After Expo 2020 Dubai concluded, several pavilions from the event will be repurposed to accommodate local and international businesses, organizations, and educational institutions at the legacy site. By September, it is expected that approximately 3,000 employees will be working in offices located at Expo City Dubai.
Among the anchor tenants and new businesses that will establish their operations at the site are DP World, Emirates Airline, Siemens Energy, Siemens Industrial, Terminus Group, Engie, and Gratiya Consultancy. Expo City Dubai offers a favorable free zone environment and digital platforms to support these entities.
The legacy site of Expo 2020 Dubai has been designed as a model for sustainable urban planning, with 80 percent of the infrastructure from the event being retained. This emphasizes the commitment to environmentally friendly practices.
The former pavilions from Expo 2020 Dubai will now have a new lease on life, serving different purposes and contributing to the continued development and growth of the area.
Australia Pavilion
The University of Wollongong will establish its Data Science, Discovery, and Innovation Centre at Expo City Dubai. This center, led by Professor Patricia M. Davidson, the vice-chancellor and president of the university, aims to enhance Australia’s presence in the field and create valuable opportunities for students, researchers, and industry professionals. By launching the center at Expo City Dubai, the university emphasizes the belief that data science has the potential to revolutionize industries and improve lives in various ways. The center will focus on collaborative and collegial research to drive meaningful advancements in the field.
Finland Pavilion
The Finland Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will be transformed into FinGulf LLC. Mika Puustinen, the manager of FinGulf LLC, emphasized that sustainability and the circular economy were key focuses of the Finland Pavilion during Expo 2020 Dubai. Extending the pavilion’s life cycle at Expo City Dubai is a tangible demonstration of their commitment to these principles. Under the new entity, FinGulf, the pavilion and exhibition will continue to serve as a platform for fostering connections between the UAE, Finland, and other Nordic countries. Furthermore, they are well-positioned to contribute to the upcoming COP28 conference.
China Pavilion
The China Pavilion, which symbolizes the friendship between China and the UAE, will be preserved and play a significant role in the Belt and Road Initiative. The pavilion will maintain its original design, facilities, and purpose to support the ongoing development of China-UAE economic and trade relations, as well as people-to-people connections. It will serve as a platform to assist Chinese businesses seeking investment and commercial opportunities in the UAE. Additionally, the pavilion will act as a cultural hub, hosting various events that showcase Chinese culture and storytelling.
Emirates Pavilion
The area will undergo a transformation to create a specialized area for the Emirates Group Innovation and Emerging Technologies Centre. Sir Tim Clark, the president of Emirates Airline, explained that this space will serve as a dedicated location for their innovation team. It will also function as a venue for hosting events and provide a collaborative environment for global partners to work together on projects that align with their vision for aviation and travel.
Expo City Dubai will bring together various entities such as Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), government bodies, educational institutions, and research centers. The goal is to collaborate and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global trade hub.
Manal AlBayat, the chief engagement officer of Expo City Dubai, expressed the importance of organizations of all sizes and from different sectors coming together to continue the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai. The aim is to foster connections, inspire innovation, and support the growth aspirations of these diverse businesses.
One notable feature of Expo City Dubai is its design as a “15-minute city.” This means that all amenities and attractions are conveniently located within a short 15-minute walking or cycling distance, providing easy access for residents and visitors alike.
In conclusion, Expo City Dubai is set to become a thriving hub of innovation, collaboration, and sustainable development. The repurposed pavilions from Expo 2020 Dubai will house a diverse range of businesses and organizations, contributing to the growth and success of the area. With a focus on sustainability, this legacy site exemplifies environmentally friendly practices and serves as a model for future urban planning. Expo City Dubai aims to foster connections, inspire innovation, and strengthen Dubai’s position as a global trade hub, creating a vibrant and inclusive community for residents and visitors alike.
