Dubai is preparing to host the world’s most ambitious show – Expo 2020, which is a must-visit for both tourists and entrepreneurs. This highly-anticipated exhibition is aimed at creating a legacy which will benefit future generations, including everything from new technologies and architecture to networking and business relations. For 172 days visitors will be able to enjoy spectacular daily shows, witness the celebration of international cultures as well as discover never-before-seen innovations. We have compiled this master guide with the most essential information on the mega event – from ticket prices and locations to the most exciting pavilions and events to look forward to.

About EXPO 2020 in Dubai

After having been postponed for a year due to the global COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 is finally taking place in Dubai for 172 days, from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022 and will include three areas – “Mobility”, “Opportunities” and ” Sustainable development”. Expecting a footfall of around 25 million visitors, this event is of great historic importance as it is the first-ever World Expo to be held in the MEASA region. Despite being held in 2021, the name “Expo 2020” will be retained for marketing and branding purposes. Expo 2020 in Dubai will run under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and it will strive to protect and preserve the environment for future generations by sharing sustainable practices and solutions that are accessible and adaptable across the globe. Expo 2020 will be a celebration of the UAE Vision 2021. Not only will it boost the growth of tourism but it will also accelerate the development of innovative local and international businesses in the UAE. Around 190 countries, businesses, multilateral organizations and educational establishments will come together for 6 months in order to showcase culture, architecture and inspiring innovations. In fact, the history of World Expo has already left long-lasting legacies such as touchscreens, washing machines, mobile phones and the iconic Eiffel Tower among many others. Moreover, this exhibition is the world’s largest meeting place offering multiple opportunities to network and promote international relationships. The mega event has its own dedicated app which will be available to download from 1 September. Its features will allow visitors to create their own schedule of events, parades and attractions. It will also assist in planning their journey to the site. The logo of Expo 2020 Dubai was revealed in 2016 by His Highness Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, during a grand ceremony at the Armani Hotel. The design was inspired by a 4,000-year old golden ring, founded in the Saruq Al Hadid site in Al Marmoom back in 2002. On the logo, a series of circles with loops surrounds a ring, as a golden light shines in the middle. This image represents deep roots of the UAE civilization and the connection between the past and the future. Visitors to the exhibition will be keen to learn that the UAE has recently been announced the most vaccinated country in the world, thanks to the range of efficient COVID-19 initiatives. Moreover, Dubai operates an estimated 30,000 closed-circuit television cameras which allow authorities to observe and capture any unusual activity. To further bolster safety and security within the emirate, the Drone Box platform will be launched during Expo 2020 which will help reduce response time for traffic and criminal activities from 4.4 minutes to 1 minute.

Where Expo 2020 will be Held

Due to its location in the Dubai South district, Expo 2020 is well positioned between the cities of Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Double the size of Hong Kong Island, Dubai South is a master-planned city centered on Al Maktoum International Airport which will become the largest airport in the world upon completion in 2030. Dubai South is one of the biggest developments in the UAE and includes 8 districts. These are Commercial District, Golfing District, Humanitarian District, Logistics District, Aviation District, Business Park, Exhibition District and the Residential District. The exhibition can be reached from Al Maktoum International Airport within 10 minutes’ and Dubai International Airport in a maximum of 40 minutes. Meanwhile, Abu Dhabi International Airport is slightly more than 1 hour away. There is a wide range of transport to the Expo 2020 site. Taxis are easily accessible as well as the Dubai Metro. In fact, the upcoming exhibition will have its own dedicated metro station, Route 2020. Moreover, it is easy to rent a car with a vaild international driving license.

Public Transport: Metro and Bus

Route 2020 of the Dubai Metro is part of the Expo 2020 development infrastructure in Dubai and is directly linked to the venue of the exhibition. The area now has a total of 7 stations: 5 are elevated and 2 run underground. These stations include Jabal Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investments Park, and Expo 2020. As of July 2021, all stations were open except for Jumeirah Golf Estates Station, which is due to open in October. It is worth noting that the metro stations of Dubai Investments Park and Expo 2020 can only be accessed by those who have special clearance to enter the site of the exhibition until the official launch (e.g. onsite workers, event organizers, etc.). Expo 2020 Station will have a capacity of around 35,000-47,000 visitors daily in both directions. In addition to this, the Dubai Road and Transport Authority will launch the operation of 580 Expo Rider buses free of charge for Expo 2020 visitors. They will feature low floors, spaces for 2 wheelchairs and ramp access. Meanwhile, the announcements will be made both audibly and visually in English and Arabic. Locations of Expo Rider bus stops are yet to be announced.

