Expo City Dubai — the legacy of World Expo 2020 (held 2021–2022) — has been transformed into a permanent mixed-use free zone and innovation hub in Dubai South. Here is a guide to doing business in Expo City.
What Is Expo City Dubai?
Expo City Dubai is a 4.38 km² development in Dubai South, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport. After World Expo 2020 ended in March 2022, the site was repurposed into a permanent: free zone with business registration, innovation and sustainability hub (DEWA pavilion, Terra pavilion, and other themed installations repurposed as tech and innovation centres), events and MICE venue (regular global events, summits, and exhibitions), and residential and mixed-use community. Expo City Dubai is managed as a special development zone under Dubai South — the Expo City Free Zone operates separately from Dubai South Free Zone.
Expo City Dubai Free Zone
Companies in the Expo City Free Zone: 100% foreign ownership, 0% corporate and personal income tax (qualifying income), access to the Expo City campus (distinctive architecture, sustainability installations, green spaces), proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC), and sustainability credentials — Expo City aims to be a net-zero carbon community. Annual licence cost: AED 12,000–30,000 depending on the package and office size. Best for: innovation, sustainability, tech, and international business companies that value the brand association with the World Expo legacy.
Expo City Dubai Events and Business Development
Expo City Dubai hosts 100+ international events annually — summits, trade shows, cultural events. Based in Expo City: built-in access to conference facilities and international business visitor traffic. The Global Manufacturing & Industrialisation Summit (GMIS), the World Government Summit, and multiple sustainability-focused summits now use Expo City as their primary venue.