporting Dubai's urban development goals as part of the 'We the UAE 2031' vision.
• UAE Ministry of Economy and TourismcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 28 October 2025The Ministry of Economy and Tourism and Expo City Dubai launched the UAE's first Green Innovation District. The district promotes sustainable industrial growth and was established in collaboration with four strategic partners. It aligns with the UAE's Net Zero 2050 Strategy and positions the city as a hub for green innovation.
• World Health Expo (WHX) in DubaiminorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 27 October 2025World Health Expo (formerly Arab Health) announced a strategic partnership with Expo City Dubai ahead of its 2026 event. The event will be held at the Dubai Exhibition Centre in February 2026, establishing Expo City Dubai as a premier healthcare event destination.
• Apparel GroupminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 27 October 2025Apparel Group served as the premier partner for the 2025 Asia Pacific Cities Summit and Mayors' Forum held at Expo City Dubai, bringing city leaders, policymakers, and business figures together to discuss urban development, digital transformation, and sustainability.
• Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerMBZUAI, a leading AI university in the UAE, is part of a broader university talent ecosystem partnership involving Expo City Dubai as an industry partner. MBZUAI reports an 80% graduate retention rate in the UAE within their first year, and the UAE is projected to add over 1 million jobs by 2030 with technology roles growing by 54%.

Scale indicators7 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights7 records

Direct peers

• Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) at Expo 2020 site: Co-located at the same Expo 2020 site, Dubai Exhibition Centre operates adjacent to Expo City Dubai and directly competes for the same MICE bookings (e.g., Gulf Print & Pack, WHX) using the same district infrastructure and accessibility.
• Dubai Festival City: Dubai Festival City is an Al Futtaim-developed mixed-use waterfront destination combining residential, retail (Festival Plaza), hotels, dining, and entertainment (IMAGINE show). Comparable as a Dubai-based integrated destination pursuing similar visitor dwell time and event programming.
• Saadiyat Island / Abu Dhabi Cultural District: Saadiyat Island hosts Louvre Abu Dhabi, cultural institutions, beach resorts, and residential communities within a master-planned cultural district. Comparable as a UAE master-planned destination combining attractions, residential, and event programming.
• Dubai Internet City / Dubai Media City (TECOM): TECOM Group operates Dubai Internet City, Media City, and Studio City as free zone business clusters offering 100% foreign ownership. Direct competitor for multinational tenants evaluating free zone establishment in Dubai, including Expo City Dubai's target corporate tenant base.
• Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC): DWTC is Dubai's incumbent large-scale convention and exhibition complex hosting flagship events like GITEX (historically) and Arab Health. It is the most established direct competitor for international MICE bookings in Dubai and sets pricing benchmarks Expo City Dubai must compete against.
• Madinat Jumeirah / Dubai Holding Destinations: Madinat Jumeirah is a mixed-use tourism, conference, and retail destination owned by Dubai Holding with souk, hotels, and event venues. It is comparable as a Dubai-based integrated tourism-MICE-retail destination targeting similar leisure and corporate clientele.

Regional players

• Yas Island / Miral Destinations (Abu Dhabi): Yas Island is Abu Dhabi's flagship mixed-use leisure and events destination combining Ferrari World, Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Arena, and conference facilities. Comparable as a regional destination competing for MICE bookings and tourist dwell time within the UAE.
• King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC): KAEC is a Saudi Arabian master-planned special economic zone with free zone status, residential, and industrial components in a similar mixed-use model. Comparable as a regional Gulf free zone destination under Vision 2030 development frameworks.
• Singapore EXPO / MAX Atria: Singapore EXPO is a regional convention and exhibition complex integrating meetings, events, and adjacent hospitality/retail. Comparable as a Southeast Asia MICE venue with adjacent destination programming, offering benchmark operations outside the UAE.

Emerging players

• NEOM / The Line (Saudi Arabia): NEOM is a Saudi Arabia mega-project combining smart city infrastructure, free zone economics, and sustainability commitments under Vision 2030. Comparable as an emerging Gulf destination competing for the same multinational tenant and tourist mindshare with sustainability-led positioning.

Market position

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/expocitydubai
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCC8tUqoDcsLvkeIGpOgKI3w
• Facebookfacebook.com/ExpoCityDubai
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/26639576
• Instagraminstagram.com/expocitydubai
• TikToktiktok.com/@expocitydubai

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments1 record

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Expo City Dubai