collage of photos at Expo City Dubai

Exploring Expo City Dubai and Innovation, Architecture and Sustainability

ByAlison Watt

Visiting Expo City Dubai in 2025

With a few hours to spare on the south side of Dubai, I decided to revisit Expo City Dubai. I hadn’t been there since the Expo 2020 event back in 2021-22. Earlier in the week, I had answered a survey asking if I knew what there was to do there now, and I realised I didn’t, so I went to find out for myself.

I expected to spend an hour or so walking around but ended up staying for four hours, stopping for a late Turkmen breakfast and even attending a small event. I could have easily stayed longer.

With its open spaces, quiet nooks, lush greenery, and striking architecture, Expo City Dubai has a relaxing, inviting atmosphere. It’s the kind of place that makes you want to slow down, explore, and take it all in.

In this post, I’ll share what’s open at Expo City Dubai in 2025, what you can see and do and why it’s worth visiting.

  • A contemporary urban space featuring a landscaped courtyard with olive trees and sleek seating areas. Above, an intricate, curved metal canopy with perforated patterns provides shade while blending art with sustainability.
  • A modern architectural structure with large, angular white panels forming a geometric exterior. The entrance features educational signage and illustrations, suggesting an interactive and informative experience inside.

Getting to Expo City Dubai, Parking and Entry

You can get to Expo City Dubai by car, taxi or metro. It’s around 15–20 mins by car from Dubai Marina. Don’t worry if you don’t have a car, as the Dubai Metro Red Line takes you right to Dubai Expo City.

Parking is free and right outside so you can just park your car, walk straight in and start exploring. I used Al Forsan Parking, which has easy access to the main areas. If you want to go to a specific location within Expo City Dubai, check which car park is the nearest.

The main areas are open 24/7 and entry to the city is free but there are some attractions which are paid. (See below.)

Getting Around Expo City Dubai

The most common way to get around Expo City Dubai is just to walk. There are plenty of shaded walkways with trees and canopies as well as lots of seating areas to take a break.

A striking overhead canopy installation made up of metal bird silhouettes suspended in the air. The open sky behind the canopy creates a dynamic interplay of light and shadow.

You can also rent e-bikes and scooters on site and you can find them in different locations around the city. Currently, the bikes are free for the first 30 minutes. Of course, you could also take your own bike or scooter. It’s a great place for children to cycle around freely.

A row of turquoise and black e-bikes branded "Bolt" and red and black e-scooters from "Skurtt" parked in a shaded, paved area surrounded by greenery. The eco-friendly transport options highlight the city's commitment to sustainability.

Taxi rides on golf buggies are available for AED 5 per person. There’s also a train, the Expo City Explorer that tours the city at certain times of the day, but I didn’t try it. It stops at six different locations and costs AED 10, payable by card only.

Expo City Dubai is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly pathways, ramps and lifts throughout the site. Accessible toilets are available in visitor centres, and People of Determination receive free entry to all paid attractions.

Facilities in Expo City Dubai

There are several visitor centres around where you can find toilets, baby-changing facilities, prayer rooms and even showers.

Free drinking water fountains are available throughout the park, so take your water bottle and fill it up when you need to.

A bold, yellow 3D hashtag sign reading "#EXPOCITYDUBAI" placed on a landscaped walkway. Tall palm trees line the background, creating a scenic and inviting atmosphere under a partly cloudy sky.

As dogs are welcome at Expo City Dubai, there are also some dog stations around with water dishes and even poop bags. If your dog is lucky, they might even find some treats. (Sadly, the station was empty when I visited.) You may also see a cat-feeding station or two for resident cats.

The city has three free play areas for children – Latifa and the Space City Playground, Rashid’s Adventures Playground and Adventurous Octopus Playground. The last was closed for maintenance when I was there.

A futuristic playground featuring a large, white, rocket-shaped climbing structure with blue support beams and shade canopies. The surrounding area is lined with trees and greenery, while a digital screen displays event information nearby.

Areas within Expo City Dubai and Attractions

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl Plaza is right at the heart of Dubai Expo City. The vast dome is best seen at night when it’s lit up with varying colours. Under the dome are gardens, pools, fountains and a café.

A grand, open-air dome structure with an intricate golden lattice design covering the plaza. The landscaped area features lush greenery, tiered seating, and a central stage setup, creating a vibrant event space.

In the centre is a stage and the plaza is still used for events. Next month, Hai Ramadan will take place with Emirati crafts and wares, as well as a communal iftar or suhoor. See more and buy tickets for the event here. (Note: This event is not pet-friendly.)

