LASTING LEGACY

While Expo 2020 Dubai may have drawn the curtains on six months of live events and cultural celebrations, it has left behind a powerful legacy for the emirate, the UAE and all the nations that participated in the Middle East’s first World Expo

When Alexander Bain displayed his invention of the image telegraph – known today as the fax machine – at the Great Exhibition of 1851 in London – it set a precedent for future World Expos. In the years to follow, the international fair would go on to become a platform for humankind’s ingenuity, ambition and entrepreneurship. A hub for inspiration, inventions from the television to tomato ketchup made their debuts at these events while landmarks, such as the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Space Needle in Seattle, were especially built in the host cities and unveiled during the fair. And on October 1, 2021, 170 years later, the mega event marked its first edition on Middle Eastern soil with Expo 2020 Dubai.

Preparations for the mega event began in 2013 when Dubai won the right to host the international fair. And in the lead-up to its opening, the landscape of the emirate and the nation transformed drastically as a host of new attractions, from Ain Dubai to the Museum of the Future, launched during its run.

The event itself cemented the UAE’s presence on the global stage as one of the most diverse World Expos, bringing almost 200 country pavilions to Dubai to champion innovation, culture and a theme of togetherness. Across 180 days, the Expo site in Dubai South hosted more than 30,000 events, from cultural performances to live entertainment showcased on the world’s largest projection surface – Al Wasl Dome.

Such was its success that in the six months that passed from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai recorded 24,102,967 visits from residents and international travellers combined, with many high-profile names in attendance, from heads of state, beloved celebrities as well as international, regional and local royalty.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s well-timed opening, during the UAE’s landmark golden jubilee year in 2021, was a cause for celebration befitting of such a global event. But moving forward, it is the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai that will now take the country into its next 50 years.

It is the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai that will take the UAE through its next 50 years, with Expo City Dubai setting an example of a smart city of the future

Plans for Expo 2020 Dubai’s legacy were first unveiled even before the event officially opened to the public. However, it was only recently announced that Expo 2020 Dubai will now live on as Expo City Dubai.

As recently revealed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the new city will open on October 1, 2022 – on the occasion of Expo 2020 Dubai’s one-year anniversary. In the Sheikh’s own words: “This new city will be home to an extraordinary new museum, a world-class exhibition centre and the headquarters of cutting edge and fast-growing companies.” Expo 2020 Dubai

A green, tech-enabled city of the future, Expo City Dubai will be driven by sustainability, innovation, education and entertainment. The site will retain 80 per cent of its original infrastructure, with most of its iconic architectural features continuing to entice visitors.

This means that visitors will be able to walk through the stunning Al Wasl Plaza and be mesmerised by the images projected on its iconic dome, enjoy aerial views of the entire site from the Garden in the Sky observation tower and run up the walls of the stunning water feature.

As for the three thematic pavilions, the Opportunity Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum, highlighting the history and impact of World Expos. Meanwhile, the Mobility Pavilion and the Sustainability Pavilion will host interactive educational experiences. The Women’s Pavilion, dedicated to female changemakers, and the Vision Pavilion, which honours the vision of the emirate’s ruler, will also remain major highlights.

Country pavilions that will continue to draw visitors to the site include the Saudi Arabia Pavilion, which won the best pavilion award at Expo 2020 Dubai for its interactive digital mirrored screen, and the falcon-inspired UAE Pavilion. Referencing the local tradition of falconry, the pavilion’s dome comprises more than 25 feather-like panels, which resembles a falcon at rest when the panels are closed, and when they open up to reveal the solar panels inside, it mimics the falcon taking flight.

Expo City Dubai will be driven by sustainability

A BOON FOR BUSINESS

From start-ups to Fortune 500 companies, businesses both small and large will soon call the prestigious address of Expo City Dubai home. The district is set to become an independent free zone with its own authority and is already attracting interest from a large number of commercial tenants.

Several international firms are in the process of establishing their new headquarters at Expo City Dubai, while small and medium enterprises are also signing up to benefit from the wealth of opportunities on offer.

The advanced environment will feature 5G-enabled functionalities while also putting employees’ well-being at the forefront with a host of wellness amenities on offer within easy reach, making it the first city of its kind in the world.

Expo City Dubai is also on track to become a mini start-up nation within one of the world’s most innovative countries. Hundreds of start-ups and small businesses from around the globe are now competing for one of 80 spots available at the innovation hub. Once open, the 4.4 square-kilometre site will be able to host 145,000 residents and workers.

The area will also become a conference capital, with Dubai Exhibition Centre set to be the city’s new hub for the meetings industry, hosting international fairs and events all year round.

ENTERTAINMENT ON THE AGENDA

Expo 2020 Dubai saw some of the biggest stars in the entertainment world enthral audiences with captivating performances. The line-up is set to continue with the site hosting similar events in the months ahead. Cultural and educational experiences will also be on offer for visitors of all ages.

Water feature

Other leisure facilities will include a mall for those seeking retail therapy and numerous sports venues, which will not only host international tournaments but also enhance fitness facilities for the active community in Dubai. And finally, in keeping with Expo 2020 Dubai’s culinary focus, dining establishments at the site will continue to offer flavours from around the world.

SUSTAINABILITY FIRST

Expo City Dubai is set to unveil a new blueprint for a better life with its sustainability-first ethos. In keeping with its eco-friendly environment, cars will not be allowed inside. Most of its zones will be completely pedestrianised while soft mobility options, including buggies, scooters and bicycles, will be available for people to move around with ease.

The site will comprise 123 LEED-certified buildings, epitomising the highest levels of sustainable design, construction and operations. These buildings will be fitted with smart metering systems and sensors to monitor the energy consumption as well as the efficiency of power, light, water and climate conditioning systems.

The use of single-use plastic will also be prohibited inside the city, encouraging people to reduce, reuse and recycle.

SUCCESS STORY

One of the biggest takeaways of Expo 2020 Dubai was that, even in the face of extreme adversity – the pandemic – the world was able to come together to create something of this magnitude. And Expo City Dubai will reiterate this message as it continues to build the foundation of a new hub based on innovation, creativity and opportunity, that will inspire every resident, tenant and visitor to contribute to the world in positive ways.