Last October, Expo 2020 finally opened its doors after a highly anticipated and long wait. Dubai citizens, residents and hundreds of thousands of visitors witnessed a unique experience where they got to travel across the globe with no flights necessary. We’re talking about the 192 countries that took part with their own pavilion. After 182 days since its opening, Expo 2020 closed its doors for what we thought was the last time, with an extraordinary closing ceremony. What we thought was a goodbye was apparently a ‘see you later,’ because Expo 2020 is officially returning – just in a different format (and name).

DUBAI, 28 March 2022. Fireworks seen at Expo 2020. (Photo by Anthony Fleyhan/Expo 2020 Dubai)

On October 1st, which marks exactly a year since its first opening, Expo will return, only this time it’s Expo City Dubai. The return of Expo also comes with the return of one of its most important pavilions, of Alif: The Mobility Pavilion, as well as the opening of Terra: The Sustainability Pavilion, marking Expo City’s dedication to sustainability and inspiring future generations. Both pavilions will be open a month ahead of the official opening of Expo City, on September 1st.

DUBAI, 13 January 2021. Interior view of Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Dany Eid/Expo 2020 Dubai)

What we know so far, is that Expo City is based on the outstanding success of Expo 2020 and will retain 80% of its infrastructure. “A clean, green, tech-enabled, human-centric city of the future, Expo City Dubai is designed as a blueprint for sustainable urban planning, driving innovation and action on its journey to net zero.”

Much of the space will be open to the public free of charge, however if you’d like to visit a pavilion, tickets cost Dhs50 per person per pavilion and are available to be bought on their official website, and at four box offices at Expo City Dubai starting 1st of September.

DUBAI, FEBRUARY 02 2021: Night view of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai (Photo by Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai)

Expo City Dubai will surely be full of surprises, and will bring back some of our favourite pavilions, such as the Women’s Pavilion and Al Wasl Plaza. Be sure not to miss out on your chance to visit, whether you’ve already been to Expo 2020 or not.