The wait is over. Dubai has finally opened the doors to the most anticipated event of the year. Themed around ‘Connecting Minds, Creating The Future’, Expo 2020 will be a global spectacle bringing together people from all walks of life.
We figured you might have some questions. What is an Expo? What should one expect from such an event? How much do the tickets cost? What are some of the big events to watch out for? and so on and so forth. But don’t worry! We have prepared the ultimate guide to help you get ready for the world’s greatest show.
Let’s get started with the biggest question of them all.
What exactly is Expo 2020?
The Dubai Expo 2020 is the latest edition of the World Expos held around the world, every five years. It will be hosting more than 190 nations, showcasing their culture, heritage, art, food and technological innovations within stunningly designed pavilions.
From Japan to Jamaica; Uruguay to the United States and Senegal to Switzerland, one gets the opportunity to visit the world in one place!
The global event will run for six months starting from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022. The three main themes at this year’s event are mobility, sustainability and opportunity.
What to expect from the event?
With 191 country pavilions, three themed districts, 60 shows per day, more than 200 restaurants, and endless networking, educational, business, and learning opportunities, thrilling entertainment events, eye-opening architecture, cuisine from all over the world, and much more!
From robots playing Beethoven to solar-powered indoor rainfall – It is just a small part of what to expect from the event.
Live Concerts
One of the highly anticipated events at the Expo 2020 will be the live concerts and performances by artists from every corner of the world. You can expect to be enthralled at spectacular live shows from popular singers, stand-up comedians, local talents and artists.
Experience Cultures
The global event will have several countries participating and this is the perfect platform to experience different cultures from around the world. Be a part of these upcoming cultural events at Expo 2020 that will include digital theatre, acrobatics, poetry slams, fashion shows, art installations and street theatre.
Besides that, What does a Finnish feast taste like? How do they celebrate in the Central African Republic? Every day, the spotlight will land on one or more participating countries as they showcase their culture with special festivities.
And don’t forget to experience the UAE’s first-ever opera, Al Wasl! The production features more than a hundred artists and musicians, and will be sung in English.
Educational Talks
Engage in conversations that will change the future for the better! There will be a series of talks that deal with critical environmental and human issues. In fact, the World Majlis at the Expo 2020 has specifically been created to drive such stimulating conversation and create a platform for innovation.
Fun activities for your little ones
A world of adventure awaits children at Expo 2020. From a space city where they can bounce on nets in a ‘zero-gravity’ chamber to an ocean-themed playground with whale slides and a 3D maze — the mega event creates the perfect day out for families in the UAE!
Mascots Rashid and Latifa are ready to take children on a remarkable adventure featuring immersive shows, singalongs, dance-offs and theatrical productions.
A Foodies Paradise
You can sample delicacies from celebrity chefs, experience new cooking concepts, binge on authentic delicacies from home-grown brands and much more!
Internationally acclaimed restaurants to regional specialties, superstar Chefs, Expo-exclusive eateries, street bites and food trucks, Expo 2020 hosts more than 200 food and beverage outlets serving 50-plus global cuisines.
Several of the country pavilions have their restaurant within their spaces. Some of the biggest culinary offerings at the Expo include the three-course Future of Food: Epochal Banquet concept by Bompas & Parr which will explore the theme of food set 300 years in the future.
Culinary brands from the UAE with space at the Expo include Al Farwania, Arabian Teahouse, Dampa Seafood Grill, Hanon Feras Sweets and more.
Meet the robots
At Expo 2020 it’s not too much to expect a robot to show you around. Or to check your temperature. Or to make you coffee. When the Greatest Show on Earth kicks off in October, it will be deploying a range of futuristic machines to make your Expo experience that much more special!
Where and how to buy tickets?
If you haven’t already purchased your tickets to this one-of-a-kind experience, now is the time.You can choose from different tiers of tickets: one-day tickets for AED 95, multi-day passes are available for AED 195, and season passes can be bought for AED 495.
Expo 2020 Dubai has also launched an October Pass, priced at AED 95 for the entire month.
Free entry is available for kids under the age of 17, students and visitors aged 60 and above. Such a great deal!
The tickets can be bought here online.
How to get to the Expo 2020?
It’s a seamless ride to the Expo, whether you choose to arrive by metro, bus, cab, or drive there!
The Dubai metro will take you straight to the gates of the Expo- Dubai Exhibition Centre and Al Wasl Gate. Even during rush hour, the waiting period won’t exceed 3 minutes.
There’s a dedicated public bus service that’s FREE for visitors and you can catch it from different locations in Dubai and other Emirates as well.
Cab it with Careem and Uber app or e-Hail taxis that start at AED 20.
If you’re driving to the Expo, know that there’s lots of parking space and a valet service for AED 95. Parking is free! There are four different parking lots- Opportunity, Sustainability, Mobility, and Dubai Exhibition Centre.
What are the entry requirements?
Visitors ages 18 and above must present proof of any vaccine recognised by their national government or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.
Now, let’s take a look at some events that you might want to put on your must-visit list:
When: 12.45pm Daily
If you’re planning a day-trip to Expo 2020, make sure to get along for the daily Colours of the World parade at Ghaf Avenue. Each country will have a national or honour-day celebration during the six months of the event and they will treat audiences to a unique cultural fusion experience.
When: Nightly, from October 1
Kaleidoscope will wow crowds with spectacular light projections each night, using light sculptures, art projections and installations to illuminate buildings in different hues on every night of the six-month event.
What better way to represent Italy at the Dubai Expo than by displaying a 3-D replica of Michelangelo’s David? Serving as the centerpiece of the Italy Pavilion. This is one of the most sophisticated reproductions of the iconic Renaissance masterpiece you’ll ever see!
The world’s first ropeless lift will debut at Expo 2020 in the Germany Pavilion. Instead of old-school ropes, it will function using magnetic technology and will also move horizontally, vertically, and on an incline.
When: Saturday, October 23 (plus other dates)
Oscar and Grammy-winning musician AR Rahman put together an all-female line-up from the Arab world to create the Firdaus Orchestra.
When: 10.30pm, Thursdays and Fridays on the Jubilee Stage
Expo 2020 Dubai will connect artists and people from around the world on the Jubilee Stage.
So wait no more, get your hands on the tickets, and get ready to experience an extraordinary event to make lasting memories with your loved ones, taste dishes from all corners of the world, be a part of international events, and revel in the spirit of love, life, innovation, and a brighter future.
