Future of Expo Dubai site to be unveiled at Cityscape Global

Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy development District 2020 will be unveiled to the public tomorrow, Monday, at Cityscape Global 2017 in Dubai.

The world-class district will be an integral part of the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai from Q4 2021, and support the acceleration of the emirate’s development. It will be a long-term economic contributor for the UAE as a home for innovators, original thinkers and pioneers, creating jobs and attracting investment.

The district will include 65,000 square metres of residential space and 135,000 square metres of commercial space, in a location that will be home to world-class innovation, educational, cultural and entertainment facilities as well as a conference and exhibition centre.

It will facilitate modern ways of living, blending work and recreation in an ecosystem that fosters closer connections both physically and digitally.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Director-General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said, "Back in 2013 when we won the bid to host this great event, we set ourselves two clear objectives in line with our leaders’ vision, which were to stage a World Expo that would amaze the world and build a lasting legacy with a global destination that offers a new alternative for urban living.

"Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, instructed us to build a site for a permanent legacy and therefore we had to think of ways to capitalise on what was being built for Expo as well as for post-Expo.

"We have created District 2020 to achieve that goal. It has been a key part of our planning from the very start, not just for our Legacy Team but the entire Expo organisation."

District 2020 has been designed to be environmentally progressive and sustainable, reflecting the changing demands of the modern world. Every building will meet or exceed the rigorous LEED Gold standards in sustainable construction.

It will be home to iconic structures such as Al Wasl Plaza, the Sustainability Pavilion, which will live on as a Children and Science Centre, and the falcon-shaped UAE Pavilion. They have been designed by some of the world’s most renowned architects.

Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President of Legacy Impact and Development at Expo 2020 Dubai, said, "District 2020 will continue to carry forward Expo 2020’s mission of connecting people, offering a new urban experience.

"It will be at the cutting edge of modern working and living, combining places to work, rest and explore to create an ecosystem that stimulates connections, inspires creation and drives innovation, creating value for all those who come here.

"It will also be among the best connected districts in the world, within an hour of the centres of Abu Dhabi and Dubai, next to what will be the world’s largest airport [Dubai World Central], the Jebel Ali Port, and with world-leading digital infrastructure including 5G."

The conference and exhibition centre is also being developed by Dubai World Trade Centre to build on Dubai’s standing as the Middle East’s premier destination for major events, conferences and exhibitions. District 2020 will benefit from the thousands of connections being made as visitors from around the region, and the world, come together to share ideas and create opportunities.

One of the goals of District 2020 is to contribute to the drive towards a knowledge-based economy fuelled by innovation.

Visitors to Cityscape, which opens to the public on Monday, will be able to find out more about the design, iconic architecture and state-of-the-art infrastructure that make up the development.

They will be able to delve into the details of District 2020 and find out about the diverse array of residential and work spaces, from ‘micro-studios’ to multi-building campuses and apartments to hotels. They will also learn how they can be a part of the development.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration through its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ that provides a platform to encourage creativity, innovation and collaboration. This is underpinned by Expo’s three pillars of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.