Attraction
Burj Khalifa
The world's tallest building, rising 828 metres over Downtown Dubai, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 open to ticketed visitors.
Expo City Dubai
The former Expo 2020 site, now a walkable district with pavilions such as Terra and Vision, the domed Al Wasl Plaza and landscaped public spaces.
At a glance
- Type
- Pavilions and public district
- Area
- Expo City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Official site
- expocitydubai.com
Good to know
- Metro access
- Free entry to public areas
- Parking
- Taxi buggies
- Playgrounds
Why we recommend it
Expo City Dubai is the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai, the world's fair that ran from October 2021 to March 2022 in the south of the emirate. Rather than being cleared, the site has been turned into a permanent district of homes, offices, parks and visitor attractions, and it hosted the COP28 climate summit in 2023. It is a pleasant contrast to the dense towers of Downtown Dubai: wide, landscaped and largely car-free.
At its centre is Al Wasl Plaza, crowned by an enormous open trellis dome that is lit up after dark. The plaza is free to visit and is the natural place to start. The main paid attraction is Terra, the former sustainability pavilion, an immersive walk through forest and ocean environments that looks at the natural world and our impact on it, with the Sea of Consumption exhibit as its centrepiece. Terra is open daily from 10am to 6pm and a visit takes about two hours. Vision Dubai, another pavilion, can be combined with Terra on a combo ticket. Children are well served too, with Taqa Island and Rashid's Adventure Playground among the play areas.
The district is large, so think about how you will move around. Yellow taxi buggies run short trips within the site, and there are shaded walkways between the main zones. In the cooler months it is pleasant to walk; in summer, plan your visit around the air-conditioned pavilions and come back to the plaza after sunset. Allow half a day if you want to see Terra and explore the public spaces.
Families, architecture fans and anyone who visited Expo 2020 will enjoy it most. Free entry to the public areas makes it an easy addition if you are already nearby, and seasonal events, markets and performances are held through the year.
Expo City is about 40 minutes from central Dubai by car. The Red Line of the Dubai Metro runs directly to Expo City station, and drivers can use one of four parking zones with around 9,500 spaces in total. Free parking is available near Terra. Al Maktoum International Airport and Dubai Parks and Resorts are both in the same part of the city.
Expo City Dubai FAQs
How do I get there?
The Dubai Metro Red Line runs directly to Expo City station; there are also four large parking zones.
Is it free to visit?
The public areas, including Al Wasl Plaza, are free; pavilions such as Terra charge.
What are Terra's opening hours?
Daily from 10am to 6pm; a visit takes about two hours.
Is there a combined ticket?
Yes, a combo ticket covers the Terra and Vision pavilions.
How do I get around the site?
Walk, or use the yellow taxi buggies for short trips within the district.
Is it good for children?
Yes, Terra is family friendly and there are playgrounds such as Taqa Island.
How long should I allow?
Around half a day to see Terra and explore the public spaces.
What was Expo City before?
It was the site of Expo 2020 Dubai, held from October 2021 to March 2022.