EXPO2020: everything you need to know

Expo2020 is more commonly known as the World Expo. An international event held every 5 years since the year 2000. The most recent one was the Milan Expo in 2015.

The origins of the World Expo

Originally, the World Expo was an event created in the 19th century and organized by the Bureau International des Expositions. The first World Expo took place in 1851 in London, with 14,000 exhibitors and 6 million visitors. At each World Expo, a monument, innovation, or new product such as ketchup is revealed to the general public. When France hosted the World Expo in 1889, the Eiffel Tower was inaugurated, and in 1958 in Brussels, the Atomium was unveiled to the public.

A launch postponed by one year

For Dubai, Expo2020 was initially scheduled for October 20, 2020, hence the name given to it: Expo2020. Unfortunately, the global health crisis caused by Covid-19 forced the United Arab Emirates to postpone the opening date to October 1, 2021. This year, no fewer than 192 countries came together for 182 days (6 months in total) in the southern region of Dubai, more commonly known as Dubai South. The organizers expected more than 25 million visitors from around the world.

Expo2020, but what is its purpose?

A World Expo allows participants to showcase their countries and technological advances, and to spotlight their innovations and progress in all fields: economic, industrial, artistic, industrial, etc. In addition to highlighting the capabilities of participating countries, it is also an excellent showcase for the host country to shine internationally. Each country is represented at the expo site by a pavilion dedicated to it, which visitors can explore and use to immerse themselves in its culture and innovations.

Why is Expo2020 being held in Dubai?

November 27, 2013, was the day everything changed for the United Arab Emirates. November 27, 2013, marked the day Dubai won the right to host the 2020 World Expo. On this occasion, spectacular fireworks were launched from the Burj Khalifa - the tallest tower in the world. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum promised that Dubai would “astonish the world.” And it delivered on that promise, because after 7 years of construction and planning, a city with revolutionary architecture ultimately emerged in the middle of the desert. A city ready to welcome residents and visitors from around the world. Located in southern Dubai and close to Al Maktoum Airport, Expo2020 is easily accessible by public transportation, with the metro line extension, as well as by private transport. This year, the theme of Expo2020 Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” with three subthemes: sustainability, mobility and opportunities. Dubai is betting heavily on these six months and hopes to attract tourists from around the world. It is worth noting that Expo2020 is the first World Expo organized in the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa and South Asia). To top it all off, it will mark the 50^th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates (1971).

What will we visit?

From 10/1/2021 to 3/31/2022, Expo2020 Dubai will welcome 192 countries from around the world: Africa, Europe, Asia, the Americas, etc. Each of these 192 countries has its own exhibition pavilion, giving visitors the opportunity to travel around the world in just a few days (because yes, the expo site is enormous, and one day will not be enough to visit all the pavilions). Each pavilion consists of several rooms, a souvenir shop, and sometimes even a restaurant representing the local cuisine of the country in question. For example, at the French Pavilion, you can travel to France with the Paris-Versailles Café. As for the United Arab Emirates pavilion, it represents a falcon taking flight. Participating countries have been preparing for years to show the world what they do best and share their culture and history with visitors. Every visitor will be able to Learn, Discover, Have Fun and Express Themselves.

And what else?

Expo2020 is not just about pavilions; it also features concerts, all kinds of shows, recreational activities, and numerous shops and restaurants. If you visit Expo2020, you will have the chance to see:

• Culture and Shows: every day at Expo2020, you can attend activities and shows on the site's various stages. International stars will regularly perform on stage. Not to mention that each pavilion will present shows and activities specific to its country;
• Architecture: Expo2020 is an architectural marvel in itself. From Al Wasl Plaza to the waterfalls and the UAE pavilion, Expo2020 is full of wonders around every corner;
• Gastronomy: you can taste cuisines from around the world. Choose the pavilion you like and delight your taste buds. There are more than 200 restaurants, kiosks, cafés, bars, etc.;
• Events: conferences are organized every week with experts in their fields speaking on various topics.

Practical information

Opening hours

• 7 days a week
• Saturday to Wednesday: from 10:00 a.m. to midnight
• Thursday and Friday: from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 a.m.

Prices

• Current offer: 50% off from Sunday to Thursday
• Season Pass: AED 495 (adults aged 18-59)
• Multi-day pass: AED 195 (adults aged 18-59)
• 1-day ticket: AED 95 (adults aged 18-59)
• Premium Experience: AED 1,750 (valid only for adults aged 18-59)

Admission to Expo2020 is free

• For people under 18
• For adults over 60
• For students
• For people with disabilities (50% discount for the accompanying person)

More information on the EXPO2020 website Much more than a simple exhibition, Expo2020 encourages the world to consider and address the most important global issues. The climate emergency is one of the global challenges in which the UAE is investing. The architecture of its pavilion reflects this commitment, with more than 15,000 m2 covered with photovoltaic panels. Expo2020 will help strengthen the United Arab Emirates' diplomatic influence in the world. Finally, on a cultural level, the Emirates are pursuing a cultural diplomacy strategy. In fact, the Al Wasl Plaza dome is a 360-degree dome offering the world's largest projection surface for unforgettable immersive experiences. If you were still hesitating about visiting the Emirates, Expo2020 is the perfect excuse to travel to Dubai. You can take the opportunity to meet one of our team members, who will advise you on the various solutions for setting up a company in Dubai and obtaining a residence visa for the Emirates. Contact us by email at support@merritt.group or by phone at +971 4 422 1345.