The legacy of the world’s fair goes on as Expo City Dubai is officially launched on October 1.
Visitors can sit under the Al Wasl dome and get their feet wet in the Surreal water feature free of charge when the repurposed Expo 2020 Dubai site reopens this weekend.
There was a soft opening for some pavilions last month.
The site is car-free and visitors can stroll across the public areas at no charge.
Reopening for business
Dubai’s newest community is intended to attract tourists, residents and office workers as part of its phased opening six months after the Expo ended.
Siemens, DP World and China’s Terminus Technologies are among the businesses that took offices in the Dubai South neighbourhood where start-ups, technology companies, academic and research facilities have also made their homes.
Terminus said it shared the ambition of Expo City Dubai to build a global innovation centre.
The technology company built Opti, orange talking machines that were a crowd favourite rolling across the site, performing flash dance routines and dispensing directions, advice and generic information to visitors during the Expo.
“As an anchor tenant of Expo City Dubai, we welcome its official opening this weekend with great enthusiasm, as this also coincides with the one-year anniversary of Terminus Group’s establishment of our international headquarters in Dubai,” Victor Ai, founder and chief executive of the Terminus Group, told The National.
“With more companies joining that ecosystem, bringing together components of digital innovation, artificial intelligence, and smart services solutions, we look forward to growing together and supporting industry growth here in the UAE and internationally.”
Where is free?
The site is free to visit although there is a charge for some pavilions.
Entry to the Al Wasl 360-degree projection dome is free. The Expo’s centrepiece will come alive on Saturday evening at sunset.
A display of music and lights will be beamed across the translucent dome at 6.15pm.
Viewings are open to all and will take place in the evening from Wednesday to Sunday.
Entry to the Surreal water feature will also be free. There, sheets of water appear to race upwards then drop back down and disappear at the feet of spectators.
Children aged 12 and under and people with special needs can visit all attractions at no charge. They need to get a complimentary pass at any ticket booth on site to enter all paid attractions.
Other attractions and day passes
A Dh120 one-day pass gives access to at least four pavilions.
Organisers say more attractions will later be added to the day pass.
This pass covers Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion, Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, Vision and the Women’s Pavilion.
Tickets to each pavilion will cost Dh50.
The ribbed stainless steel Mobility Pavilion that resembles a giant fidget spinner tells stories of explorers and houses the world’s largest passenger lift. It can carry more than 160 people at a time.
The solar-panelled Sustainability Pavilion is a children’s science centre.
The canopy is an example of sustainable design that ensures the building is self reliant for energy and water.
It hosts workshops and exhibitions for young visitors to encourage them to make changes in daily life that will benefit the environment.
The Vision Pavilion is a tribute to life of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
A guided tour offers an understanding of the influences that shaped his life and draws from Sheikh Mohammed’s book My Story: 50 Memories from 50 years of Service.
The Women’s Pavilion celebrates the successes of women and showcases their contributions, accomplishments and struggle to gain equality.
General entry is free for pre-booked school groups. Workshops and the science show are charged separately. Bookings can be made at schools.expocitydubai.com.
What are the timings?
Most attractions are open from Monday to Sunday from 10am to 6pm
The Al Wasl dome shows are scheduled after sunset five evenings a week from Wednesday to Sunday.
For school groups with bookings, timings are 9am to 6pm, Monday to Sunday.
The city plans to stay open 24/7 with attractions and events that will be announced.
Food and drink
Make sure to carry a bottle that can be refilled at water fountains across the area.
Kiosks and food lorries will offer refreshments and dining options will be announced.
Organisers will release details on whether popular eating outlets such as Al Baik, the Saudi fried chicken chain, food courts, fast food restaurants and fine dining will be open.
How can I get there?
Hop on to the Dubai Metro Red line — that remains the quickest way to reach Expo 2020 station and takes visitors directly into the new community.
Taxis or cars can be booked using Careem, Uber or S’hail apps.
Those driving to Expo City Dubai can use any of the four parking spots with about 9,500 slots available in the Mobility, Al Dana, Al Forsan and Jubilee parking zones.
VIP and valet services can be found in Al Forsan and Jubilee parking areas and buggies can be hired.
Public bus services from the Roads and Transport Authority is available outside the metro station.
Where can I book tickets?
Buy tickets at the kiosks on site or online at www.expocitydubai.com
For questions about the attractions, school visits and for more information, email: info@expocitydubai.ae or call +971 4 555 2030 from Monday to Thursday between 8am to 5pm and Friday 8am to 12.30pm.
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