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Special Feature - Expo 2020 Dubai
Counting down to a once-in-a-lifetime celebration With less than five months to go until Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors on October 1, 2021, the world has its sights set on the Arab world’s biggest event yet The countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai is gaining momentum and the excitement is building. With less than five months to go until the next World Expo opens its doors on October 1, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai is on track to host an exceptional six-month celebration. Visitors to Dubai’s biggest event yet can expect to be amazed, entertained and inspired as the show shines a light on the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world. ADAPTING TO THE NEW NORMAL When the pandemic showed no sign of ceasing, many participating countries expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai. Following the consequent vote to support this request, all of Expo’s 200-plus participants remain committed to the show, making it the most inclusive Expo in history with attendance from more than 190 countries. Expo 2020 Dubai will mark the first and the largest event ever to be held in the Arab world. It will also be the first mega event of its kind to be hosted amid the global crisis. It will, therefore, be ideally placed to welcome a world that is more resilient and unified in purpose. Expo 2020 Dubai has demonstrated that it is ready to fully open its doors to the world after safely and successfully welcoming more than 100,000 visitors to experience Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion. During the limited-time showcase, which ran from January 22 until April
10, 2021, the site’s health and safety practices – from social distancing and capacity controls to on-site rapid testing for staff and vendors – were highlighted. According to the Expo Pavilions Premiere Satisfaction Survey, following their visit, guests ranked on-site health and safety precautions above eight on a scale of one to nine, highlighting Expo’s preparedness to safely host the world amid the pandemic.
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BUILT TO LAST Much progress has been made since Dubai’s bid to host the next World Expo was successful in 2013. All permanent Expo-led construction at the 4.38-square-kilometre site in Dubai South was completed in 2019. In February 2020, the Expo Entry Portals, positioned at each of the arrival plazas, were unveiled. A new road network and a Dubai Metro extension that is capable of seamlessly transporting passengers to the Expo grounds has been established, with the Expo station also inaugurated. Work on the Thematic Pavilions, Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, has been completed and the exhibitions installed. 1 Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion 2 Expo Pavilions Premiere
A rich programme of events and entertainment is planned, enabling visitors to explore the whole world in one place
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As the countdown marches on, the landscape within the Public Realm continues to take shape. More than 340 different species of plants, shrubs and trees native to the region have been selected to beautify the spaces in between the buildings at the site. ON THE AGENDA When it opens its doors in less than 20 weeks, Expo will bring together some of the world’s brightest minds with programmes and platforms for knowledge sharing, business opportunities, networking and dialogue. This includes 11 Thematic Weeks, which will allow visitors to discover new
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perspectives, challenge existing thinking, form new partnerships and ultimately help create a blueprint for the future. The three Thematic Pavilions will use storytelling and gamification to inspire positive change among guests while dedicated spaces, such as the Women’s Pavilion – a collaboration between Expo 2020 and Cartier – will celebrate female change-makers around the world. A rich and diverse programme of events and entertainment is also planned, including National Day celebrations for participating nations, enabling visitors to explore the whole world in one place. VISIT STAND ME3110, ME3140, ME2520
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