Expo City Dubai Unveils Visionary Master Plan: A Premier Destination for Indian Investors and Businesses to Thrive in Dubai’s Global Hub

Expo City Dubai, the landmark legacy of the 2020 World Expo and the UN Climate Change Conference COP28, is thrilled to unveil its new master plan. This pivotal development marks a significant moment in Dubai’s evolution as a global hub, offering exceptional opportunities for Indian investors, businesses, and residents, and reinforcing Dubai’s status as an international gateway.
The new master plan promises to be a game-changer for Indian enterprises and includes the establishment of the first overseas campus of the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade (IIFT) in an agreement designed to advance commercial and educational interests between India and the UAE.
Strategically located in Dubai South, this development features prime office spaces and residential properties, providing a compelling opportunity for Indian investors who have been steadily increasing their presence in Dubai’s economic landscape. The area’s connectivity, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport—set to become the world’s largest airport—and linked to Jebel Ali Port, makes it an ideal gateway for Indian businesses looking to expand into global markets.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo City Dubai “The new master plan signals a defining milestone for Expo City Dubai. We are witnessing our city take its place as the new, vibrant center of Dubai, a destination that welcomes all those who believe in our mission to create a better future for people and the planet. We are excited about the immense potential it holds for Indian investors, whose growing influence in Dubai’s economy makes this a perfect match. With prime office spaces and cutting-edge residential properties, Expo City is poised to be a game-changer, providing Indian investors with the ideal platform to expand, innovate, and thrive in a vibrant, globally connected
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environment. As a new global center, it harnesses our strengths as a leading global convener, dedicated to amplifying our social, environmental, and economic impact for collective growth and prosperity.”
Caroline Bos, Co-Founder / Principal Urban Planner UNStudio: “With the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai as a powerful starting point, our mission was not only to imagine, but to pragmatically deliver an innovative model city that would influence the sustainable development of cities around the world.
“The new master plan for Expo City Dubai transcends traditional urban paradigms and is a clear example of a city in harmony with its users. We are proud to have been part of such an influential, impactful project which will play an integral role in the continued growth and development of Dubai.”
Indian businesses are significantly enhancing their presence in Dubai’s economic landscape. In 2023 alone, over 15,000 new Indian-owned companies joined the Dubai Chamber of Commerce, reflecting a significant growth trend. With more than 96,000 Indian businesses now operating in the UAE, Expo City’s free zone presents an exceptional opportunity for continued expansion. Additionally, Indian investors have become key contributors to Dubai’s real estate market, with Expo City’s new residential offerings providing an attractive opportunity for Indian families and investors.
IIFT, regarded as an academic centre of excellence in international business research, training and education, will establish a campus at the former Expo 2020 India Pavilion, working with Expo City Dubai on research projects and other knowledge-sharing activities focused on sustainability and innovation. Expected to move into the premises by early 2025, it will initially provide short- and medium-term training programmes and research initiatives. In the future, the campus will also offer IIFT’s flagship Master of Business Administration (MBA) in International Business.
Professor Rakesh Mohan Joshi, Vice Chancellor of IIFT: “IIFT’s mission is to support India’s international commercial prospects, educate future global business leaders and develop best practices in sustainability and innovation – values that Expo City Dubai shares and exemplifies. The city’s world-class connectivity and strategic location, as well as the honour of repurposing the former India Pavilion to continue the connecting minds legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai, make Expo City a natural choice for our first overseas campus.”
Expo City’s emphasis on innovation aligns closely with India’s growing interest in Dubai as a technology and innovation hub. The city’s Urban Lab offers a platform for Indian tech companies to test and showcase advanced technologies, reinforcing Dubai’s role as a central player in the global innovation ecosystem.
The master plan was unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who said in a statement: “A decade ago, we paved the way for a new city to rise within Dubai – one that would host the world, drive innovation and sustainability, and propel the UAE into a new era of prosperity. Together, as a community, we have been on a remarkable journey, and today we reveal a new chapter in our long-term vision to advance our ambitions.
“The new master plan establishes Expo City Dubai as a hub for pioneers, entrepreneurs and investors, a magnet for innovators, educators and students, and a vibrant, nurturing community for residents and visitors. A new global center at the heart of our city’s growth corridor, Expo City Dubai embodies our vision for the future. It is committed to sustainable development, enhancing quality of life for all and creating an
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environment where businesses thrive, while honouring our rich heritage and embracing the unlimited opportunities ahead.”
The New Master plan plays a critical role in achieving the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033. Expo City Dubai is also one of the five hubs outlined in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which focuses on sustainable urban development, vibrant, healthy communities, and increased green spaces.