There are several cafes and restaurants open around the outside of the plaza with both indoor and outdoor seating. The Rove Hotel is right next to the Plaza and would make it a great base to explore more and see the city in daylight and lit up at night or to stay for events.

Nearby is the UAE Pavilion which was repurposed to the House of Sustainability during COP 28.

A striking white, dome-like structure with petal-shaped panels extending outward, resembling a futuristic desert flower. The pavilion's sleek, organic design integrates sustainability with innovation.

The building wasn’t open to visitors when I was there but you can walk around the garden next to it.

A circular wooden bench with built-in seating surrounding a central planter filled with lush green trees. The peaceful outdoor space is framed by landscaped pathways and greenery.

➡️ Book Rove Hotel rated 9.2 (Superb on Booking)

Sustainability District

Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion, is at the centre and although part of this district is free to enter, the interactive exhibition of innovative environmental solutions is a paid activity. The Pavilion structure is impressive with the huge canopy with solar panels.

A futuristic, open-air pavilion with a massive curved metal canopy supported by arched beams. The design emphasises sustainability, with green-tinted glass walls and eco-conscious architectural elements.

In the free area, you can walk along the meandering paths between trees and grasses and under the energy trees or relax on benches. You can learn about many creatures and the environment along the way. The Adventurous Octopus Playground is also in this area.

  • A futuristic building with a vast, curved metal canopy featuring an intricate lattice design. A spherical sculpture with layered, horizontal rings sits in the foreground, surrounded by a circular barrier.
  • A wooden boardwalk pathway lined with lush greenery and tall reeds leads towards large, futuristic solar trees with wide, flat canopies. The scene highlights the pavilion’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable architecture.
  • A cylindrical outdoor display with a blue canopy showcasing information about pearl oysters. The exhibit features text in English and Arabic, shells, and a model of a pearl oyster, emphasising marine biodiversity.

The Harvest Festival, with a AED 10 entry fee, was on during my visit, and I spent half an hour or so there buying Yemeni honey, freshly made pancakes and coffee and listening to a performer.

Entry to the paid attraction at Terra is AED 100 for ages 12+, AED 80 for children aged 4-11, and free for children up to age 3 and People of Determination. Opening hours are Monday to Sunday from 10 am to 6 pm. Entry to all three paid attractions is AED 160 for adults and AED 125 for children aged 4-11.

Learn more about Terra on the official website. You can buy the Attractions Pass there or on PlatinumList.

Mobility District

The main highlight here is Alif – The Mobility Pavilion. You can admire the architecture of the building from outside for free or pay to go inside and learn about the future of transportation, space exploration, and human movement. Entry fees into Alif and opening hours are as Terra above.

A futuristic, metallic, funnel-shaped structure reflecting the sky and surrounding greenery. The sleek, curved design and mirrored panels give the building a modern and innovative aesthetic.

This is also where I ate at the Turkmen restaurant Talhan in what was earlier the Turkmenistan Pavilion. The restaurant has both indoor and outdoor seating but outside was a little noisy due to nearby cranes. Inside was decorated with rugs on the walls and comfortable furniture.

The food was tasty, the service was good, and the prices were reasonable. I definitely plan to go back there.

  • A distinctive restaurant facade with a wavy wooden design featuring an abstract face-like sculpture. The entrance is surrounded by lush plants and life-sized horse statues, reflecting Turkmenistan’s cultural heritage.
  • A rustic-themed restaurant entrance with an earthy orange interior, hanging ring lights, and traditional woven rugs decorating the walls. Dried flowers, cultural artefacts, and a mannequin in traditional attire complete the decor.
  • A wooden table with a meal consisting of a sizzling skillet of meat and eggs, served alongside freshly baked flatbread. The background features a warm, stylish restaurant interior with decorative rugs and greenery.

Jubilee District

Jubilee District is home to the Garden in the Sky, where you can enjoy views over Dubai Expo City from rotating cabins and a roof garden 55 feet up. I didn’t see it in operation but you can buy tickets on the website. Tickets are AED 40 and free for children up to age 3 and People of Determination.

A tall, sleek observation tower with a reflective metallic surface, set against a partly cloudy sky. The area around the tower features glass elevators, greenery, and construction cranes in the background.

The most popular attraction in Jubilee is probably Surreal with its curved walls and waterfalls. Nearby is Jubilee Park and Rashid’s Adventures Playground.

