Dubai Expo City to Undergo $2.72 Billion Expansion, Solidifying Its Role as a Global Economic Hub

Dubai Expo City, the former site of Expo 2020, is set to embark on a $2.72 billion expansion as part of Dubai’s ambitious plans to transform the area into a long-term center for business, culture, and innovation. This expansion aims to bolster Dubai’s status as a global leader in sustainability, technology, and economic growth, aligning with the city’s 2040 Urban Master Plan.

Masterplan Overview: Infrastructure, Business, and Residential Growth

The Dubai Expo City expansion will focus on integrating key infrastructure, urban development, and residential spaces. Following its transformation from a world exhibition venue into a mixed-use development, Expo City’s growth reflects the emirate’s broader strategy of increasing investment in advanced sectors like clean technology and tourism.

The new phase will introduce a residential district featuring a mix of premium and affordable housing, aimed at enhancing the quality of life in the area. The residential offering will be complemented by commercial spaces, co-working hubs, and offices to cater to the growing demand from tech firms, start-ups, and multinational corporations. As a result, the project is expected to further Dubai’s positioning as a regional business hub and economic powerhouse.

Sustainability at the Core

A central pillar of the expansion is its focus on sustainability, with energy-efficient buildings, water conservation, and green energy solutions being fundamental to the design. These measures align with Dubai’s long-term vision to lead global efforts in sustainability and smart city development. The use of renewable energy and environmentally friendly construction techniques aims to reduce the environmental footprint of this extensive urban project.

Cultural and Educational Additions

Beyond residential and commercial growth, the Expo City expansion will include cultural and educational spaces, positioning Dubai as a knowledge-based economy. Educational institutions, museums, and research centers will be integrated into the development, attracting global partnerships and contributing to Dubai’s ambition to become a hub for research and development.

Tourism and Leisure Facilities

Tourism will remain a key driver of Expo City’s development, with plans for hotels, restaurants, and entertainment venues that will build on the existing Expo 2020 legacy. New pedestrian-friendly pathways, parks, and open spaces are designed to enhance liveability and promote outdoor activities, a growing trend in urban design worldwide. These upgrades will ensure that Expo City continues to attract both local residents and international visitors, cementing its role as a major cultural and business destination.

Economic Impact

The expansion is expected to generate significant economic activity, creating jobs in construction and across multiple sectors in the long term. The influx of businesses and residents will contribute to Dubai’s overall economic growth, helping the city remain a key gateway to markets in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The project is a flagship for Dubai’s broader vision of sustainable urban development, which aims to balance growth with environmental responsibility.

A Vision for the Future

Expo City’s expansion marks a significant step in Dubai’s urban evolution. With its focus on sustainability, business innovation, and cultural enrichment, the development is set to play a pivotal role in Dubai’s future as a global leader in smart urban living, economic diversification, and environmental stewardship.

H&H Development Expands ‘Eden House’ Brand with Dubai Hills Project

H&H Development, a leading name in Dubai’s real estate market and bespoke turnkey projects, has introduced its first project in Dubai Hills under the prestigious ‘Eden House’ brand. The launch of Eden House Dubai Hills, an upscale residential community, sets a new standard for luxury living in one of Dubai’s most sought-after suburbs.

Strategic Location and Legacy of Success

Located in the heart of Dubai Hills, the new community promises an elevated living experience, building on the success of the fully occupied Eden House Al Satwa and the sold-out Eden House The Canal, launched last year. This new venture reflects H&H Development’s ongoing commitment to creating exquisite urban spaces that blend opulence and practicality.

Miltos Bossinis, CEO of H&H Development, commented: “We are excited to expand the ‘Eden House’ brand with this new project in Dubai Hills. Our goal is to offer residents a lifestyle that prioritizes health, wellbeing, and modern convenience, while providing beautifully designed spaces in an environment that harmonizes nature with luxury.”

Residential Offerings and Design Excellence

Eden House Dubai Hills offers a range of residential options, from contemporary apartments available for rent to a select number of elegant townhouses and 32 bespoke villas. These villas, designed by renowned British architectural firm Hopkins Architects, feature private gardens, swimming pools, shaded balconies, and interiors crafted from marble and wood, creating a serene yet luxurious living environment.

The project aims to cater to a wide variety of residents, including families and those seeking a peaceful retreat from the bustling city. Hopkins Architects’ involvement ensures that each villa stands as a testament to innovative design, functional spaces, and attention to detail.

World-Class Amenities and Lifestyle

Residents at Eden House Dubai Hills can enjoy top-tier amenities, including access to Dubai Hills Park, Dubai Hills Mall, and premium golf courses. On-site, the development boasts temperature-controlled swimming pools, spa facilities, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and dedicated children’s play areas. The community is further enriched by food and beverage outlets, retail destinations, and vibrant communal spaces.

What sets Eden House apart is its signature services, ensuring a seamless and highly personalized living experience. Residents can enjoy à la carte services like personal shopping, wellness treatments, chauffeur services, and housekeeping. For those traveling, H&H offers home management services to ensure properties are well-maintained and ready upon return.

Secure, Private, and Personalized Living

With round-the-clock security, controlled access, and exclusive resident-only amenities, privacy and safety are prioritized at Eden House Dubai Hills. The dedicated Eden House team is committed to providing personalized services that cater to residents’ individual preferences, fostering a long-term relationship built on trust and attention to detail.

Exclusively Designed Villas for Discerning Residents

The elegantly designed villas, equipped with cutting-edge home technology and meticulously crafted kitchens, are ideal for homeowners seeking a tranquil, high-end lifestyle in Dubai. The combination of modern conveniences and serene surroundings makes Eden House Dubai Hills an exceptional choice for those looking to invest in luxury real estate.

