Dubai is getting a new dose of green. Expo City Dubai has announced that leading landscape firm Proscape will deliver a 10-hectare nature reserve in the heart of Expo Valley, a major new community development shaped around sustainable living, biodiversity, and well-being.
The neighbourhood, complete with a lake, wadi, and thriving ecosystems, will form the heart of the upcoming residential area designed around the 15-minute city model. With a strong focus on environmental design, the reserve is a commitment to rewilding urban space and reconnecting people to nature.
More than 1,200 trees will be planted throughout the reserve, with two-thirds of them preserved legacy specimens from Expo 2020. Hardy, drought-tolerant varieties such as acacia and ghaf trees will be planted for their ability to thrive in the UAE’s desert climate.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo City Dubai, describes the nature reserve as ‘a key milestone’ and ‘an integral recreational and social space that enhances residents’ quality of life.’
‘The Expo Valley nature reserve exemplifies our dedication to creating a resilient and biodiverse landscape,’ he said. ‘Our city is designed to thrive in harmony with nature.’
Expo City’s Green Vision Takes Root
The reserve will also be built in collaboration with wildlife experts to ensure it supports a wide variety of native flora and fauna. The aim is to create not just a green space, but a sustainable ecosystem that reflects the future of urban living.
Construction began this July, with completion scheduled for the first half of 2026, just in time for Expo Valley’s first residents to move in.
Proscape, known for their work in high-profile ecological developments, is handling everything from precision land grading and lake creation to smart irrigation systems. ‘This is a future-focused project we’re proud to be part of,’ said Naser M Ahmed, Group CEO of Proscape. ‘It’s about enriching the environment and helping people reconnect with nature.’
