What Does Dubai Have in Store For World Expo 2020?

A tradition that dates back to 1851, the World Expo (previously known as World’s Fair) is an international event that brings together various countries through art, music, culture, food and technology. Despite what one might think, it is not a typical trade fair. Prepared to host the much-anticipated event, Dubai has much to offer at the World Expo 2020. An impressive 192 countries are expected to participate, each creating a unique pavilion representing their culture.

For 173 days, tourists from all over the world are expected to be drawn to this event that offers them not only cultural and informative experiences at the pavilions but also new, permanent attractions and live events featuring celebrities such as singer Mariah Carey and Emirati artist Hussain Al Jassmi. The latter is also an Expo 2020 ambassador.

Apart from the mentioned musical performances, the event will also hold an opera performance and Expo live- a global innovation and partnership programme that will back projects that provide creative solutions to pressing issues of today. A whopping USD 100 million have been allocated for the later. 

The official mascots for the event are a magical ghaf tree named Salama, two Emirati siblings called Rashid and Latifa and three robo-guardians that are Opti, Alif and Terra. The same were revealed in September 2019. Just a month later, their global campaign ‘Be There’ was released that featured rapper will.i.am, along with a film that celebrated human achievement through centuries. 14 versions of the film in different languages are made available. They event will also feature Al Wasl, the country’s first-ever opera.

In terms of infrastructure, the city has not held back. Each country’s pavilion claims to be a marvel to behold in itself. The UK Pavilion inspired by the late scientist Stephen Hawking, will feature a constantly changing poem on the exterior, generated by AI and contribution from the visitors. The Brazil Pavilion, on the other hand, will recreate the Amazon basin, complete with sound, views and even scents that one would draw at the country’s riverside. By these two examples, one can only have high hopes for the rest. 

Additionally, the event is split into three thematic districts- Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. They form the largest built space of the event. Within these districts, one will find the country pavilions, retail and F&B (food and beverage) outlets, leisure areas, performance spaces and much more, staying true to the theme they have been designated. 

The centerpiece of the show, to which all the districts ultimately connect, is the Al Wasl Plaza. This iconic dome structure will host many events and also act as a 360 degree projection surface, internally and externally. 

In fact, many structures built for the Expo are to be retained in the city in the area that will be called District 2020. Major companies such as Accenture, DP World and Siemens (Official Premier Partners of the event) have decided to establish a permanent presence in the area. The space will also be home to various state-of-the-art cultural, entertainment and educational facilities. Many new hotels have also been launched in the city. The venue is expected to accommodate 300,000 people at a time. Daily participation could be anywhere between 145,000 to 250,000 visitors, mentions the CEO of Dubai Tourism, Issam Kazim.

Adding to it, he says “ The cooperation and relationship between the public and private sector has helped the growth of the city. The location is half-way between Dubai and Abu Dhabi to accommodate travellers from both cities. A 90-day re-entry visa is available for Indian citizens who wish to come to the event multiple times and also explore other experiences that Dubai has to offer.”

World Expo 2020 Dubai will be hosted from October 20, 2020 to April 10,2021. Tickets are available on their official website, with travel agents, hotels and applications. Tickets are inclusive of all events and shows.