DUBAI: Explore the legacy of Expo 2020 at Expo City Dubai. Discover the 2026 guide to the Sustainability Pavilion (Terra), the gravity-defying Water Feature, and how this car-free city is shaping the future of the UAE.
Born from the legacy of Expo 2020, Expo City Dubai has evolved into a thriving, human-centric “city of the future.” It is a clean, green, and tech-enabled hub that serves as a blueprint for sustainable urban living. In 2026, it stands as a permanent fixture on Dubai’s map, hosting global businesses, residential communities, and iconic cultural pavilions that continue to inspire visitors.
Whether you are interested in cutting-edge architecture or the UAE’s vision for a net-zero future, Expo City is a masterclass in innovation.
1. The Guardians of Sustainability
The city is built around the core theme of preserving our planet. Several key attractions remain open as “flagship” experiences:
- Terra (The Sustainability Pavilion): An architectural marvel with a giant “energy tree” canopy. This immersive experience takes you through the hidden secrets of the forest and the deep ocean to highlight the impact of human choices on the environment.
- Alif (The Mobility Pavilion): Explores the movement of people, goods, and ideas. It features the world’s largest passenger lift and giant lifelike sculptures of historical figures who pioneered travel.
- The Women’s Pavilion: A dedicated space celebrating the achievements of women throughout history and their role in shaping a better future.
2. Iconic Landmarks
- Al Wasl Plaza: The heart of the city, featuring the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. In 2026, it continues to host spectacular light shows and cultural events after sunset.
- Surreal (The Water Feature): A gravity-defying waterfall where water appears to flow upward. It remains one of the most popular spots for visitors to sit and experience the synchronized music and light show.
- Garden in the Sky: A rotating observation tower that rises 55 meters above the ground, offering panoramic views of the entire city and the surrounding desert.
3. A Green, Car-Free City
Expo City is designed to be the first “15-minute city” in the region.
- Sustainability in Action: 80% of the original Expo 2020 infrastructure has been retained. The city is pedestrian-friendly, with shaded walkways, 10km of cycling tracks, and a total ban on single-use plastics.
- The Expo Line: The city is directly connected to the rest of Dubai via the Dubai Metro (Red Line), making it one of the most accessible and eco-friendly commutes in the UAE.
4. Essential Visitor Info (2026)
| Detail | Information |
| Entrance Fee | Free to enter the city grounds. Individual attractions (Terra, Alif, etc.) require tickets (approx. AED 50 per pavilion). |
| Opening Hours | Grounds: 24/7. Pavilions: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM. |
| Transport | Take the Metro to Expo 2020 Station. Free parking is also available. |
| Sustainability Tip | Use the “Expo City Dubai” app to navigate and track your carbon footprint during your visit. |
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5. Top Tips for Your Visit
- Visit at Night: Al Wasl Plaza truly comes alive after dark with its projection shows. The temperature is also much more pleasant for walking.
- Electric Buggies: If you have trouble walking long distances, free electric buggies are available at various stations to ferry you across the site.
- Dining: The city is home to several sustainable dining concepts that use locally sourced ingredients and focus on zero-waste cooking.
Conclusion
Expo City Dubai is not just a museum of a past event; it is a living laboratory for the future. It proves that sustainability doesn’t have to mean sacrifice—it can be beautiful, high-tech, and deeply human. For anyone wanting to see where the UAE is headed over the next 50 years, Expo City is the place to start.
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Would you like me to find the current schedule for the light shows at Al Wasl Plaza or a list of the new residential communities opening in Expo City?