Q: Share key initiatives which demonstrate that Expo 2020 Dubai is a safe location for visitors from all around the world.

At Expo, the health and safety of our staff and visitors is of paramount importance and we have taken extensive steps inline with the UAE’s wider efforts to combat the spread of COVID-19.

We have implemented multiple precautionary measures at site that include, but are not limited to, the requirement of proof of vaccination or a PCR test before entering the site, the installation of thermal cameras, no-touch hand-sanitizer stations at all entrance and departure gates, pavilions, and restaurants. The wearing of face, strict social-distancing regulations, increased deep cleaning, and specialised medical facilities along with availability of specialised staff are in place to manage any potential health issues.

As a part of our health and safety programme, all Expo 2020 staff have been inoculated, and we have extended our vaccination programme to all consultants and contractors. We are also encouraging pre-booking of tickets, online ticket purchases and cashless retail and F&B purchases to keep a strict check on capacity and visitor flow, and all visitors will be required to complete a health declaration as part of the booking process.

All of these measures will continue throughout the event and evolve as per the requirements set in place by the Dubai Health Authority.

Q: Key highlights of the show, which as a visitor one can expect during the show.

From the beginning, World Expos have brought forth achievements and innovations that have shaped the world. This year, Expo 2020 iscontinuing that legacy by bringing together the latest technology from around the globe to help build a foundation for a post-pandemic world and create a sustainable future.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the first-ever Expo to be held in the MEASA region and is the largest and most diverse World Expo ever with 192 participating countries. For the first time in World Expo history, each country has its own pavilion, allowing participants to give first-hand experience of their culture. Expo 2020 has moved away from traditional geographical clusters with countries opting to be located across Expo’s three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, areas that we see as fundamental to the future of our planet.

This six-month-long celebration has activities lined-up for all age and interest groups, no two days are same with up to 60 live events planned daily. Events like live music concerts by global talents such as academy award winner A.R. Rahman who recently debuted at Expo with its all-women led Firdaus Orchestra, British singer-songwriter Sami Yusuf along with a star-studded line-up of talent from around the world.

Additionally, there are ballets, literature festivals, dance performances, parades, immersive experiences, insightful talks, food, film nights, art, sport etc. are scheduled to keep up the excitement. All the participating countries have set-up spectacular pavilions highlighting their uniqueness, history, culture, and future ambitions where visitors will be able to experience dozens of cultural programmes every day while making their way around the more than 200 pavilions across the Expo site.

We are also offering our corporate visitors a tailored experience with several packages and products designed for the business traveler. Those who visit Expo 2020 can expect have a one-of-a-kind experience, where they will have the opportunity to network, identify partnerships, and new growth opportunities for their organisation. Along with the Dubai Exhibition Centre, which is booked throughout the event for key trade shows and conferences, we also have a B2B networking app which allows visitors to have productive interactions, bringing the business community closer together.

Expo 2020 designed its Programme for People and Planet which looks at addressing some of the world’s critical issues through a shared commitment to discuss, support and partner for solutions. Through thematic weeks and Expo 2020 led initiatives, the event will act as a catalyst for positive change in the world.

Q: With India participating in Expo 2020, what are its key focus which it would like to showcase to the world?

The India Pavilion is one of the largest pavilions at Expo 2020, with a four-story structure and moving façade made up of 600 individual blocks symbolising ‘India on the Move’. This technological marvel encaptures vibrant Indian culture while showcasing the strengths of its human resources and the aspirations of its youth under the theme ‘Future is in India’. 

Located in the Opportunity District, the India Pavilion is defining country’s potential to become a global power through its ‘Five Ts’ – talent, trade, tradition, tourism and technology and its march to become a USD$5 trillion economy post-Covid,while highlighting India's strength in innovation and start-ups in tech industries, such as artificial intelligence and fintech, as well as tourism and hospitality, space, pharma, IT, renewable energy, and telecoms.

At Expo, India is playing an important role in Expo’s Programme for People and Planet, helping bring together some of the world’s brightest minds to address critical subjects of global relevance. During one of Expo’s thematic weeks, in this case Urban and Rural Development Week, India helped to co-curate the ‘Cities on the Move’ conversation, exploring how innovative mobility solutions can improve urban life and benefit communities equally and safely. Space Week, which took place in November, saw a session on ‘Lessons from Space’, co-curated by India, alongside Switzerland, which discussed the deep connection between space exploration and the fight against climate change.

India and the UAE have always enjoyed a strong strategic partnership, with bilateral relations boosted by regular high-level visits between both countries; Expo 2020 is the key to nurturing and further developing these ties.

Almost all states from India have a dedicated week to showcase their unique culture and business opportunities. Visitors will be able to explore India’s dynamic and diverse population, getting the chance to spend time learning about, watching, listening, and seeing the various talents nurtured throughout the years.

Q: What has been the overall response to the event?

We are happy with the kind of response we have so far received. Until the 8th of November and since the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai, we have welcomed 2,942,388 ticketed visits.The visitor numbers included over 100,000 schoolchildren, reflecting Expo 2020’s commitment to inspire young minds and trigger positive action.

The visitor figures reflect the success of one of the largest events ever held in the Arab world.Visitors to the World Expo – the first ever held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) – came from 181 nationalities, only 11 fewer countries than the 192 participating in the event, each with their own pavilion.

The figures include all ticket holders, but exclude representatives, delegations and guests of International Participants, partners and other stakeholders, as well as Expo staff.

Expo 2020 Dubai runs until 31 March 2022, with more than 200 pavilions and countless other attractions for visitors to explore, plus up to 60 events daily, as well as panel discussions, cultural performances and much more.

Bringing Expo 2020 Dubai to a global digital audience, the number of virtual visitors has risen to 14.8 million since 1 October.

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