Cars and Parking

The site of Expo 2020 is served by a newly built route called the Expo Road. One can reach here via the major highways including the Sheikh Zayed Road, Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road and Al Khail Road. Along the Expo Road there are yellow sign boards installed pointing to the direction of the venue to facilitate the navigation for motorists. There are 4 zones with parking spaces that have been designed for over 26,000 cars. Moreover, for AED 95 (USD 26) you can easily use the valet services, which will save time searching for a free parking space and your car when you decide to leave the exhibition. One has to keep in mind that these services are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. Since the designated parking areas are expansive, it can be quite easy to forget the location of your parked car. For this purpose, the organizers of Expo 2020 will provide QR codes at the end of each parking row where you can scan the code and find your vehicle in no time. Owners of electric vehicles will be keen to learn that Expo 2020 offers a limited number of charging points and will operate on a first-come, first-serve basis. Furthermore, standard parking shuttles buses will operate from all car parks to transport event-goers to the gate and back on a high-frequency basis. Drivers of Nissan vehicles will have special parking privileges since this car brand is one of the official sponsors of the event. Motorists will have access to a limited number of parking spaces located closer to the gate in both the Mobility and Sustainability zones. The spots will again be available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

International Events at Expo 2020

The exhibition plans to hold up to 60 live daily events including poetry readings, film nights, musical concerts, cultural tours, interactive journeys and forums. Visitors will be spoiled for choice with more than 200 food and beverage spots serving international cuisine. The global entertainment line-up at Expo 2020 includes Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor, Russian ballet theater group Bolshoi, Emirati singer Ahlam, AR Rahman’s women’s ensemble the Firdaus Orchestra, and the Expo Beats programme – a monthly live festival. Let’s take a look at a couple of events to look forward to during Expo 2020.

World Chess Championship

Between 24 November and 16 December, Expo 2020 Dubai will host the highlight of the year for world chess fans and professionals across the globe– the FIDE World Chess Championship. The audience will see the current world champion Magnus Carlsen, from Norway, defend his title against Ian Nepomniachtchi, from Russia. It is worth noting that Nepomniachtchi will participate as a neutral player due to the 4-year doping ban imposed on Russia. The mastermind winner will take home AED 9M (USD 2.4M). Magnus Carlsen holds the record for the longest unbeaten run in classical chess.

International Day of Education

The highly-anticipated exhibition of Expo 2020 will host the third United Nations’ International Day of Education. The event will take place on 24 January in collaboration with UNESCO and its UAE partners. International Day of Education is aimed at reaffirming education as the greatest renewable resource of humanity. It will culminate with the global community coming for RewirED from 12-14 December, during Knowledge and Learning Week at Expo 2020. The platform will help explore new solutions for education challenges and plans to shape a better future for education.

Participating Countries

Expo 2020 is shaping up to be a truly global destination with 191 countries participating in the mega event. For the first time in the 167-year history of World Expo, each country-participant will have its own pavilion to share their innovations, aspirations, achievements and culture of its nation with the entire world. Another first for the global exhibition is that countries will not be organized geographically but according to subthemes – sustainability, mobility and opportunity. Furthermore, all countries will celebrate their National Days at the iconic Al Wasl Plaza where visitors will be able to check out phenomenal performances and displays of drama, dance and music, just to name a few. Each nation will also present their traditional dishes at the Expo Culinary Experience restaurants. Here is just a glimpse of what is awaiting its guests at Expo 2020.

UAE

Inspired by a falcon in flight, the UAE pavilion will be one of the most significant landmarks of the upcoming exhibition. The magnificent building is 4 storeys tall with a total area of more than 161,000 sq. ft. It features exhibitions about Emirati achievements and culture as well as a dedicated hospitality space. The UAE pavilion will tell the history of the nation as a connected global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a progressive and peaceful society with a promising future. Besides exhibitions, there will be open café areas, an auditorium and VIP lounges. Moreover, Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) will demonstrate its Green Hydrogen Project in collaboration with the renowned techno-brand, Siemens. This project showcases the production of green hydrogen from solar power as well as the storage and re-electrification of hydrogen, turning it back into electricity. It will power fuel-cell vehicles to travel the 50 km distance between the Expo 2020 site and Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park. The Green Hydrogen Project is a lasting legacy as it will contribute to the Dubai Energy 2050 strategy.

