From October 1, 2021, a global event - EXPO 2020, will start in Dubai, postponed for a year due to the pandemic. The organizers did not change the year in the name of the world exhibition. According to the rules, the exhibition can last no more than 6 months, so the closing date of EXPO 2020 is March 31, 2022.
The slogan of the exhibition is “Connecting minds, creating the future”. This area is divided into subtopics: “Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity”.
- Sustainability. There is a growing need to live in balance with the world in which we live. Alternative sources of water, food and renewable energy will be presented while inspiring us to re-evaluate how we save the planet.
- Mobility. With the acceleration of the movement of ideas, goods and knowledge, a whole new world of perspectives and possibilities opens up. Expo 2020 shows how this has helped us reach new frontiers and how humanity is continually making bigger leaps than ever with its IT infrastructure.
- Possibilities. Dubai at Expo 2020 firmly believes that we have the power to shape our future. Thus, the goal of Expo 2020 is to unleash this potential in a variety of ways, including supporting solutions to a myriad of social problems through the Live Expo Program, as well as introducing new ideas to visitors to inspire action.
EXPO 2020 will take place on a 438-hectare site located close to the southern border between the Emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Expo 2020 is expected to be the world's largest cultural event dedicated to creating solutions for a better future, attracting over 25 million visitors worldwide, 192 pavilions, 50,000 employees and 30,000 volunteers.
Expo 2020 is the first worldwide exhibition to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region and the largest event ever held in an Arab country. This clearly demonstrates the prominence of the Emirate - and the UAE as a whole - in the Middle East region.
Undoubtedly, the exhibition is an event for which the city has put a lot. Dubai is already renowned worldwide for its tourism and zero tax regime, but to sustain growth it needs to continue to attract new business. Expo 2020, with all its splendor and worldwide attention, offers a unique chance to make this possible; show the world what the emirate and the UAE as a whole are capable of.
Participants
For the first time in the history of a world exhibition, each country will have its own pavilion. Each of the 192 pavilions has its own unique image and reflects the culture and characteristics of each country.
The pavilions of the partner companies of the exhibition are presented separately: the logistics corporation DP World, the Emirates airline and the energy corporation ENOC.
The theme of the DP World pavilion is “Keeping the world connected through the Power of Flow”. Visitors will be able to evaluate DP World's contribution to economic, social and environmental sustainability through the FlowLab educational workshop and explore the scale of the company through digital technology.
At the Emirates Pavilion, visitors will be able to explore the latest trends in the development of civil aircraft. You will be able to study the latest trends in the design of a passenger aircraft cabin, experiment with a robotic arm, study the latest advances in the development of propulsion systems, and create your own aircraft design.
Energy corporation ENOC presented an original pavilion design divided into five different sections: discover, harness, connect, reimagine, and the hive. Each of the sections will present to the visitor how energy affects humanity, and even one of the sections will allow them to imagine what will happen when the energy reserves on the planet run out.
In addition to partner countries and companies, at EXPO 2020 you can visit the pavilions of various public organizations and civil societies, such as the African Union, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Gulf Cooperation council, Investment Corporation of Dubai, League of Arab States, etc.
Pavilions
Sustainability District
As you explore the Sustainable District, you will see some of the world's most advanced technologies in action, what countries are doing to ensure sustainability and a feel for how humanity can live in harmony with nature in a high-tech future. You can walk under the solar and water condensing “trees” next to the traditional ‘falaj’ channels, explore the coral reefs and watch various cultural events on the site, which can accommodate up to 300 people.
The separate pavilion Terra is created in the form of a canopy, the roof of which is completely covered with 4912 solar panels. In addition, technologies have been used that condense water from the air. The goal of the pavilion creators was to build a structure that provides itself with energy and water. The pavilion is surrounded by parasols with solar panels that automatically move to collect the maximum possible energy from the sun. The main theme of the pavilion is the ecology of the planet and alternative energy sources.
Also, there are pavilions of a number of states in the Sustainability district, such as Brazil, where you can immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the Amazon River basin, Singapore, featuring 9-meter garden cones and hanging gardens, The Netherlands, showcasing an integrated climate system that allows you to collect energy and water and advanced vertical truss technology.
