by Expo Events Consulting Expo Events Consulting

On 29 June 2021, Manal Al Bayat, Chief Engagement Officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, presented the 168th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) with an overview of the preparations for the next World Expo, themed “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

With Expo 2020 Dubai opening in 93 days, Ms Al Bayat told BIE Member States that the Organiser is “primed to deliver an exceptional World Expo from 1 October”. As the world deals with the challenges of the past 18 months, Expo 2020 Dubai is “more relevant than ever”, sending a message to the world about overcoming adversity “as we open our doors to a brighter future”, indicated the Chief Engagement Officer.

In terms of physical preparations, the General Assembly was informed that the construction of country pavilions will be finished by next month, and that the “final touches” are being added to the site. Trains are now running on the new ‘Route 2020’ metro extension connecting Expo 2020 with Dubai’s metro network. Additionally, the Dubai Exhibition Centre, adjacent to the Expo site, is fully operational and already booked for 150 events during the course of the Expo.

In early 2021, during the Pavilions Premiere – which welcomed over 100,000 visitors from across the UAE – the Expo Organiser demonstrated its operational readiness and the robust measures that are implemented. Further protocols, operational and technical exercises are being carried out in partnership with local stakeholders, indicated Ms Al Bayat, so that Dubai and the whole of the UAE is ready to welcome the world from 1 October.

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Regarding the measures in place, Ms Al Bayat reiterated the fact that Expo 2020 Dubai’s number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of everyone visiting and working at the Expo. In addition to all Expo teams being fully vaccinated, precautionary measures when the Expo opens will include mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, sanitation stations, and an intelligent Smart Queue system for pavilions. Besides, Expo 2020 Dubai is leveraging all available technologies to enhance the Expo’s virtual offering in order to expand the reach of the Expo’s content and messaging to those who cannot visit.

As the public opening approaches, Member States were also given a taste of the “breathtaking” opening ceremony, for which rehearsals are underway. The ceremony will be the ignition for six months of the collective and bespoke Events and Entertainment programme that will offer a “beautiful mosaic of global experiences” ranging from music and dance performances, to art displays and participatory sports.

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Concluding her report to BIE Member States, Ms Al Bayat emphasised that in less than three months, she told BIE Member States, “Expo 2020 will bring us together to celebrate our spirit, our resilience and our togetherness, and to look to the future with hope and optimism”.

BIE