Everything You Need to Know About EXPO 2020
The long-awaited event is finally here – the gates to Expo 2020 have finally opened! Expo 2020 is set to catapult into the global spotlight as it welcomes the world for a six-month trade fair that begins on October 1, 2021.
In 2013, Dubai won the bid to host the global fair against Sao Paulo (Brazil), Izmir (Turkey), and Yekaterinburg ( Russia). This made the UAE the first country in the Middle East to host the Expo.
The event had to be postponed due to COVID -19, but as one of the first countries with the highest number of vaccinations and light restrictions, Dubai will play the leading role and become a beacon of hope for many countries recovering from the pandemic.
Understanding expo 2020
The World’s Fair, held every five years, showcases a variety of achievements and accomplishments from all participating countries, displayed in their respective pavilions.
This time, the aim of Expo 2020 is to connect minds and shape the future through sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. This year, Dubai is hosting a total of 191 countries, each with its own pavilion, and some of the greatest cultures the world has to offer, in 173 days of festivities – a first in Expo history!
Where is the expo site located?
Expo 2020 is located at the Dubai Exhibition Centre and is open daily until 31 March 2020. Opening hours are Saturday to Wednesday from 10 am to midnight and weekends from 10 am to 2 am. You can reach the site by metro, taxi, bus, and car. To and from the Expo 2020 site, you can take a special public bus service: Expo Rider. It is free for Expo 2020 visitors and can be used from various locations in Dubai and other Emirates. Just remember where it dropped you off because you’ll have to make the return trip from the same gate!
What does Expo 2020 mean for Dubai?
The show is expected to boost Dubai’s economic growth by 6.4%. The country will generate $23 billion in annual revenue from the exhibition alone.
The UAE government has allocated a whopping $8.7 billion USD for the event. This is a considerable amount of money, but given the scale of the event, the amount is reasonable.
If the event is indeed as successful as predicted, the UAE government could earn more than double the amount invested. The event could increase Dubai’s GDP by 10.5%, making it extremely important for the country’s economic growth.
This is also a great opportunity for those looking to start a business in the area. With numerous investors and business people from all over the world, residents can build business relationships in real-time.
The country has also allocated funds to expand and further improve the transportation infrastructure with a new metro line and airport infrastructure.
Dubai’s real estate sector will see a huge increase in demand. The event organizers have reportedly awarded construction contracts worth AED 11 billion for Expo 2020. The number of residential projects has also increased to accommodate the expected large number of visitors and expatriates coming to Dubai for Expo 2020.
In addition, market analysts predict that the event will increase the value and sales of residential properties in Dubai. Commercial real estate is also predicted to increase as many new offices and businesses are established.
What is there to see?
The Expo 2020 site will feature pavilions dedicated to countries from around the world, and 75 entertainment events will take place each day. Experience live performances by world-famous stars and comedians, cultural experiences from poetry slams to fashion shows, and talks with the world’s top scientists. Sports lovers can enjoy extreme sports, mini-rides, and everything in between. And let us not forget innovation! Workshops on how to make your own robots or exhibitions on the latest 3D printing technology. During the 173 days of Expo 2020, a different country will be showcased each day in a cultural showcase that includes parades and other festivities. There will also be fireworks and entertainment during the evening so the fun gets even better after sunset.
What are some cool attractions to visit at the Expo site?
Collect stamps on your expo passport every time you visit a Pavillion
Sample food from around the world in more than 200 restaurants and shops spread across the 192 pavilions.
Take a step into the future with robots from leading robotics specialist Terminus Group, who will greet visitors and help deliver food and drink.
Ride around the world on a classic Venetian carousel with beautiful hand-painted images of past World’s Expos.
Latifa’s Playground – a fun-filled interactive space where visitors can bounce over nets in the ‘zero gravity chamber’, jump into orbit on swings and jump aboard a replica of the UAE’s Hope Probe.
Expo 2020 Dubai and the Dubai Sports Council have teamed up to offer a diverse sports program with free activities, exhibition matches, and an entire center for fitness and wellness.
Design the perfect plane at the Emirates Pavilion, where visitors can experiment with robotic arms and explore the innovative metal and composite materials of the future.
See the place come to life as it is illuminated by projections and light installations.
Visit the DEWA Pavilion, designed for maximum efficiency and featuring many futuristic details, such as a drone delivery hatch and a weight-measuring bathroom floor.
Visit the World Souq with a range of handcraft products ethically sourced from around the world.
Touch a piece of the moon at the USA Pavilion. You can also admire the SpaceX Falcon rocket.
See the six-meter model of the Hyperloop car in the Spain Pavilion and get a glimpse of the high-speed technology that could power travel of the future.
Poetry lovers, there’s something for you! A monthly gathering of world-renowned and emerging poets from Saudi Arabia, the Gulf region, and the Arabic-speaking world, performing together in a two-hour poetry session, accompanied by music from the KSA House Band.
See how water is produced from the air in a closed circuit in the Dutch pavilion and how mushrooms are grown on the walls.
Step inside the 14-meter-high walls of the spectacular Expo 2020 Water Feature and be mesmerized by the 360-degree water, light, and fire show set to the music of Game of Thrones composer Ramin Djawadi.
Make your way to Garden in the Sky, where you can stand 55 meters above the ground on the tree-lined upper deck and take perfect panoramic photos.
And these are just some of the serval exciting things waiting for you at the expo. For more information visit their website or give us a call at 800LINDAS.