A massive curved wall with water cascading down its dark, textured surface. Benches in the foreground provide seating for visitors to enjoy the mesmerising, wave-like movement of the falling water.

The Vision Pavilion tells the story of Dubai’s transformation through the insight and leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Through immersive exhibits and personal stories, we see how ambition, values and the environment have shaped the city’s growth and future.

The entry fee for the Vision Pavilion is AED 75 for ages 12+, AED 60 for children aged 4-11, and free for children up to age 3 and People of Determination. You can also buy the Attractions Pass for all exhibitions at the Expo website or on PlatinumList.

Alkebulan Food Hall offers a variety of African cuisine and is open daily from 12pm to 10pm.

A stylish restaurant exterior with a dark facade featuring the name "ALKEBULAN – The African Dining Hall" in bold letters. The entrance is framed by lush greenery and a tree with bright yellow flowers.

Al Forsan District

There is a park with picnic benches and several pavilions to see from the outside, including Emirates, Jerusalem and Kazakhstan, which is one of my favourites.

  • A striking white and gold building with perforated panels and large arched entrances. The pavilion's façade features "Kazakhstan" written in both English and Arabic, showcasing a blend of modern and traditional architectural elements.
  • A close-up view of the Kazakhstan Pavilion’s intricate perforated roof structure, which allows sunlight to filter through, casting patterned shadows on the ground. The foreground features a circular wooden seating area with green plants.
  • A modern architectural structure with sleek, angled metallic fins creating a dynamic, aerodynamic appearance. The pavilion is surrounded by neatly arranged palm trees and greenery, reflecting the futuristic and innovative theme of Emirates' presence at Expo City Dubai.

Small Worlds has just opened this month and, as the name suggests, is a miniature world. Entrance costs AED 80 for children and AED 95 for adults. It opens Tues-Thurs 4-7pm, Fri 2-9pm and weekends 10am to 9pm. See more on their website.

Opportunity District

There is a Stories of Our Nation exhibition there and the China pavilion is currently hosting ‘Weaving a Dream of Thousands of Years‘, an exhibition exploring the ancient Silk Route and the connections between the Middle East and the Far East, past and future. It runs until 7 December 2025.

Other Features of Expo City Dubai

Three Stories of Our Nation Exhibitions are located in the Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity Districts. They showcase highlights from the pavilions of various countries during Expo 2020, giving a nostalgic look back at the original event. The exhibits include artwork, artefacts and stories.

An indoor museum space with mirrored walls and hanging country names, including "Syria," "Tanzania," and "Thailand." A large tapestry of three figures carrying woven baskets dominates the centre, with display cases featuring cultural artefacts.

Calligraphy Benches scattered across the site, are works of art featuring Arabic calligraphy with words like connection and harmony.

A white sculptural bench in the shape of Arabic calligraphy placed on a well-manicured green lawn. The artistic seating area blends cultural heritage with contemporary design.

You can even live at Expo City Dubai! I think it would be a fabulous place – close to the E311 and metro, quiet, sustainable and with lots of open space

There are also lots of events held at the venue. As well as Hai Ramadan already mentioned, here is a taste of what goes on in the city – Harvest Festival, Brunch City, pop concert, Cycle Challenge, Sweat Run and summer camps. At the Exhibition Centre, international forums and conferences are held.

VIP Guided Tours

You can also book a VIP guided tour for specific areas or themes or create a bespoke tour. See more on their website.

Final Thoughts on Expo City Dubai and Why I’d Visit Again

I came to Expo City thinking I’d wander around for an hour or two but soon found there was plenty to keep me there for longer. The peaceful atmosphere, combined with open spaces, stunning architecture and green areas, made it a lovely and relaxing place to explore.

I’d definitely go back and if I have visitors who appreciate quiet, open spaces, impressive architecture and cultural exhibitions, I’d take them there. With a mix of free areas, paid attractions, events and great dining options, there’s pretty much something for everyone and every budget. Next time, I’ll plan more time for my visit and make the most of the Attractions Pass.

If you want to take a relaxing walk, explore a few sustainability innovations and admire some of the remaining pavilion designs, Expo City Dubai is well worth a visit.

➡️ Buy Expo City Dubai Attractions pass.

For more on Dubai, see Dubai Frame, Etihad Museum, Al Shindagha Historic District and Old Dubai vs New Dubai. If you love architecture, visit my post on Arabic Architecture in Sharjah or Beautiful and Unusual Mosques in the UAE.

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