An incongruous melange of Brazilian feijoada (black bean stew) and Swiss mountain mist swirled in my nostrils. One moment I was in Thailand, watching in awe at the synchronism of a Muay Thai demonstration. And the next, I was in Palestine, absorbing the colors aromas, and animation of a bustling bazaar.
That's right: After almost two years of my passport collecting dust, I could now theoretically visit 191 countries in a day at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
The dry heat of the desert, perpetuated by swarms of people from around the world, would typically be a deterrent. But here, the crowds, the smells, the vibrancy — it all enveloped me into an embrace I desperately needed.
After all, if there was an antithesis to the insurmountable isolation humanity battled these last 20 months, it would be Expo 2020 Dubai. Yes, another event, just like the Tokyo Olympics, which was delayed a year due to COVID-19. Although there was no badminton or volleyball, pulling off this event — hailed the most significant global gathering since the onset of the pandemic — was itself gold medal-worthy.
For one, it had taken seven years of innovation and planning to implement the vision. And, while the logistics and details may be difficult to fathom, the United Arab Emirates poured a modest $7 billion into the event, hoping to attract tourists and investors.
And it's already working. The Expo has been hailed as an extreme success, with more than 2,350,868 visitors from Oct. 1-31, 2021. Thus far, 28% of Expo goers have been under 18 years old, but this figure is expected to grow further as the Expo School Programme expands in the months ahead. (The Dubai Expo 2020 estimates it will attract approximately 25 million visitors before closing on March 31, 2022.)
Expo 2020 is so compelling because it has made the entire world accessible. Visitors are bestowed a yellow "Expo 2020 passport" to collect stamps from each pavilion. Frankly, after being paralyzed by news cycles for so long, I felt invigorated exploring a space that entices senses from every angle — and is twice the size of Monaco.
While the prolific architecture and pavilion designs were otherworldly, the Expo’s ability to connect humans from all walks of life over topics such as sustainability, opportunity and mobility was most spectacular. Through poignant, provoking, and interactive exhibits, each country shared its visions for a safer, healthier and more united society.
COVID-19 Requirements for Expo 2020 Dubai Entry
While experts had predicted potential COVID-19 surges due to the influx of tourists, the United Arab Emirates has taken extraordinary precautions. To enter the country, one must present a negative COVID‑19 RT‑PCR test certificate for a test taken no more than 72 hours before departure, regardless of vaccination status. Antibody tests, rapid PCR tests and home-testing kits are not accepted in Dubai.
To enter the Expo, visitors over 18 must present proof of at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine recognized by any Expo 2020 participating country or the World Health Organization.
The Best Way to Fly to the Expo 2020
Emirates is the obvious answer when traveling to Dubai, but now there is yet another reason to fly the UAE-based airline. If clients fly with Emirates between now and March 31, 2022, they will receive one complimentary Expo 2020 day pass for one person in each booking. The ticket can be used to enjoy the Expo on any day of the guest’s choosing.
Emirates is the official airline of Expo 2020 Dubai.
Credit: 2021 Emirates AirlineEven if connecting in Dubai (with a layover over six hours), travelers are entitled to claim a free Expo 2020 day pass. (But be mindful that clients must use their most recent booking reference if they have altered their flight, as the old one will no longer work.)
"Emirates is thrilled to be the Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, playing a key role in bringing visitors to the event via our route network, which connects over 120 destinations to Dubai," said Essa Sulaiman Ahmad, Emirate's divisional vice president for the USA & Canada. "Dubai truly has something for everyone, and as our home city hosts Expo 2020 this winter, the excitement and range of attractions for visitors will increase, including various once-in-a-lifetime experiences."
Of course, Emirates Business Class is another caliber of transportation altogether. On my trip to Expo 2020, I was whisked from my apartment in a BMW 5 Series Touring car, taking advantage of the complimentary door-to-airport chauffeur service with a business or first-class ticket. My flight prepared me for the gluttony I'd experience in Dubai with 4,500 channels of entertainment, reclining seats and a three-course menu spoiling me until arrival.
Where To Stay in Dubai for Expo 2020
As the Emirates chauffeur service winded onto Dubai's artificial Palm Jumeirah West Crescent, I briefly wondered if I was experiencing one of those desert mirages. Out of the abyss, a plethora of towering properties emerged. And amongst its glamorous five-star neighbors, Raffles The Palm Dubai, located on one of Palm's most secluded beaches, stood especially dignified.
The Palm Dubai opened Oct. 1, 2021.
Credit: 2021 Raffles The Palm DubaiSince 1887, Raffles has set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its enduring service. Opened Oc.1, 2021, this is Raffles' second property in Dubai and its first resort in the Middle East.
True to its brand, Raffles The Palm offers unparalleled opulence, even in a city where extravagance reigns. More than 6,000 Swarovski crystal chandeliers, gold and silver leaf and imported Portuguese marble embellish the interior, creating a royal ambiance. Each of the resort's 389 rooms enjoys panoramic views of either the Dubai skyline or the Arabian Gulf (and, of course, 24-hour butler service.)
I sampled menus at each of the hotel's six unique restaurants, including Matagi — the Itameshi, or Italian-Japanese fusion, concept — and Piatti, which showcases flavors of the Amalfi Coast. With cutting-edge hydraulic and air technology, the award-winning Cinq Mondes Spa's indoor pool is the largest in the Middle East. The hammam and yoga shala provides necessary refuge following Dubai explorations. And best yet, Expo 2020 is only a 25-minute car ride away from Raffles the Palm.
What to Do in Dubai Beyond Expo 2020
Dubai is saturated with superlatives: from Ain Dubai (the newly opened Ferris wheel boasting the title of most prominent and tallest in the world), to Ski Dubai (voted the world's best indoor ski resort for multiple years), over-the-top extravagance is never lacking in this metropolis.
But on my weeklong visit, I also longed to understand the more authentic Dubai. I booked a cultural lunch at The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding and sat crisscrossed on traditional cushions sharing Emirati dishes with local hosts, who enlightened us with anecdotes and insights, from traditional dress to politics. I found the experience helped diminish preconceived stereotypes and would be beneficial to families hoping to teach acceptance to their children.
However, no visit to Dubai is complete without a smidge of excess. That's precisely why I temporarily squashed my fear of heights, queuing for one of Dubai's pinnacle experiences, pun intended: I purchased SKY tickets for Top of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest structure globally, at 2,716 feet (to put in perspective, the Empire State Building is 1,250 feet) to soak in unrivaled aerial views. While I just scratched the surface of Dubai highlights, new attractions are constantly emerging from this mecca of futuristic innovation and profound heritage.
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