Close

Expo Dubai 2020 milestone achieved

Construction for the Thematic Districts completed.

Construction of the petal-shaped Thematic Districts for Expo 2020 Dubai is now complete. More than 100 million working hours were required for the development of the site, which includes the completion of all shell and core works for the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability Districts. Dubai’s plan to deliver all Expo-led construction a full year before the first World Exposition to be held in the Arab world are right on track.

Designed by Hopkins and Partners, the Thematic Districts evoke old Dubai. Facades resembling traditional Emirati wind towers and walkways will be lined with plants indigenous to the UAE. Outstanding features include smart shading, solar cells, moisture capturing mechanism and innovative logistics.

Built by the UAE’s Al Futtaim Construction, the Districts are now ready for fit out. The Districts will include 86 low-rise buildings that will house Country Pavilions, food and beverage outlets, retail and performance spaces as well as leisure areas. The Thematic Pavilion anchoring each District will connect to the central Al Wasl Plaza with a centerpiece of a massive domed trellis that will act as a huge 360-degree projection screen.

All Expo 2020 structures are designed to at least LEED Gold standards. More than 80 percent of the Expo environment will be part of a mixed-use community after the event.

The Latest

Design Take: Inside the Royal Suite at Jumeirah Al Naseem

With sweeping views of the ocean and Burj Al Arab, this two bedroom royal suite offers a lush stay.

Elevated Living

Designed by La Bottega Interiors, this penthouse at the Delano Dubai echoes soft minimalism

Quiet Luxury

Studio SuCo transforms a villa in Dubailand into a refined home

Contrasting Textures

Located in Al Barari and designed by BONE Studio, this home provides both openness and intimacy through the unique use of materials

Stillness, Form and Function

Yasmin Farahmandy of Y Design Interior has designed a home for a creative from the film industry

From Private to Public

How ELE Interior is reshaping hospitality and commercial spaces around the world – while staying unmistakably itself

A collaborative design journey

A Life By Design (ALBD) Group and Condor Developers have collaborated on some standout spaces in Dubai

Ahmed Bukhash podcast

New Episode: In Design With: Ahmed Bukhash

Watch the latest episode on In Design With.

Highlights of the Biennale Architettura 2025

We shine a light on the pavilions from the Arab world at the Venice Architecture Biennale, on display until Sunday 23 November 2025

Read ‘Bold Design’ – Note from the editor – July/August 2025

Read identity magazine's July/August 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Things to Covet

Elevate your spaces with a pop of colour through these unique pieces

Designing Spaces with Purpose and Passion

We interview Andrea Savage from A Life By Design – Living & Branding on creating aesthetically beautiful and deeply functional spaces