Expo City Dubai
Expo City Dubai
The legacy district of the Expo 2020 world fair, with futuristic architecture, parks and the landmark Al Wasl Plaza dome.
Description
Expo City Dubai is the former site of the Expo 2020 world fair (held in 2021–2022 because of the pandemic), turned into a permanent sustainable district in Dubai South next to Al Maktoum airport. After the fair closed, the best pavilions and public spaces were kept and reopened as an area for walking, events and family days out.
At its centre is Al Wasl Plaza — a giant latticework dome that doubles as a projection screen — surrounded by the sustainability pavilion (Terra), the mobility pavilion (Alif) and other attractions. There is a great deal of greenery, fountains, children's areas, restaurants and photo spots, and entry to the main grounds is usually free while individual pavilions and attractions are paid.
Tip: Wait for the evening — the giant Al Wasl dome becomes the screen for striking 360-degree light shows.
Planning your visit
Best time
Evening for the light shows; the cool season November to March for daytime walks.
How much time to allow
3–5 hours, or a full day with the pavilions.
Tickets & prices
Prices are approximate and depend on the slot and conditions — check when buying.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Expo City Dubai
Is this the actual Expo 2020 site?+
Yes, Expo City Dubai was built on the Expo 2020 world fair site and kept the key pavilions and the Al Wasl Plaza dome.
Do I need a ticket to get in?+
Entry to the main grounds is usually free, but individual pavilions and attractions are paid; check prices on the official site.
How do I get there by metro?+
Take the Red Line (Route 2020 branch) to its terminus, Expo 2020; everything is within walking distance from there.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Infrastructure Ibn Battuta Mall
A themed shopping centre divided into six courts after the countries visited by the medieval Arab explorer Ibn Battuta.
Tip: Look into the Persia and India courts for the most striking interiors and the painted dome — the mall's best photo spots.
Beaches JBR / The Walk
The two-kilometre The Walk promenade and the city beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence next to Dubai Marina, with restaurants, shops and views of Bluewaters Island.
Tip: Combine a stroll along The Walk with The Beach at JBR — from there you get a clear view of Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai wheel.
Entertainment Ain Dubai
The tallest observation wheel in the world — 250 metres — on Bluewaters Island next to JBR.
Tip: An evening session gives the best view of the illuminated marina.
Similar places
Architecture Burj Khalifa
The tallest building in the world — 828 metres. At the Top observation decks on floors 124, 125 and 148.
Tip: Buy sunset tickets in advance — on-site they cost noticeably more.
Architecture Burj Al Arab
A sail-shaped hotel on its own island, the symbol of Dubai luxury. One of the city's most recognisable silhouettes.
Tip: The best shot is from Kite Beach or Umm Suqeim Beach.
Architecture Palm Jumeirah
An artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree. From above you can see it in full — the fronds, the trunk and the crescent breakwater.
Tip: Ride the monorail along the trunk to Atlantis Aquaventure — the end of the line and the best view of Atlantis.