A Landmark Hospitality Destination at the Heart of Expo City
Positioned adjacent to the iconic Al Wasl Dome, the Rove Expo 2020 Hotel occupies one of the most prominent sites within Expo City Dubai. RSP was hired for the interior design. Completed in 2021, the 330-key hotel is a contemporary hospitality destination that blends accommodation, coworking, dining and social interaction into a single, highly flexible environment.
Developed for Expo 2020, the project was required to respond to the needs of an exceptionally diverse audience, from international visitors and business travellers to students, delegates and long-term guests. The design also needed to ensure the hotel would continue to thrive long after the World Expo concluded, transitioning seamlessly into a permanent destination within the evolving Expo City masterplan.
Reimagining the Hotel Experience
The design challenges the traditional notion of a hotel by creating spaces that blur the boundaries between hospitality, work and community. Rather than functioning solely as an arrival space, the lobby becomes the social heart of the hotel, a place to work, meet, relax or connect throughout the day.
This flexible approach extends across the guest rooms and public areas, creating an environment equally suited to solo travellers, digital nomads, business delegates and leisure guests. Every space has been designed to encourage interaction while maintaining the comfort and functionality expected from a contemporary hotel.
Inspired by the Spirit of the UAE
The interior concept draws inspiration from Expo 2020's themes of Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity, while celebrating the cultural identity of the UAE. References to Bedouin navigation traditions, the country's rapid innovation, surrounding desert landscapes and the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport are interpreted through materials, textures, graphics and architectural forms.
Warm sand and ochre tones reflect the desert environment, complemented by deep navy, crisp white, terracotta and olive green to create a palette that feels both contemporary and unmistakably regional. Carefully curated artwork, planting and layered textures reinforce a strong sense of place throughout the hotel.
Spaces Designed for Connection
Each public space has its own distinct identity while contributing to a unified guest experience.
The lobby acts as a welcoming social destination where informal seating, collaborative workspaces and relaxed lounge areas encourage interaction throughout the day.
The restaurant celebrates sustainable agriculture through a design language inspired by hydroponics, vertical gardens and organic farming. Natural timber, woven textures and integrated greenery create a warm dining environment that reflects the UAE's vision for a more sustainable future.
The coworking hub combines the atmosphere of a café with the functionality of a professional workspace. Flexible layouts, layered lighting and comfortable furnishings support productivity while encouraging creativity and collaboration.
Designed for Long-Term Relevance
Furniture, lighting and finishes were selected for durability, flexibility and longevity, ensuring the interiors could successfully evolve from an Expo venue into a permanent hospitality destination. The design balances youthful character with timeless appeal, allowing the hotel to remain relevant as Expo City continues to develop.
