Dubai is once again leading by example with a major sustainability-focused development — a dedicated nature reserve within Expo City, spanning 10 hectares and home to more than 1,000 trees.
Set to be completed in the first half of 2026, the Expo Valley nature reserve is being built as part of a broader plan to create a modern, eco-conscious community in the heart of the city’s most forward-looking district.
This project goes beyond landscaping; it’s part of a long-term vision to offer a lifestyle grounded in nature, biodiversity, and wellbeing — all within an urban residential setting.
Expo City Dubai appoints Proscape, a leading landscape and exterior design company, to carry out the development of the Expo Valley Nature Reserve. The reserve will span over 10 hectares and is scheduled for completion in the first half of 2026. pic.twitter.com/HsnOgkENa6
— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) July 29, 2025
Trees selected for desert resilience
The planting plan isn’t just about visual appeal. Trees like ghaf and acacia, known for their ability to survive in the UAE’s dry climate, are at the centre of the design. These species are both native and adaptive, chosen specifically to thrive with minimal water and maintenance.
Each tree will be raised at a purpose-built on-site nursery, which ensures their healthy growth from the start. This method supports stronger root development and reduces the environmental impact of transporting mature trees.
The result will be a living landscape shaped not only by design but by time, care and a respect for the local environment.
Proscape takes charge of bringing the vision to life
The landscaping and infrastructure works are being led by Proscape, a name already well-known across the UAE for complex and high-quality outdoor projects. Their work includes land grading, lake construction, irrigation systems, and long-term sustainability planning.
Speaking on the scope of the project, their team highlighted their commitment to urban ecological development and working closely with the Expo City Dubai leadership to deliver a green space that will serve future generations.
This is not just about planting trees — it’s about crafting a resilient ecosystem that can support life, absorb heat, and provide social value to the people who live around it.
A community woven into nature
The Expo Valley nature reserve stands out because planners are placing it at the heart of the community, not on its fringes.
The reserve will be the centrepiece of a gated residential area, where homes are designed to blend into the landscape. This creates an immersive living experience where people don’t just visit green spaces — they live among them.
Such integrated designs are gaining traction in Dubai, especially among residents looking for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle without leaving the city. The goal is to build a space where nature and daily life complement each other, not compete.
Sustainability as a legacy
The reserve is also a continuation of Dubai’s larger environmental goals, carrying forward the promise of Expo 2020 Dubai and aligning with the city’s green economy strategies and urban planning initiatives.
By investing in biodiversity, water management, and ecological design, this project is reinforcing Dubai’s position as a regional leader in sustainable urban development.
City planners are building green infrastructure and natural systems designed to serve future generations, withstand environmental challenges, and meet evolving community needs for decades to come.
What to expect in the months ahead
Construction on the nature reserve has already begun, with specialist works underway to prepare the terrain and install the required infrastructure.
As trees mature in the nursery, more landscaping elements will begin to take shape, including walking paths, natural lakes, and shaded gathering areas.
Once complete in 2026, the Expo Valley nature reserve will open to residents as a multi-use natural space — offering moments of quiet, wellness, and community engagement, all within a city that continues to grow sustainably.
Read More:
- Emirates Road expansion set to ease commutes from Dubai to northern emirates – Social Kandura
- Salon du Chocolat 2025 Dubai Brings A Feast Of Chocolate, Pastry And Creativity To The City – Social Kandura
Stay connected with Social Kandura for more local updates, community development news, and Dubai’s latest green initiatives.