Brazil

In collaboration with the UAE and the Asian Jiu-Jitsu Federations, Brazil will bring the world’s largest jiu-jitsu training session to its pavilion on 15 November 2021 and it is expected that the UAE will break the Guinness World record for the largest training in the world. Brazil cradles over 2.5 million practitioners officially registered with the Federation and more than 22,000 academies training fighters. The organizers have chosen the date of 15 November on purpose as it coincides with the Proclamation of the Republic of Brazil. The pavilion of this country will reside in the sustainability district and will take visitors on a journey through the rainforests and river basins. It will use 140 huge projectors to bring the biodiversity alive. Half the area of the pavilion will be filled with water where one can enjoy a tranquil experience and relax during their day.

Italy

The pavilion of Italy is decorated with coffee beans and orange peels which showcases the circular economy. In line with the sustainability theme, it means limited resources are led back into the economy instead of being wasted. Among other attractions, visitors will see a 3D replica of the world-famous sculpture Michelangelo; installed in the heart of the pavilion, this masterpiece was recreated by one of the largest 3D printers in the world, taking 40 hours of digital scanning.

Singapore

Singapore will occupy one of the smallest pavilions at the mega exhibition, however, it will bring the ultimate immersive experience with its mini-version of Singapore. Combining nature and the future, it will feature a tropical garden ambiance, canopy walk, solar panels and a water treatment technology plant. There will also be 3 thematic cones, City Cone, Flower Cone and a Rainforest Cone, with a hanging garden of draping vines leading to the Sky Market, which is an open platform where visitors can learn more about the culture of Singapore.

Ticket Prices and Where to Buy them

Expo 2020 tickets are already available to purchase worldwide from 18 July 2021 on the official website of the event – expo2020dubai.com. In addition to this, you can avail your ticket through more than 2,500 authorized ticket resellers, including hotel groups, online tour operators, travel agents and airlines from across the world. The list of authorized resellers in each country can be found on the above-mentioned website as well. To ensure every visitor is able to enjoy the highly anticipated event, regardless of their duration of stay in Dubai, there are 3 tiers of tickets on offer:

<ul><li>One-day tickets for AED 95 (USD 26)</li><li>Multi-day tickets providing unlimited entry for 30 consecutive days for AED 195 (USD 53)</li><li>Season passes with an unrestricted entry for the whole duration of Expo 2020 for AED 495 (USD 135)</li></ul>

Note: Mastercard debit and credit cardholders receive a 25% discount on the season pass. The offer is valid until 14 August 2021. Children aged 6-17, senior visitors over 60 and students holding a valid ID from any academic institution in the world are eligible for free entry to Expo 2020. Meanwhile, tickets for children under 6 years old will only be issued to visitors upon arrival at the Expo site entrance, and cannot be booked online. Family packages are available as well at the price of AED 950 (USD 258) with season passes for 2 parents plus a nanny. Additional benefits include an advance purchase photography voucher, discounts on food and beverages and 25% discount on up to 5 multi-day passes. It has also been announced that all UAE residents aged 18 and above who buy a season pass or family package before August 14 will have the opportunity to win a place for themselves and a guest at the opening ceremony. The ceremony will take place at Al Wasl Plaza on 30 September 2021. During the first week of September, a total number of 50 winners will be announced on the social media channels of Expo 2020. Expo 2020 passes provide full access to all events, live performances and pavilions, from exciting national day celebrations to world-class music. According to organizers of the event, a maximum of 120,000 people per day will be allowed onsite due to COVID-19 safety regulations. However, it is worth noting that this restriction can still change as the opening day approaches.

For People of Determination

People of determination will be provided with complimentary tickets, whilst their companion will receive a 50% discount on their pass. As Expo 2020 has been certified as a sensory accessible event, it will launch a special app, PODium, for people of determination which will provide a support guide for attendees with ailments such as autism, dementia, epilepsy and hearing impairments, just to name a few. Other amenities for people of determination include accessible parking zones, toilet access and wheelchair availability. For those who require a calming environment, there are 4 quiet rooms with a sensory corner and a pod.

Master Plan Expo 2020 and Completed Projects in June 2021

The master plan of the exciting event includes the construction of 3 separate pavilions symbolizing Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity. The centerpiece is the record-breaking plaza of Al Wasl which connects the above-mentioned zones. Inspired by the layout of a traditional Arabic souk, the larger pavilions will be located along the perimeter, while smaller ones will be clustered towards the center of the exhibition. It is also worth noting that the total area of the exhibition itself is more than 46М sq. ft. which corresponds to more than 600 soccer fields.

