Dubai's time to shine is here

30 September 2021
As Expo 2020 opens its gates to visitors on 1 October, Dubai needs to ensure it makes the most of its turn under the spotlight

At a glance:

  • Dates: 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 (182 days)
  • Timings: 10:00-00:00 Sat-Wed | 10:00-02:00 Thu-Fri (seven days a week)
  • Tickets: Starting from AED95 for a day-pass to AED10,604 for a jubilee experience*
  • Vaccine regulations: Mandatory proof of vaccine and/or negative PCR test 

*Group bundle costs

Opinion
Mehak Srivastava
Expo editor

Dubai is no stranger to being in the spotlight.

But after nearly a decade of planning, years of preparations and 20 months of pandemic-fuelled disruption, there is nervous electricity in the air as the emirate prepares to welcome the world to Expo 2020.

Recent weeks have seen social media channels awash with updates from organisers, international participants and sponsors, as finishing touches are applied to pavilions.

Also doing the rounds are photos and videos of Dubai’s royal family touring the site, reviewing final preparations.

Dubai’s ruling family and other senior government officials have been touring the Expo 2020 site regularly. Source: Dubai Media Office


For a city used to breaking records, Expo 2020 is an opportunity for Dubai to raise its profile as a host and its persona as a thought-leader and change-maker.

Welcoming visitors

Dubai is equipped – and eager – to welcome visitors back to its shores.

In August 2021, Dubai Airports CEO Paul Griffiths said that “the outlook for 2021 in terms of passenger numbers looks very promising”. 

Dubai Airports installed an in-house 20,000 square-foot Covid-19 testing lab to improve result turnaround time from 12 hours to 4-6 hours in preparation for a passenger influx. 

Dubai Tourism, meanwhile, has been vigorously campaigning to attract visitors to Expo, with events held in the UK, Russia and the US to brief media and travel groups in recent weeks.

There is also a marked improvement in business conditions. On 16 September, Dubai’s flagship carrier Emirates Airlines announced it would recruit 3,000 cabin crew and 500 airport staff over the next six months.

UAE set to lead the post-Covid recovery

But challenges remain regarding visitor numbers. Expo 2020 is targeting 25 million visits, revised from its pre-pandemic goal of 25 million visitors.

To boost numbers, organisers have launched an October pass offering unlimited visits for the same cost as a day-pass on regular days – AED95.

National carriers Emirates and Etihad Airways have announced free Expo day passes for passengers flying to and through Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In a recent announcement, Dubai Government employees have been granted six days of paid leave to visit Expo 2020 Dubai at any time during its duration.

Buzzing with activity

The work is far from over for Expo’s organisers. Some would say their true test has only just begun, as they find themselves at the starting line of a six-month-long marathon.

With a calendar packed with events to suit all audience groups – from business forums to cultural performances and culinary deep-dives – Expo 2020 has ensured it has ‘something for everyone’. There are also curated journeys and tour guides to accommodate specific interests.

As all eyes turn towards Dubai from 1 October, it is the perfect chance to set a global standard for hosting events in the post-pandemic world.
 

Emirates Airlines has launched special livery on three A380 aircraft to invite visitors to Expo 2020. Source: Emirates Airlines media centre


For the citizens and residents of Dubai, it is a moment of pride to see the culmination of an event that the city has worked towards since 2011.

For businesses, it is a beacon of hope. Sectors including retail, tourism and hospitality are due to benefit from the tourist influx.

Ultimately, Expo 2020’s legacy will pave the way for the next phase of development in the UAE and possibly the wider region. It is Dubai’s onus to make the most of its presence in the spotlight and to influence change both at a national and international level.


This expo package also includes:

> Dubai’s platform for global change
> Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet
> Expo’s legacy will pivot to people 
> Beginning the final preparations for showtime 
> Read the September 2021 MEED Business Review

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