Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s greatest show and the largest event in the Middle East, will open on October 1, 2021. We bring you the definitive guide to an event that the Dubai Ruler has promised will “astonish the world”.
When His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building in Dubai, it was thought the ‘living wonder’ would be the last of any giant initiatives by the UAE for a long time to come.
That was January 2010. By 2011, the UAE had shrugged off the last remaining major effects of the global financial crisis 2008, and its economy started picking up genuine steam. By November 2011, Dubai International became the world’s second-busiest airport for international passengers, leap-frogging Frankfurt, Hong Kong and Paris Charles de Gaulle. That year, DXB handled over 50 million passengers for the first time, served by 160 airlines with a network of 200 destinations.
In early 2011, five cities bid to host the global event, with Dubai making a last-minute entry. Dubai threw its hat in the ring with four other cities: Ayutthaya (Thailand), Ekaterinburg (Russia), Izmir (Turkey) and Sao Paulo (Brazil). Finally, in the last week of November 2013, the UAE succeeded in winning the hearts and minds of BIE’s member states at a meeting in Paris where Dubai was voted to host the World Expo 2020 with a thumping majority.
When will Expo 2020 Dubai open, how long is it scheduled for, and what are its timings?
How many visitors are expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai?
How many countries are participating in Expo 2020 Dubai?
Where is Expo 2020 Dubai and what methods of transport can I take to get there?
What will happen to the Expo 2020 Dubai site once the Expo finishes?
What is Expo 2020 Dubai?
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) region. Through its theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, Dubai aims to host a World Expo that inspires people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world. Keeping in mind the health and wellness of its visitors, exhibitors and other stakeholders, Dubai postponed the expo by a year in light of the global travel restrictions due to the pandemic.
When will Expo 2020 Dubai open, how long is it scheduled for, and what are its timings?
Expo 2020 will run for six months from Friday, October 1, 2021, until Thursday, March 31, 2022
Expo 2020 will run for six months from Friday, October 1, 2021, until Thursday, March 31, 2022. It will be open seven days a week, from 10:00 to 00:00 midnight on weekdays and 10:00 to 02:00 on weekends and special days.
How many visitors are expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai?
According to pre-Covid-19 estimates, Expo 2020 was expected to clock 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos. Dubai still aims to attract millions to the world event although the final numbers will depend on the global recovery rates and ease of international travel during the six months that the expo is scheduled to be held (Friday, October 1, 2021 until Thursday, March 31, 2022).
How many countries are participating in Expo 2020 Dubai?
To date, more than 190 nations from across the world have confirmed their participation at Expo 2020. Overall, when the event is launched, there will be more than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions.
What is a World Expo?
World Expos are one of the oldest and largest international events on the planet, taking place every five years and lasting six months. It is a festival for all, where everyone can experience, explore, innovate and have fun by sharing ideas and working together. The first ever Expo was held in 1851 in London and the city hosted another expo in 1862. Paris is the only city to have hosted six expos while Brussels has hosted four world expos. Barcelona, Chicago and London have hosted two expos each and another 18 cities have hosted one expo, with Dubai set to join the list when the Expo 2020 Dubai opens on October 1, 2021.
Here’s a list of all past expos:
The next Expo after Dubai Expo 2020 will be in 2025 in Osaka, Japan
Where is Expo 2020 Dubai and what methods of transport can I take to get there?
Measuring 4.38 sq km, the Expo 2020 site is located in the Dubai South district. It is close to Al Maktoum International Airport and within easy reach of Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai and Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminals. The site also has its own Metro station, capable of transporting 22,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
What will happen to the Expo 2020 Dubai site once the Expo finishes?
In line with the Expo 2020 subtheme of Sustainability, 80 per cent of Expo-built buildings and structures will find new life in the thriving future city of District 2020. A key pillar of Expo 2020’s aim to leave a meaningful and lasting legacy, District 2020 will be a connected global centre for the next generation of innovators, original thinkers and pioneers for generations to come.
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