Districts

As we have already mentioned, there are 3 districts included in Expo 2020: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. Completed in May 2019, they were inspired by old Dubai, with façades reminiscent of Emirati wind towers and walkways lined with the traditional UAE flora. The districts feature a range of innovative features such as solar cells, smart shading and huge basements to facilitate logistics and parking. Moreover, each district will have its own Entry Portal to welcome visitors. Taking 3 years to develop, the portals are made of carbon-fiber composite as a futuristic adaptation of the traditional mashrabiya. The Sustainability District demonstrates the latest technological achievements in action. Visitors will be able to experience how the human race can live in harmony with nature and technology combined. The District stage will deliver the ultimate entertainment experience with music performances, cultural shows, and dance and theater productions. The Sustainability District totally justifies its name by featuring solar energy, water condensing “trees” and traditional irrigation channels. Apart from this, the district houses Hamour House where one can discover unusual facts and information about coral reefs from scientists, artists, fishermen and schoolchildren. The Mobility District is focused on creating connections and combining physical and digital worlds together to create a harmonious society where ideas, data and goods can be exchanged as fast as possible. It will give a unique opportunity to ride in an autonomous vehicle and witness the overwhelming selection of mobility technologies. Furthermore, the Mobility District will provide up-to-date information about the developments in the exploration of space such as the Emirates Mars Mission and UAE National Space Programme. A track of 1,082 ft will showcase innovative mobility devices in action. The Opportunity District is all about creating connections and exchanging ideas. Visitors will have a chance to meet social innovators and change-makers from across the globe. The activities at the Opportunity District are specifically designed to empower youth and help build new skills. Al Wasl Plaza is the largest unsupported 360-degree projection dome in the world. Constructed entirely of steel, its height equals to almost 45,000 ft. You can compare it to the height of 16 Burj Khalifas stacked on top of each other. Moreover, its weight is also astonishing at over 2,500 tons – this is the weight of 25 blue whales! There are 250 laser projectors installed to splash different images on the dome which looks magnificent from outside. The good news is that the laser shows can be easily watched from within the dome as well. In February 2021, it was announced that the construction of Al Wasl Plaza had been completed. Connecting all the districts, the plaza aims to spoil visitors by providing a wide array of restaurants, fountains and lush parks.

Pavilions

Each of the above-mentioned districts will feature its own corresponding thematic pavilion: Terra, Alif and Mission Possible. The pavilions offer all sorts of fun and entertainment that will definitely inspire technology and environment enthusiasts. Designed by Grimshaw Architects, Terra gives visitors an idea of what our future could look like if the human race lived in harmony with sustainable technology and nature. Its structure is an elegant constellation of solar-powered and natural trees. The unique architecture of Terra makes it absolutely self-sufficient by generating its own power and recycling the water it consumes. Terra was the only pavilion opened to the public 12 weeks earlier in 2021. Alif is a futuristic miracle resembling the infinity loop in a trefoil. It shows the way of transporting people, goods and executes ideas from a totally different perspective. Besides the above-mentioned mobility track, the pavilion features the largest lift in the world that can carry up to 160 people at a time. Moreover, visitors will be able to attend workshops and enjoy technology-inspired shows with robots and drones. Building your own robot or, even better, designing a spaceship – anything is possible at Mobility District! The Opportunity Pavilion is a destination for everyone to celebrate shared human experiences and connect regardless of their age, culture and language. You can get inspired by 3 mentors, Abel, Mama Fatima and Mariam, who have helped their communities immensely in the areas of food, water and energy by relatively small actions. The main mission at The Opportunity Pavilion is to work your way towards the Sustainable Development Goals for a better future.

Legacy of Expo 2020

After the exhibition is over, Expo 2020 will shut down for half a year to transition into a smart community; District 2020 which will be the first community in the region to be registered under the WELL Community Standard pilot. District 2020 will feature parks, healthy F&B options, pedestrian-friendly infrastructure, low-rise buildings and a low-carbon-emission environment. Moreover, 80% of Expo 2020 key attractions will be reused and repurposed in District 2020.

<ol><li>Al Wasl Plaza is set to become another legendary landmark of Dubai. After the event, it will serve as a community space for large events while connecting offices and hotels.</li><li>Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion will be transformed into Terra – Children and Science Center. The learning facility is expected to become a key educational spot for children. Meanwhile, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion is planned to become a commercial building.</li><li>The falcon-shaped UAE pavilion will transition into a culture center and will play a major role in spreading Emirati history and culture even post-event.</li><li>Thematic districts Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability are set to become residential and commercial areas.</li><li>DP Worlds Flow Pavilion will continue to be a permanent facility focused on education and innovation in trade logistics. Moreover, Enoc’s Service Station of the future will also continue operating at District 2020. It is the first LEED Platinum-certified service station in the world.</li></ol>

District 2020 will open its doors to companies, tenants and residents from October 2022. It will have the capacity to accommodate 145,000 people. The area will be connected to 5G network, making it one of the most tech-enabled destinations for living, working and relaxing.