Flight Cancellations and Disruptions to Beirut: What UAE Travelers Need to Know

Amid rising tensions in Lebanon, several UAE airlines have adjusted their flight schedules, resulting in cancellations and disruptions for passengers traveling to Beirut. The adjustments come as safety concerns escalate due to ongoing regional conflict.

Emirates and flydubai Implement Flight Cancellations

Emirates, one of the UAE’s flagship carriers, has paused all flights to Beirut, with no scheduled services available on its website until Sunday, September 28. While the airline has not issued an official statement, the absence of available flights indicates a temporary suspension of operations.

flydubai, the UAE’s low-cost carrier, has also cancelled its services on Tuesday, September 24, and Wednesday, September 25. The airline operates seven weekly flights to Beirut and has communicated that passengers affected by these cancellations will be offered rebooking or refunds.

A spokesperson for flydubai confirmed, “Flights between Dubai International (DXB) and Beirut International Airport (BEY) on September 24 and 25 have been cancelled due to the ongoing developments. We are in touch with affected passengers to provide alternative options.”

Etihad Airways and Air Arabia Adjust Operations

Abu Dhabi-based Etihad Airways, another major UAE carrier, has also suspended flights to Beirut. The airline cancelled its scheduled services for Tuesday, September 24, in light of the deteriorating security situation. A company spokesperson emphasized that passenger and crew safety is the airline’s top priority.

Air Arabia, a budget airline operating from Sharjah, has similarly adjusted its services. According to the Air Arabia website, no flights to Beirut are available until Sunday, September 29. This temporary suspension affects passengers planning to travel from Sharjah to Lebanon.

International Carriers Follow Suit

The cancellations from UAE airlines align with the broader international response. Global airlines like Qatar Airways, Air India, and KLM have also suspended their services to Lebanon due to rising tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. These widespread adjustments highlight the ongoing instability in the region, affecting flight operations on a global scale.

Impact on Travelers and Future Updates

The adjustments made by UAE airlines reflect the significant impact the situation in Lebanon is having on air travel. While some airlines are offering rebooking or refund options to affected passengers, the situation remains fluid. Travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official airline channels, as more updates may follow depending on how the situation evolves.

Given the nature of the conflict, it is expected that flight operations will remain disrupted until the security situation improves, with airlines closely monitoring developments in the region.

Calum White: Pioneering Change in Dubai’s Real Estate Market

A New Beginning in Dubai

After relocating from the UK to the UAE in 2014, Calum White quickly identified key challenges within Dubai’s real estate sector. Disillusioned by how brokers were being treated and the knock-on effects this had on customer service, he envisioned a new model. That vision materialized in 2021 when he launched White & Co—a company designed to prioritize the well-being of its brokers as much as the clients they serve.

Calum’s philosophy is simple: happy brokers deliver exceptional service. This client-first mentality, rooted in transparency and authenticity, has made White & Co a standout in a highly competitive environment.

Building a Team from the Ground Up

At the outset, Calum’s mission wasn’t just to establish a business but to bring talented individuals from his homeland on board. Tapping into his Scottish roots, he actively recruited young, ambitious professionals from across Scotland to be part of his Dubai venture. This strategy has paid off; today, over 50% of White & Co’s workforce is Scottish, with many of the agency’s top-performing brokers hailing from the UK.

Calum’s emphasis on hard work and adaptability has attracted a diverse pool of talent, allowing White & Co to scale rapidly. Starting with just eight employees, the firm has grown to over 170 brokers in under two years—a testament to Calum’s leadership and vision.

Redefining Success in Real Estate

What sets White & Co apart from its competitors is its focus on performance and personal development. Real estate in Dubai offers immense opportunity, and Calum has cultivated a work environment where motivated individuals can thrive. With uncapped commissions and a culture that rewards dedication, brokers are empowered to achieve life-changing success.

The firm’s results speak for themselves: within its first year, White & Co generated over £4 million in business. Its portfolio includes everything from mid-range properties to high-end luxury homes, with one of the most notable sales exceeding £17 million.

White & Co’s momentum hasn’t slowed. The firm has become one of the top lead-generating agencies in Dubai, excelling in both residential and commercial real estate. It has also garnered industry recognition, winning Agency of the Month and securing an Agent of the Month award—accolades that highlight its continued growth and success.

A Commitment to Long-Term Growth

Calum’s vision extends far beyond initial success. Even amid the challenges of the global pandemic, he made a bold decision to secure a 16,000-square-foot office space on a five-year lease—a clear signal of his confidence in the company’s future. White & Co continues to scale, not only in size but also in reputation, as it climbs the rankings of Dubai’s most trusted real estate agencies.

The White & Co Difference

At the heart of Calum’s success is a simple yet powerful belief: if you invest in your people, they will invest in your clients. This ethos has allowed White & Co to thrive in an industry where high employee turnover and client dissatisfaction are common. By focusing on creating a supportive environment for brokers, Calum has built a culture of loyalty and performance, which in turn delivers exceptional results for clients.

Looking Ahead

As White & Co continues to make strides, Calum remains committed to pushing boundaries and elevating the standards of Dubai’s real estate market. His goal is not just to grow in numbers but to build a legacy of excellence, transparency, and innovation. With the foundation he’s laid, White & Co is well on its way to becoming one of the most respected names in the region’s real estate landscape.

Conclusion

Calum White’s journey from Edinburgh to Dubai reflects his determination, foresight, and commitment to making a meaningful impact in the real estate sector. By putting both brokers and clients at the core of his business strategy, he has created a model that is as effective as it is unique. White & Co’s rapid rise is a testament to Calum’s belief in hard work, opportunity, and the power of putting people first.