The next World Expo — the six-months-long Expo 2020 Dubai — will begin on Oct. 1, 2021, after being delayed for a year due to COVID-19. One-day, multiday and season tickets (which include access to pavilions, events and live performances) will go on sale July 18.
When it debuts in just three months, it will be the largest in-person global gathering since the onset of the pandemic.
Seven years in the making and originally slated to take place from October 2020 to April 2021, the postponed event will be the first World Expo held in the Middle East, Africa or South Asia regions. Running for 182 days at its home base in Dubai (which will represent a “model smart city” that consists of each participating country’s own unique pavilion), the Expo will bring together 190 countries for more than 60 live events and experiences, per day.
One-day tickets will be priced at $26; multiday tickets (for unrestricted entry for 30 days) are $53; and season passes are $135. Children under 18 years old, seniors 60 years old and older and students with an ID (from any academic institution in the world) will receive free entry. Tickets can be purchased at the Expo's website or through authorized resellers such as travel agents, tour operators, hotel groups and airlines.
The Expo will examine “hot button issues that will deliver real solutions for the shared future of people and the planet,” according to Reem Al Hashimi, director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, “for a cleaner, safer and healthier future for all.”
This content — which will range from keynote speeches to parades, conferences, nation-specific celebrations, themed pavilion displays and more — will be available both to in-person attendees and virtually. Topics will range from business and innovation to female empowerment.
Expo organizers predict the entire event will attract some 25 million visitors to the United Arab Emirates.
“Over the six months of Expo, every country will celebrate its national day, which presents a real opportunity to report home about the festival of celebration for your nation's achievements and vision for the future,” Al Hashimi said.
Country pavilions will aim to educate attendees about subject matters important to its host country; for example, the Bahamas’ pavilion focuses on hurricane education, while Malaysia’s pavilion captures the country’s commitment to a more sustainable future. Singapore’s pavilion showcases its mission to integrate nature into buildings via farming rooftops, and Australia focuses on astronomy and astrophysics. The U.S.’s pavilion, meanwhile, will feature the Space X Falcon 9 rocket.
The event is highlighted by several key themes, according to Sholton Douglas-Home, chief sales and marcomms officer, as it takes its place as the “greatest global gathering” of the year. It will showcase the world’s most inventive ideas and inspiring architecture; be a world stage for collaboration and business opportunities; and provide live events and entertainment on a grand scale.
“Whilst the global pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges, our Expo vision remains the same,” Douglas-Home said. “We will host a truly exceptional event that brings people together physically or virtually in a way that entertains, informs and inspires us all to help create a better, brighter future.”
COVID-19 Safety Measures and Precautions
Health and safety measures will be put in place during the event and could change at any time based on the latest scientific research. As of press time, the following protocols are planned for the event:
- Thermal cameras at arrival points will check the temperature of visitors before entry to the site.
- Visitors are required to wear face masks at all times.
- Social-distancing regulations of at least six feet between people will be in place.
- All venues and common areas are regularly cleaned and sanitized.
- Hand-sanitizer stations are positioned at regular intervals throughout the site.
- Appropriate facilities and specialist staff are available to manage any potential medical issues on-site.
- Visitors are discouraged from attending the Expo if they suffer from any COVID-19 symptoms or have come in contact with a person with a confirmed case of COVID-19.
