Expo City Company Setup
The Expo 2020 legacy district reborn as a sustainability-focused free zone.
- Ownership
- 100% foreign
- Setup time
- 1 to 3 weeks
- Licence cost
- from AED 15,000
- Visas
- Tied to office space
Expo City Dubai converted the Expo 2020 site into a working district and free zone: the landmark pavilions now house companies, the venue hosted COP28, and the surrounding Dubai South corridor concentrates the emirate's next decade of infrastructure spend around it.
The zone courts sustainability-aligned businesses, cleantech, ESG services, innovation programmes, alongside general commercial licences. Early positioning in a district with this trajectory is the strategic case; pricing remains reasonable while the area builds out.
Who Expo City suits
- Sustainability and cleantech firms
- Event and conference businesses
- Corporates wanting legacy-site addresses
- Companies on the Dubai South corridor
Why choose Expo City
- Landmark district with global recognition
- Sustainability-focused ecosystem and events
- Metro-connected, between Jebel Ali and Al Maktoum
- Modern building stock from the Expo build
- Growth corridor location for the next decade
Expo City frequently asked questions
Is Expo City a real free zone now?
Yes, the Expo City Dubai Authority operates a free zone regime across the district with 100% foreign ownership and standard free zone treatment, licensing companies into the legacy buildings and new developments.
Who is Expo City best for?
Businesses that trade on sustainability credentials or want presence in Dubai's southern growth corridor early: cleantech, ESG consulting, events and corporates aligning with the district's brand.
What does an Expo City licence cost?
Licences start around AED 15,000 to AED 25,000 with office packages in the former pavilions and new commercial stock. We compare it against Dubai South, which shares the corridor at lower prestige and cost.