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From Expo Legacy to Global Hub: The Rise of Expo City Dubai

Dubai-United Arab Emirates
Sachin

Tour Guide, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

| 2 mins read

When Expo 2020 Dubai concluded, many wondered what would happen to this vast and iconic site. Dubai’s leadership had a clear answer: don’t dismantle a legacy, build on it. Today, Expo City Dubai stands as a powerful example of how mega-event infrastructure can be thoughtfully repurposed for long-term impact.


The site has been transformed into a future-focused urban district centered on sustainability, innovation, culture, and community living. Landmark spaces such as Al Wasl Plaza, the Surreal water feature, and the country pavilions have found new life as venues for global conferences, cultural festivals, exhibitions, concerts, and innovation-driven forums. Expo City has already hosted international summits, climate-focused dialogues, technology showcases, and large-scale public events, attracting both global audiences and local residents.


One of the key reasons Expo City Dubai is gaining popularity is its human-centric design. Walkable zones, shaded public spaces, smart mobility, and green architecture make it a place people want to spend time in, not just visit once. It is also emerging as a hub for start-ups, research institutions, creative industries, and education, reinforcing Dubai’s vision of a diversified, knowledge-based economy.


What’s equally impressive is the rapid development happening around the Expo City area. New residential communities, business districts, hotels, and transport connectivity are steadily taking shape, positioning the zone as one of Dubai’s next major growth corridors.


Expo City Dubai is no longer just a memory of a successful World Expo; it is a living, evolving city within a city, and very soon, it will stand as one of Dubai’s most influential global hubs.


Here are the official visiting details for Expo City Dubai you can use in your post:

  • Operating hours: Most attractions and pavilions are open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM with the last entry around 5:15 PM–5:30 PM.

  • Entry: Access to the general Expo City public areas is free, but many individual attractions require a ticket.

  • Attraction fees: Paid pavilions such as Terra, Alif, Vision, and others typically charge around AED 50 per person (free for children under 12 and people of determination), and combined passes (Attractions Pass) are available for broader access.