Featured Image Artist: Sanna Mander [sourced from expo2020dubai.ae]
The city will witness huge investments in infrastructure including an expansion of the Dubai Metro, the completion of Dubai World Central and the creation of an estimated 277,000 jobs.
Since it’s inception in 1851, when the best-known World Expo took place in London’s Crystal Palace in the UK, expos have been an important part of global advancement.
Expo 2020, which was awarded to Dubai on November 27, 2013, will give Dubai, the UAE and the MENA region an opportunity of a lifetime. Dubai Expo 2020’s theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” is truly a metaphor for Dubai’ success story in many ways.
Dubai’s position as a geographical link between Asia, Africa and Europe, and its cultural diversity[above 200] means that the city of Dubai brought the best and brightest in various fields to create a sustainable future. The journey to 2020 will be an astonishing one which will witness huge investments in infrastructure including an expansion of the Dubai Metro, the completion of Dubai World Central and the creation of an estimated 277,000 jobs.
The expo is said to expect a whopping 25 million visitors.
In comments carried by Gulf News in the lead up to the vote in 2013, Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai’s Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and CEO of the Dubai World Trade Center, said:
“With the strength of Dubai’s infrastructure, geographic location and global connectivity, Dubai Expo 2020 can expect to attract 25 million visitors during the six months between October 2020 and April 2021.”
Al Marri added, “71 percent of which would originate from outside the host nation for the first time in Expo history.”
Furthermore, the UAE economy will get an injection to the tune of $40 billion with several new hotels, educational facilities and commercial spaces built to accommodate the expected social and economic growth between now and 2020.
The benefits associated with hosting such a prominent global event will also mean that a legacy will be carried on past 2020, including the fair grounds being turned into research laboratories, universities, and museums.
More importantly, Dubai Expo 2020 will leave a legacy of positive change on a regional and global level as the first Middle Eastern Expo host city.
What part do you play?
Image Source: expo2020dubai.ae
Expo 2020 Dubai will have you at its very centre. No matter what your profession or where you’re from, there’s so much to know and see:
1. Get acquainted with future technology and trends
250 participants from corporations or companies will display cutting edge research and innovations to meet future challenges in pavilions. As listed on the website,
World Expos have launched many amazing inventions such as the Ferris Wheel, Heinz Tomato ketchup and the electrical outlet through to touchscreen computers, IMAX cinemas and even the mobile phone. What life-changing innovations will you see in 2020?
2. Volunteer at Expo2020
The event will need over 30,000 volunteers.
3. A growing opportunity for kids
With a dedicated children’s pavilion, featuring educational and creative activities, your child can even participate in providing solutions for the future, sourced from their incredible imagination.
4. Witness the most exciting time for green energy.
With one of the sub-themes focusing on sustainability, it is expected that we will see a lot of green technology. On fact, Expo 2020 is working on having 50% of the site’s energy needs met with solar power.
Play this little game to find out what your Expo 2020 personality is:
http://expo2020dubai.ae/myexpo2020/en/
Sub-themes: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity
The theme of sustainability – environmental, economic or social – will be a corner stone of Expo 2020’s various pavilions, which will be built by participating countries.
The second sub-theme will include social mobility, geographical mobility, and even technological mobility to level the world’s progress closer together.
Opportunity, being the last of sub-themes, is already ingrained in the fabric of Dubai, being a safe haven for people of various backgrounds who have come to call Dubai and the UAE ‘home’. Dubai has provided unmatchable economic opportunities for both UAE nationals and expatriates to better their lives in a safe, tolerant and nurturing environment.
The hype surrounding Dubai Expo 2020 may have subsided since announcing the city as the winner in November 2013. However, a renewed sense of vigor amongst all those who call to Dubai home is key to making this event a success.
The world’s eyes will turn to Dubai in just five years’ time as it looks to host its most prestigious event to date. We’re incredibly excited – are you?
What’s your take on the themes for discussion at Expo2020?
Tell us your thoughts in the comments below.