COVID-19 Measures

The organizers of Expo 2020 have applied technology such as robots and Artificial Intelligence in order to minimize the contact at the site. The following measures will be taken to combat the spread of COVID-19:

<ol><li>Hand sanitizer stations will be positioned throughout the site of the exhibition.</li><li>The common areas and venues will be regularly sanitized and cleaned.</li><li>Visitors of the exhibition must wear masks at all times and maintain a distance of 6.5 ft between themselves.</li><li>Thermal cameras installed at arrival points will check the temperature of event-goers before they will be allowed to enter the site.</li><li>There are 7 first-aid centers open 24/7 onsite. Medical staff will be ready for emergencies at any time.</li><li>Due to the Expo internal vaccination programme, event participants, employees and their families have been inoculated against coronavirus.</li></ol>

The statement released by the event organizers in June 2021 said that visitors do not have to be vaccinated to access the site. However, they are strongly encouraged to do so and vaccinated visitors will still have to comply with the above-mentioned rules.

Entertainment for People

Besides Expo 2020 activities, Dubai offers the ultimate entertainment and leisure experiences. These include driving and karting at the fully integrated sports facility of the Dubai Autodrome. Car lovers will also be glad to know that the country regularly hosts various exciting events such as Formula DXB Max and SuperCar Experiences, which is located in the community adjacent to Expo 2020; Dubai Sports City. For those who prefer water sports and camping, there is Jebel Ali Beach also in close proximity to Expo 2020. Visitors can enjoy surfing and kite-surfing among many other water activities. Meanwhile, families can enjoy a BBQ while relaxing on the beach.

Events

GITEX Future Stars is the largest startup event in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, where individuals and companies will showcase new technologies that will protect the planet, from Blockchain-powered music apps to self-learning AI. Visitors will be able to meet global game-changers and check over 750 startups from across the globe. The event offers 19 sectors focused on argo-tech, creative economy, robotics and tech space, just to name a few. The event will take place on 17-20 October in the Dubai World Trade Center. OMEGA Dubai Moonlight Classic is a professional golf tournament on the Ladies European Tour. It takes place on the Majlis course at Emirates Golf club and this year it will be played on 28-30 October. The tournament boasts a reputation for paving the way for female sports. The special invites are offered not only to the top LPGA players, but also to leasing players and social media influencers from the Arab World. Dubai Muscle Show is the Middle East’s leading international bodybuilding and fitness show. Fitness enthusiasts will be able to meet the stars of the industry, access the latest fitness products, get training tips and gain access to multiple giveaways. The most entertaining sports competitions are also something worth waiting for. These include boxing, calisthenics, mixed martial arts and kick-boxing among many others. Dubai World Trade Center will host the major event on 28-30 October.

Where you can Stay

If you are looking to rent a small apartment with an area of 500 sq. ft, then it is recommended to consider districts such as Dubai Sports City, Dubai South and Jebel Ali. They offer fully-furnished residences for the starting price of AED 2,300 (USD 630) per month. The drive from these districts to thef Expo 2020 site will take a maximum of 25 minutes. Tenants will have access to a number of various amenities including a spa and gym. As for hotels, it is worth mentioning Rove Expo 2020, the only on-site hotel at Expo 2020. Located at Al Wasl Plaza, it offers the ultimate experience for its visitors and guests. The starting price for a 1 night stay in October is AED 1,100 (USD 300). The hotel offers a wide array of sustainable amenities, a superfast 5G network, an outdoor gym and a pool. For more budget-friendly options, you can check out Fortune Park Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Dubai, Green Community, Premier Inn Dubai Investment Park, and Maisan Hotel. The starting price for a 1 stay night in October is AED 440 (USD 120), while a monthly stay will cost around AED 15,000 (USD 4,060). All the above-mentioned hotels are located within 15 minutes’ from Expo 2020.

Summary

<ol><li>It is the first time in the history of the World Expo that each participating country has its own pavilion.</li><li>Expo 2020 tickets can only be bought online or through authorized resellers, while passes for children under 6 have to be issued on-site only.</li><li>The exhibition will leave a long-lasting legacy in the form of the smart residential and commercial community; District 2020.</li><li>Visitors of Expo 2020 will be able to check out the largest lift in the world, solar-powered trees and the first European-made hyperloop.</li><li>Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is not required at the upcoming mega exhibition.</li></ol>