Mobility District
We exist in a world of endless connections. In the mobility area at EXPO 2020, the visitor will be able to explore how our lifestyles are changing and the boundaries between countries, cultures and people are blurring.
The concept of the Alif thematic pavilion is to eliminate the separation between the digital and physical worlds. You can gain hands-on skills by building your own robot or designing a spaceship, watch demonstrations of hoverboards and jetpacks, attend workshops and watch technology-inspired drone and robot performances. See how mobility can dramatically improve the quality of life for people in developing countries through the use of vehicles such as solar-powered tricycles.
At the Alif Pavilion, you can ride the world's largest passenger elevator with a capacity of 160 people and see modern mobile technology on a specially designed 330-meter track.
Also, in the mobility district, you can visit the pavilions of such countries as Russia, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Denmark and many others.
Opportunity District
The Pavilion of Opportunity is a place where anyone can explore human experiences and socialize, regardless of age, culture or language. You can get inspiration from three mentors, Abel, Mama Fatima and Mariam, who, through relatively small actions, have helped immensely in their communities with food, water and energy. The main mission of the pavilion is to advance towards sustainable development goals for a better future.
There is the UAE pavilion in the Opportunity District, which will be one of the most significant landmarks of the exhibition. Magnificent building with a total area of over 15,000 sq.m. has exhibitions dedicated to the history, achievements, and future of the Emirates. Also, the Dubai Energy and Water Authority (DEWA) will demonstrate its Green Hydrogen Project in conjunction with the world-famous Siemens company. This project demonstrates the production of green hydrogen using solar energy, and the storage and re-electrification of hydrogen by converting it back into electricity. It will power fuel cell vehicles to cover the 50 km distance between the Expo 2020 site and the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park.
Tickets
Tickets for Expo 2020 are available for purchase worldwide on the official event website - expo2020dubai.com. You can also purchase your ticket from over 2,500 authorized resellers, including hotel groups, online tour operators, travel agents and airlines from around the world. A list of authorized resellers in each country can also be found on the aforementioned website.
A single-day ticket costs AED 95 ($26), tickets for 30 consecutive days cost AED 195 ($53), and a season pass valid for the entire period of EXPO 2020 costs AED 495 ($135).
Family packages are also available, priced at AED 950 (USD 258) with seasonal passes for 2 parents and a nanny. Additional benefits include a photo advance voucher, discounts on food and drinks, and a 25% discount on 5 month passes.
Children aged 6-17, senior visitors over 60 and students holding a valid ID from any educational institution in the world are eligible for free entry to Expo 2020. It is worth noting that tickets for children under 6 will only be issued to visitors by arriving at the entrance to the Expo and cannot be booked online.
People with special needs or disabilities are also entitled to free admission, and the accompanying person receives a 50% discount on the ticket.
Expo 2020 passes provide full access to all events, live performances and pavilions, from exciting National Day celebrations to world-class music. According to the organizers of the event, due to COVID-19 security rules, no more than 120,000 people will be allowed into the territory per day. However, it is worth noting that this limit may change as the opening day approaches.
Expo 2020 legacy
At the close of Expo 2020, it will close for six months to develop into a super-tech community (District 2020), which will be the first community in the region to be registered under the WELL Community Standard pilot project. District 2020 will have parks, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, low-rise buildings and a low-carbon environment. Moreover, 80% of the keyword Expo 2020 will be reused and repurposed in District 2020.
Al Wasl Plaza will be another legendary landmark in Dubai. After the exhibition, it will be a public space for events. Offices and hotels will be located on the territory.
The Sustainable Development Pavilion (Terra) will be transformed into the Terra Children's and Science Center. Mobility Pavilion - Alif is planned to be converted into a commercial building.
The UAE Falcon Pavilion will become a cultural hub and play a role in spreading the history and culture of the Emirates even after the event.
The DP Worlds pavilion will continue to be a permanent center for training and innovation in trade logistics.
District 2020 will open its doors to businesses, tenants and residents from October 2022. It will accommodate 145,000 people. The area will be connected to the 5G network, making it one of the most technological sources for life, work and leisure.