In pictures: What happens to flagship structures after Expo 2020 Dubai?

Expo 2020 Dubai - which runs from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022 - will temporarily shut its site for six to nine months to transition into a smart city called District 2020. Part of Expo’s physical legacy, District 2020 will work towards furthering the exposition’s vision to connect minds and create the future by building an advanced urban community where residents can live and work in harmony

The world fair, the first of this scale (438-hectare site) and calibre in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, aspires to be the most sustainable one in world expo history. Expo 2020 is set to leave an indelible mark by reusing 80 per cent, i.e. more than 260,000 square metres, of its key attractions that are Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design-certified.

Expo’s physical legacy includes flagship pavilions and the world's largest 360-degree projection dome, all of which will regale visitors for six months starting October.

Al Wasl Plaza, the linking hub and jewel of the Expo site, is set to become Dubai’s next iconic landmark. The plaza is shaded by a 130-metre-wide, 67.5-metre-tall dome that doubles as the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Post-event, the plaza will continue to serve as a community space for major events while connecting hotels and offices.

Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, one of the three Thematic Pavilions, will transition into Terra – Children and Science Centre. The learning facility, by Grimshaw Architects, is slated to become a key educational attraction for kids.

Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, meanwhile, will transform into a commercial building. The structure was conceptualised by Foster + Partners.

The UAE Pavilion, a falcon-shaped structure designed by Santiago Calatrava, will become a cultural centre. The 15,000-square-kilometre centre will play a key role in disseminating Emirati culture and history even post Expo 2020.

Expo 2020’s global trade partner DP World’s Flow Pavilion will continue on as a permanent facility dedicated to innovation and education in trade logistics. The centre was designed by Jordanian firm Yaghmour Architects.

Expo’s three Thematic District wings - Opportunity, Sustainability and Mobility - will transition into commercial and residential areas.

Enoc’s Service Station of the Future, which is the first LEED Platinum-certified service station in the world, will continue to serve the public post-event at District 2020. The architecture is by Aedas.

District 2020 will officially open its gates to potential tenants and firms from October 2022. At full capacity, the smart city can house a population of 145,000. Partnership deals have been sealed in advance with global companies such as Siemens, Terminus Technologies and DP World to bolster the new ecosystem.