As we develop the Expo 2020 Dubai site, we are at the same time building a city for the future — a global destination that will be largely repurposed to offer a new alternative for integrated living and working in Dubai South. That city is District 2020, a place to connect, create and innovate.
District 2020 will be a powerful contributor to the national economy by supporting the UAE’s vision of fostering innovation and sustainable economic development. It will enable the growth of an innovation-driven ecosystem that bridges key industries, such as travel and tourism, construction and real estate, logistics and transport and education, with disruptive technologies that are the drivers of future progress.
Designed with the future of business in mind, District 2020 aims to support long-term value creation and promote collaboration, innovation and cross-pollination of ideas between businesses of all sizes. We are embedding the latest smart infrastructure and technologies into the site to ensure a smooth visitor experience during the Expo and also to create a post-Expo urban experience as part of a smart, sustainable and connected city.
- Marjan Faraidooni
By utilising the highly advanced and accessible infrastructure designed for the World Expo, the more than 2-million-sq-m city will also become home to those who want to be at the heart of modern living — a collaborative and dynamic environment.
It will be a place to live where you work and work where you live.
Well connected
District 2020 will be one of the most connected places in the region. It will be easily accessible via land, sea and air, and will have the most advanced digital connectivity, allowing for the seamless movement of people, goods and ideas into, out of and around the destination.
Equidistant from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is connected to four major UAE highways and is located only 20 minutes from Jebel Ali Port, the largest marine terminal in the Middle East. It is nearby Al Maktoum International Airport, which is set to become the largest in the world, and within 45 minutes of two additional international airports. The Route 2020 Dubai Metro link is being extended to the door of District 2020.
Cutting-edge digital connectivity is being woven throughout the site’s infrastructure, utilising 5G technology within a high-speed, resilient network, providing high performance, scalability, flexibility and security.
Multinational corporations are already taking note. Siemens and Accenture have committed to establishing global hubs in District 2020, with more to follow suit. Working at District 2020 will be inspiring and flexible, in tune with future expectations of both businesses and employees. Space options and designs, from hot desks to multibuilding campuses, will make this an ideal place for entrepreneurs, start-ups and long-established businesses.
Cultural offering
Our cultural offering at District 2020 will encourage social connection and engagement through unique visitor attractions as well as diverse retail, entertainment, lifestyle and food and beverage options.
Iconic Expo 2020 structures will live on post 2021 as must-see attractions, entertainment platforms and community destinations, including the UAE National Pavilion and Al Wasl Plaza. The Sustainability Pavilion will become a children and science centre, continuing to educate and entertain young people for generations to come.
We also recognise the ever-growing emphasis on health and fitness, so we have incorporated 10km of beautifully landscaped cycling tracks and parkland equivalent in size to six football pitches.
In addition to the remarkable architecture the city will inherit from Expo, District 2020 will maintain its commitment to empowering children and the youth through social and cultural attractions, academic institutions and innovation platforms.
Marjan Faraidooni is senior vice-president of legacy development and impact at Expo 2020 Dubai. The views expressed here are her own.
