A delegation from the Philippines for Expo 2020 has delayed its arrival in Dubai to December due to flight restrictions and strict quarantine measures on the back of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Government and business delegates for Expo 2020, led by members of the Philippines organising committee, are expected to be in Dubai from 5-10 December. The initial schedule was to arrive in time for the opening of the event.

However, the Philippines pavilion will open to the public as planned on 1 October.

In a memo sent to the media, Department of Trade & Industry (DTI) assistant secretary Rosvi C Gaetos said that although October signals the official opening of the pavilion to the public – including UAE-based officials and media – a visit by the government and business delegation from the Philippines will be delayed to December.

“Due to the continuing restrictions on flights via Philippine Airlines and Emirates this October 2021, brought about by strict quarantine measures, DTI secretary Ramon Lopez, as commissioner-general of the Philippines Expo 2020 Dubai, has decided to reschedule the Philippine delegation’s trip to Expo 2020 Dubai from October to December 2021,” 

Current flight restrictions limit travel between the UAE and the Philippines, and the ban on flights has been extended until Tuesday 31 August, including for transit passengers.

Lead image: Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Manila, August 2020