Expo City, Dubai’s off-plan residential projects will become more popular as its new masterplan goes into effect. This plan calls for the development of unique mini-hubs as well as chances for future attractions.
The construction of the world’s largest airport and related billion-dollar new investments are Dubai’s other major announcement concerning that region, and they follow the masterplan. (The project was first announced in April.)
“By itself, the Al Maktoum International Airport created one of the biggest boosts for the Dubai property market – and for Dubai South specifically,” said a real estate consultant. “The Expo City masterplan will now become the other magnet for residential and commercial property development and investors.”
Expo City had already seen a first wave of launches targeted at off-plan buyers, and the feedback was encouraging. It was part of the repurposing Dubai planned to do for the glitzy Expo 2020 venue, scheduled to open in six months.
The property was split into two main residential zones: Expo Valley, which had townhouses and villas, and Expo Central, which had three clusters of high-rises close to Al Wasl Plaza.
The true discussion, however, centers on the future appearance of Expo City and its implications for the working and living classes. Much of that will be on display when the third residential cluster at Expo Central is launched, which is likely not too far off.
When will first residents move in?
The first people in Expo Valley should move in early in 2026. There are 532 semi-detached buildings, townhomes, and villas. The master developer also introduced Expo Valley plots, which have sizes ranging from 7,500 to 12,500 square feet and provide the “flexibility to combine areas to suit their needs.”
At Expo City, there are currently 3,920 square foot villas with four bedrooms listed for Dh7.4 million and a five bedroom unit for Dh8.7 million on the Bayut website.
The projects have excellent visibility because of their close proximity to the recently built Al Maktoum International Airport and the growing Dubai Exhibition Centre.
The master plan states that Expo City will cover an area of 3.5 square kilometers, housing up to 35,000 people and employing 40,000 professionals.
“The new masterplan further validates DP World’s decision to relocate our global headquarters to Expo City Dubai – a prime location next to Dubai’s Logistics Corridor, linking all the major shipping lines of the world that call on Jebel Ali Port with Al Maktoum International Airport”– Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World’s Group Chairman and CEO
Expo City’s construction will now take years, with much of it happening concurrently with the new airport’s development cycle. (The Airport’s first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2030.)
Because of this, some indications regarding pricing and price movements that can be anticipated in the years to come may be found in Expo City’s residential launches thus far.
Mangrove Residences
With three towers that were clearly visible in the direction of Jubilee Park and Al Wasl Plaza, this cluster was the first to launch. The facilities and attractions of Expo City were also just a five-minute stroll away.
Priced starting at Dh1.2 million, the first phase featured 451 one- to three-bedroom apartments, 4 bedroom loft apartments, and 3 bedroom townhouses. The price range of listed two-bedroom apartments is Dh2.56 million to Dh3 million. Q4 of 2025 is when these are scheduled to be handed over.
“Closer to the handovers of these initial set of homes would be a good indicator of Expo City’s future pricing,” said an analyst.
Five grid-organized districts are to be established as part of the master plan in order to promote simple navigation, flow, and access.
The Expo Downtown will extend from the metro station to Al Wasl, then on to Terra and eastern edge of the City. “Al Wasl will remain as a ‘cultural garden’ and the district will also include the Terra Living residential buildings, the ‘floating’ Terra Garden and Terra Tower – a high-end, mixed-use office and hospitality tower and the tallest building at Expo City,” says a statement.
Fitting in the green
“The landscape will be full of greenery and shaded open spaces – ensuring a comfortable micro-climate and plenty opportunities for rest,” the statement adds.
“A nature-based design will help to solve a number of the modern city’s challenges, using native plants and biodiversity to better protect against cloudbursts and floods, clean the air of particle pollution, reduce emissions, and provide shade during warm weather.”
Expo City clearly took all possible outcomes into account when drafting the master plan. For the developers and investors who will build this Dubai “City,” the smallest and most intimate details are what matter. The other details will fall into place.
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