Massive constructions and preparations are currently underway for Expo 2020 Dubai. Some of you might be wondering, what exactly is it all about? This article provides background information about the upcoming event, and what it means for Dubai and the UAE.
Basically, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a six-month period featuring products, innovations, and trade exhibitions from around the world. It will take place between October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021 in a 438-hectare area situated on the edge of Dubai.
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai FB Page
All You Need to Know about Expo 2020 Dubai
In 2013, Dubai won the right to host the event, beating three other cities: Ekaterinburg, Russia; Izmir, Turkey; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The decision was made by the Bureau International des Expositions, which is an intergovernmental organization in charge of overseeing world expos.
When Dubai won the right to host Expo 2020, the entire nation celebrated! Fireworks erupted from the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building worldwide. The Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, announced that the emirate would “astonish the world.”
Facts about Expo 2020 in Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first world expo to be held in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) as well as South Asia (SA) regions. The theme for the event is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” supported by the sub-themes of Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity.
“In today’s highly interconnected world, a renewed vision of progress and development based on shared purpose and commitment is key,” explained HH Sheikh Mohammed. “While a married human mind, an individual country, or a specific community is both unique and remarkable, it is by working collaboratively that we truly advance.”
The site itself is being built around a central plaza, Al Wasl, which means “the connection” in Arabic. This will be enclosed by thee enormous pavilions, one for each sub-theme. The event will also involve the construction of “Burj 2020,” the world’s tallest commercial tower.
In a nutshell, Expo 2020 Dubai will involve:
- 200+ participating organizations
- 277,000 new jobs in the UAE
- 25 to 100 million increase in visitors
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai FB Page
What Expo 2020 Means for Dubai and the UAE
Generally, Expo 2020 is expected to boost tourism not only in Dubai, but the entire UAE. The infrastructure alone — hotels, roads, and various establishments — would be able to accommodate millions of travelers and visitors from all over the world.
Given that Dubai is relatively small compared to other cities, a thriving tourism industry will greatly enhance its economy. The world expo will also bring in more job opportunities, which is wonderful news for job-seekers from both inside and outside the country.
Notably, the official site for the event states: “The leadership of Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to building a legacy that is sustainable and long lasting, extending its impact and benefits beyond UAE to the wider region and the rest of the world.”
Image Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai FB Page
Indeed, Expo Dubai 2020 is set to make a mark on the country, region, and even beyond. It is definitely something to look forward to with much anticipation! For more information about this upcoming event, check out the Expo 2020 Dubai website.