An Expo is a world fair or an extravagant international exhibition designed to showcase achievements of nations. The word Expo was derived from the French word “Exposition Universelle” which means Universal Exposition. There are two types of Expos that are conducted in different parts of the world; one being World Expo (formally known as International Registered Exhibitions) and other being Specialized Expo (formally known as International Recognised Exhibitions). Since the 1928 Convention Relating to International Exhibitions came into force, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has served as an international sanctioning body for international exhibitions. As per the norms, a bidding process began in 2011 between four different Countries and Dubai was declared the winner. This triumph and jubilation led to the massive event called Dubai Expo 2020.
Theme of Expo 2020:
Expo 2020, is the First World Expo that is being conducted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region;
1. starting from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. The event which is hosted in the heart of Dubai shall welcome 200 international countries and about 25 million or more visitors. It will be one big step towards efficient development.
2. The Expo will be held in the name of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’ The goal is to connect people and innovative ideas, leading the people of the world towards a better tomorrow.
3. Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability shall be the core themes of the Expo and it will connect nations, multinational corporations, non-government organisations and millions of visitors from all over the world, providing an opportunity to see future innovations, marvel at unique architecture, experience diverse cultures, taste cuisines from all over the world, and enjoy live performances, art and other entertainment.
Initiatives in the Expo 2020:
1. Al Wasl Plaza is one of the biggest initiatives taken in the Expo and it is said to bring together a physical manifestation of the main theme of the Expo; it is the site where the event will be conducted and each participating country will have its own pavilion to showcase their achievements and innovations.
2. World Majlis is a dialogue programme aimed at facilitating global conversation and creating connection between people and ideas. It brings together various government, professional, academics and cultural backgrounds in a meetings space where people will share informed opinions to help shape decision for communities.
3. Expo Live is an innovation and partnership programme launched by Expo 2020 to promote creative solutions that improve
lives while preserving the planet. Expo Live will support to demonstrate the power of a World expo in bringing a progressive and a prosperous future.
4. Global Best Practice Programme is a series of best practices from around the world have been selected to be showcased in the event. A total of 25 Best practices in five different categories have been selected by an international jury that can be replicated, adapted and scaled for a greater global impact.
Interesting facts on the Expo 2020
- Expo 2020 Dubai will have a dedicated metro station capable of carrying 23,000 passengers per hour in each direction.
Dubai’s metro system is driverless. - The Expo site is 4.38sq km in size, or 613.5 football pitches if you prefer.
- There will be a ‘Superstore of the Future’ on site which will be 3,000sqm in size.
- 25 million visitors are expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, Australia’s population is a similar number.
- Expo is expected to create almost 300,000 jobs. The majority in the tourism sector.
- 90% of the materials used to construct the site will be used to create legacy buildings after the event.
- Uber has signed an agreement with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority to test flying cars during the event.
- The Expo 2020 Dubai logo was inspired by a ring found in the UAE at 4000-year-old archaeological site.
EXPO 2020: A massive phenomenon for the Country and the people
Each new beginning, every new initiative, any new product brings a lot of changes and development in the society and and the Expo is no different, it also aims in bringing the best for the people and the residents of UAE.
- According to Expo 2020 Executive Body, Dubai’s Expo 2020 is expected to yield $24.2 billion in revenue;
- Expo 2020 will provide 277,000 new job opportunities and will have a positive impact on small and medium enterprises
(SMEs); - It is predicted to boost the economy of the Emirates by an average of 6.4 percent every year from 2014 to 2016 – ultimately increasing to 10.5 percent by 2020;
- The UAE government has predicted that revenues of up to $17.7 billion will be generated if the Expo is a success, which organizers feel is certain;
- Some analysts have predicted that by 2020, the UAE could garner as much as $150 billion in foreign direct investment in sectors such as real estate, hospitality, and tourism;
- The Expo 2020 is expecting 25 million visitors, 17 million of which will be international, this naturally will give a big thrust to the tourism and hospitality industries;
- For the Expo, Dubai is constructing a massive new city over an area of 1,082-acre. This project itself has generated 15% of the city’s new jobs. The figure is expected to double as the city gets closer to 2020.
Conclusion:
Thus Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration of human brilliance and achievement and an opportunity for people to connect from different corners of the world, to experience the best of art, culture, geography, science, technology, innovation and invention and to set into motion millions of new thoughts and ideas that will make a lasting impact in our lives.
Throughout its history, UAE has shown the world what is possible through its remarkable development. With Expo 2020 Dubai, Dubai will go a step further in inspiring the next generation to spark innovations that will underline the next 50 years of human progress.