Master Plan Expo 2020 Dubai | Dubai’s Most Exciting Projects

Dubai is that city that believes in progress and innovation.

Despite headwinds posed by lower oil revenues, the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will moderate to 2.4 percent in 2016, according to International Monetary Fund (IMF) reports. The emirate is poised to record a 3.7 percent growth up from 3.6 percent in 2015 – exceeding the average GCC growth forecast at 1.8 percent for 2016.

Be it through real estate, infrastructure, hospitality, retail or the World Expo 2020 – one of the most awaited global events – Dubai has projects up its sleeve that are amazing enough to keep you spell bound for a long time.

More than simply adding to the skyline and glamour of Dubai, these projects are sure to be a turning stone for anyone looking to move or set up a business in the city. Let’s take a look.

Dubai World Central (DWC)

Home to the World Expo site and the new Airport which on completion is expected to become the largest airport in the world with a capacity to handle around 220 million passengers, DWC is a visionary project for the city’s trade, aviation, tourism, logistics and retail sectors.

Almost twice the size of Hong Kong Island and ten times larger than the first Dubai International Airport, DWC is an integrated city that will combine the aviation, tourism, logistics and exhibition industries into a world-class airport city and feature residential clusters and office towers.

Ideally located to serve international businesses successfully operate and reach markets worldwide, the state-of-the-art facilities available at DWC will pave way for new growth opportunities for companies and enable them to enter new markets.

Dubai Metro Extension

Plans are on to create a 15-kilometer extension of its above-ground metro train line to the World Expo site. The government expects to double the number of visitors to the emirate to 20 million by the time of the Expo in 2020 and is anticipated to spend about 8 billion dollars on mega infrastructure projects such as hotels, new metro rail links and malls.

Not just this; plans are being mapped out to deliver expansive, five-star stations and trains with larger capacities to handle visitors that are expected to attend the Expo and target travellers beyond the six-month long fair.

Dubai Water Canal

The 545 million dollar Dubai Water Canal Project when complete will become one of the world’s most unique waterfront destinations and transform Business Bay. Expected to be completed this year, the project will feature a shopping centre, four hotels, 450 restaurants and cycling trails. Offering luxury housing for the savvy investor and renter, the canal itself will be six metres deep and bridges eight metres high to allow yachts and marine craft to pass through!

MBR City – District One

Spread across 1,110 acres, the uber luxury 10 billion dollar Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (MBR) City – District One project will be located within minutes of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. Tipped to become the world’s largest man-made waterbody of its kind, the lagoons, will be spread across 90 acres and be surrounded by sandy beaches, a football ground, cycle tracks, tennis and basketball courts, retail areas and waterfront dining haunts. The project will also house thousands of luxury villas inspired by Arabic, Mediterranean and Contemporary styles set in charming villa communities.

Al Habtoor City

The 3 billion dollar Habtoor City, the world’s biggest luxury residential, leisure and hospitality development under construction, will comprise three luxury residential towers, a French-inspired garden, an iconic Las Vegas style aqua theatre and the world’s first Bentley café. Residents will also be able to enjoy premium amenities. The project is expected to be complete in 2016.

How Dubai Expo 2020 Master Plan Will Work

Dubai Expo 2020, themed “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” wasn’t just a global exhibition; it was a testament to visionary planning. The master plan, orchestrated by a team led by HOK, meticulously brought together three distinct thematic zones – Opportunity, Sustainability, and Mobility Pavilion – fostering a cohesive experience for over 20 million visitors.

Thematic Zones: A Symphony of Innovation

1. Opportunity:  This zone, symbolized by the mesmerizing Al Wasl Plaza, served as the central hub, its name reflecting the historical Emirati term for “connection.” The plaza’s awe-inspiring trellis, a marvel of modern architecture, featured a massive, climate-controlled dome displaying captivating visuals and projections.  Even after the Expo, Al Wasl Plaza continues to be a vibrant public space within Expo City Dubai.
2. Sustainability:  Embracing a greener future, the Sustainability District showcased innovative solutions for environmental consciousness.  The iconic Sustainability Pavilion, designed with biomimicry principles resembling a beating heart, continues to serve as a center for education and research on sustainable development within Expo City Dubai.
3. Mobility:  The Mobility District explored the future of transportation.  The mesmerizing Self-Driving Car Track, a first-of-its-kind demonstration platform, is now being repurposed for future mobility initiatives.  The Legacy Pavilion, a testament to human ingenuity, currently houses cutting-edge robotics and artificial intelligence exhibitions.

Architectural Marvels with Lasting Purpose

The Expo master planning wasn’t just about creating awe-inspiring structures; it emphasized their future utility.  Many pavilions have been repurposed for Expo City Dubai, a thriving innovation district.

• Thematic Pavilions: Several country pavilions, like the stunning Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion of the UAE, have found new life within Expo City Dubai. These pavilions continue to showcase innovation and cultural exchange.

Few More UAE Upcoming Mega Projects to Look on

Dubai Creek Tower:  

This under-construction behemoth is poised to become the world’s tallest tower upon completion, surpassing even the Burj Khalifa.  The design features a slender, bud-like form with observation decks offering panoramic views of the Dubai skyline.  The tower is expected to become a major tourist destination and a symbol of Dubai’s continued innovation. 

Surf Abu Dhabi:  

Calling all surfers! This one’s for you.  Slated to open in 2024, Surf Abu Dhabi will be the world’s biggest and most advanced artificial wave facility.  This massive project will feature a wave pool capable of generating the longest rideable wave in the world, along with a velodrome for track cycling and Abu Dhabi’s largest urban park.  Surf Abu Dhabi is set to transform Hudayriyat Island into a premier destination for sports and leisure.

The Dubai Islands:  

This ambitious project involves the development of five artificial archipelagos designed to resemble the world map.  The Dubai Islands, once completed, will offer luxury residences, hotels, and resorts, catering to high-end tourism.  While construction has faced delays, the project has the potential to redefine luxury living in Dubai. 

Aljada, Sharjah:  

Moving beyond Dubai, Sharjah, the UAE’s cultural hub, is also making waves with its own megaproject – Aljada.  Spanning over 2.2 square kilometers, Aljada will be a mixed-use development featuring residential areas, commercial districts, a wellness center, and cultural attractions.  The project is expected to become Sharjah’s first post-pandemic business district, attracting businesses and entrepreneurs to the emirate.

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