The future of Expo City Dubai takes shape with LEED and WELL pre-certifications, positioning the development as a benchmark for sustainable urban planning in the region.
Expo City Dubai earns LEED and WELL pre-certifications
Five years after hosting the World Expo, the site is being transformed into a high-efficiency, socially inclusive and environmentally sustainable urban district. The green credentials of Expo City Dubai are reinforced by two of the most respected international certifications: LEED and WELL.
The masterplan redesigning the Expo 2020 Dubai site is led by UNStudio, supported by landscape architects SLA and engineers Buro Happold. Together, they are aligning the development with the decarbonization targets set out in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
Approximately 80% of the infrastructure and pavilions from the original Expo will be preserved and adapted for future use. The city is expected to accommodate up to 35,000 residents and 37,000 professionals within its 3.5 square kilometers, in addition to around 50,000 annual visitors.
Five districts shaping the new urban model
The masterplan of Expo City Dubai is structured around five distinct districts, each offering a specific mix of functions and services:
- Expo Downtown, a high-density mixed-use area featuring the tallest building in the development.
- Expo Fields, focused on healthy living, including sports facilities, a school, residential units, retail outlets, dining venues and a large-scale event arena.
- Expo Hills, a low-density residential community with landscaped gardens and open spaces designed for quiet urban living.
- Expo Business, a campus-style environment for innovative and sustainability-driven companies.
- Expo Valley, a low-density residential neighborhood adjacent to the masterplan site, scheduled for completion in 2026.
A dual benchmark for sustainable urban development
Expo City Dubai is the only urban center in the Middle East and North Africa to receive LEED Cities and Communities Platinum pre-certification, which evaluates inclusivity, economic development and environmental stewardship.
It is also the first city globally to achieve WELL Community pre-certification, a standard focused on health, well-being and the quality of the built environment.
Together, these recognitions position Expo City Dubai as a regional reference point for next-generation smart cities integrating sustainability, livability and long-term resilience.
