A New Chapter in Dubai’s Story of Trade and Innovation
DP World has broken ground on the next phase of its ambitious new global headquarters at Expo City Dubai, marking another milestone in the emirate’s evolving skyline and its vision for sustainable global trade.
The foundations are now complete, celebrated in a site ceremony attended by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority. She was joined by His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, alongside Najeeb Mohammed AlAli, Executive Director of Expo City Dubai Authority, and Engineer Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer at Expo City Dubai.
The event, set against the backdrop of the Expo legacy site, symbolised the partnership between two entities that share Dubai’s trademark ambition and global outlook.
A Floating Landmark in the Making
Due for completion in 2027, the new headquarters will span 301,940 square feet and accommodate around 850 staff, while also welcoming up to 2,000 visitors each day. Yet what’s likely to draw the eye first is the structure’s striking 10.45-metre cantilever—one of the region’s boldest architectural features—giving the building an illusion of floating above the ground.
It’s a fitting metaphor for a company built on the idea of movement and flow. From its roots in port operations to its global logistics network, DP World’s influence often feels as if it “hovers” over the trade lanes connecting the world.
Building for People and Purpose
The headquarters isn’t just an office—it’s intended as a living, breathing part of the city. The first two levels will be open to the public, complete with cafés, restaurants, and meeting spaces designed to encourage connection and conversation.
At the heart of the complex, the Flow Pavilion and its iconic fountain—first seen by more than 1.2 million visitors during Expo 2020 Dubai—will remain a central feature. Once a temporary showcase of DP World’s vision to “make trade flow,” it will now serve as a permanent reminder of that mission.
As one engineer on site put it during the ceremony, “You don’t just build foundations for concrete; you build them for ideas.” In many ways, this project feels exactly that—an architectural statement of intent about the future of trade, sustainability, and innovation.
Sustainability and Smart Systems at Scale
The building will also pioneer some of the most advanced sustainability and automation measures in the region. Among them, the Middle East’s first fully automated parking facility of this scale—capable of housing nearly 1,000 vehicles, including 100 for electric cars.
It’s a small but telling example of how Dubai continues to combine ambition with efficiency, creating spaces that reflect not only where the city is headed, but how it intends to get there.
