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Expo City Dubai Mobility and Urban Strategy Advisor

Leading sustainable neighborhood development beyond Expo 2020

Sector

Transportation & Mobility

Region

Gulf

Timespan

2021-2024

Gehl has served as an in-house thought leader and trusted brainstorming partner for many of the development and mobility decisions at Expo City Dubai. Credit: Gehl

After hosting Expo 2020, Dubai’s Expo City began transforming the event area into a human-centered city with walkable neighborhoods, accessible transit, diverse amenities, and green spaces. However, as the logistics and commuting patterns typical of an Emirati neighborhood start to emerge, special care must be taken to preserve the highest level of pedestrian experience.

Vision for a future neighbourhood where sustainable mobility is the norm. Credit: Gehl
Providing ongoing tactical support to roll out sustainable mobility systems on site. Credit: Gehl

Designing for longevity

Gehl was commissioned by Expo City Dubai to enhance the experience of local residents as the site transitioned from hosting a temporary global event to becoming a permanent, lived in neighborhood. Serving as an in-house thought leader and trusted advisor, Gehl provided crucial support in development and mobility decisions.

The team delivered traffic model analyses, circulation scenarios, and infrastructure design recommendations — all aimed at positioning Expo City Dubai neighbourhood as a leader in sustainable mobility within the GCC region.

Today, the neighborhood is celebrated for its calm, people-first landscape, valued by both residents and visitors. Through this process, Gehl showcased how large event sites can be thoughtfully planned into existing urban neighborhoods, ensuring they thrive well into the future beyond the event.

A vision for integrating multi-story parking garages in a way that supports public life and fosters circularity. Credit: Gehl
James Thoem, Senior Project Manager Andreas Røhl, Mobility Lead Ruben Le Sueur, Designer I Morten Kjer Jeppesen, Team Director Masterplanning & Design Europe Leon Legeland, Project Manager
An active, linear public space is located along the escarpment making the scenic views of the larger mountain range accessible for all. Credit: Gehl/Atkins

Designing Oman’s future human-centered settlements in harmony with nature

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: LHM/MOR, DobnerAngermann

Modernizing Munich’s old town as a place for all

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: Bengt Nyman

Transforming Sydney’s central spine into a people-friendly boulevard

  • Urban Design & Masterplanning
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit: Gehl

Delivering a people-first urban transformation in Saudi Cities

  • Community Engagement
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Credit Gehl

Expanding people-first transportation options in a booming city

  • Social Spatial Research
  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy
Istanbul’s unique geography and pace of growth has created an equally remarkable public transport system. From maritime routes to popular metrobus networks, Istanbul is a hotbed of tactical public transport innovation. Credit: Gehl

A human-centred mobility focus for Europe’s second largest city

  • Urban Mobility
  • Urban Strategy

‘People-first’ includes you

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