Having opened its doors to the world, the event marks the first global event of this scale to be held in person since the pandemic began. What kind of an impact will it have?
Expo 2020 Dubai has officially opened to the world with the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, making it the largest global event of this nature since the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
According to Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, the mega event is now ready to ‘welcome the world. We look forward to welcoming people through our doors. We are very excited to show the world what will be one of the largest events in the world after COVID. There have been no changes to the delivery of experiences and structures. In addition to coordinating with the relevant authorities, one aspect of the operations that organizers have been working diligently on is ensuring the safety of the visitors during this period of the pandemic.
So, from an operational perspective, there have been changes made to ensure that they maintain social distancing and double their sanitization efforts. Additionally, to ensure the safety of the expo workforce, they have implemented a policy requiring all employees, including volunteers, to be immunized. Marjan also stated that there has been a thorough review of the operations, as they continuously monitor these activities and identify potential risks as they arise on a local and international level.
What's on offer
Expo 2020 Dubai will cover a total of 4.38 square kilometers in Dubai South. It is expected that 192 countries will participate – marking the first time that every participating nation will have its own pavilion. Taking place between October 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022, this is also the largest event ever staged in the Arab world.
There are three thematic districts on the Expo 2020 site based on three expo subthemes: opportunity, mobility, and sustainability, each anchored by a thematic pavilion. The districts will have country pavilions, F&B options, and other activities.
The site is centered on the Al Wasl Plaza, a structure that is renowned for its iconic translucent dome that presents a large canvas for panoramic projections. With a diameter of 130 meters and a height of more than 67 meters, the enormous structure will host large-scale performances and flagship events, such as New Year’s Eve, the opening and closing ceremonies, and the UAE National Day.
It is flanked on one side by the Rove Expo 2020 – the only hotel located within the venue. Hotel highlights include 312 rooms and 19 suites, F&B options, a rooftop swimming pool with a view of the Al Wasl Plaza, a 24-hour gym, foosball tables, and an outdoor garden.
Close to the hotel is the site where all major conferences, exhibitions, summits, forums, concerts, performances, and gala dinners are held – the 45,000 square meters Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC) will remain open after Expo 2020 as part of the legacy development District 2020.
The entertainment program at the Expo includes up to 60 live shows per day, digital theatre shows, poetry slams, fashion shows, more than 200 F&B outlets, discussions, special celebrations, mindfulness sessions, and extreme sports.
There is something to do for everyone, regardless of nationality or age, at Expo 2020 Dubai. With 192 national pavilions, the Expo is a gateway to the world. It is particularly exciting for those who have not traveled much over the past few years.
Moreover, the city has both a daytime and night time aspect. One of the key features that come to life at night is the Al Wasl Dome, which will showcase stunning performances to the public. This Expo is exciting because each country provides its own performers and artists. So as you make your way down to Expo 2020, make it a memorable one.