Dublin-based Accenture has been appointed for the contract to develop and implement the digital infrastructure for the Expo 2020 event, which will be held in Dubai between October 2020 and April 2021.

The contract  entails the development of multiple systems that include information security, customer relations, virtual assistance, business intelligence and analytics, and geolocation services.

The systems will help ensure the event will provide a “powerful and engaging digital experience for millions of visitors around the world,” an official statement from the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee said.

The firm will be working with the digital business unit of Abu Dhabi-based telecoms service provider Etisalat to implement the systems and integrate them with more than 70 Expo applications.

Accenture will also coordinate programme management, architecture and the testing of these systems across multiple technology partners.

If properly implemented, these systems are envisaged to allow Expo 2020 visitors to navigate the venue, which covers an area totaling 4.38 square-kilometres, with ease. They will also allow participants and partner companies to analyse and predict the flow of visitors to their pavilion and help train staff and volunteers to promptly respond to visitor needs.

The Expo expects to attract participants from more than 180 countries. The event is forecast to process up to 60,000 visitors every hour.

The Expo site is located within the Dubai South District adjacent to Al-Maktoum International airport.