Expo-2021 in Dubai

Expo 2020 in Dubai will be held for 182 days, from October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022. The Expo is not only just an exhibition, it is a place where people suggest initiatives that preserve the planet as well as sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. For instance, underwater lights to protect fish and fishing that are powered by British-power technology that were selected as part of The Expo’s Global Best Practice Programme. The Expo 2020 initiatives support the Dubai Plan 2021, the UAE Vision 2021 and the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The significance of Expo 2020 and its influence on the UAE's economy is huge, with the biggest impact being on tourism and hospitality. More than 25 million people are expected to visit during the Expo over the 6 months and more than 100,000 hotel rooms will be ready by the time the event starts. The real estate sector is another sector that will benefit from Expo 2020. Within the next six months, the market is expected to boom with tourists staying not only in hotels, but also renting apartments. The Expo is expected to generate revenues of AED 122 billion between 2013 and 2031 and is also expected to contribute 5% of the UAE's GDP during the period of October 2020 to the end of March 2021.

The upcoming Expo 2020 is a highly anticipated world exhibition that will be held in Dubai on 1 October 2021. The exhibition will be a large event in terms of size, scale, duration and visitor numbers. This is a worldwide festival and a major platform to share new technologies, ideas and innovations. For six months, more than 200 participants, including 192 countries, and millions of visitors, will come to Expo 2020 in Dubai.

The main theme of Dubai Expo 2020 is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", as well as the three sub-themes: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity, in which each sub-theme will have a dedicated pavilion. This is the first World Expo to be held in the MEASA region (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) and also the first one to be hosted by an Arab nation.

For the UAE in particular, Expo 2020 will become a celebration of the UAE Vision 2021 programme by supporting the tourism sector, diversifying the economy of the UAE, and contributing to the country’s reputation as an international business hub.

The Expo 2020 site is located in Dubai South, close to Al Maktoum International Airport (about 20 minutes by car). One can get to Expo 2020 by metro, bus, taxi or car. The three main entrances to the site are located a 20 minute drive from Dubai Marina and the special Route 2020 on Dubai Metro’s Red Line was opened on January 1.

The fastest way to get to Expo 2020 is by metro. The Dubai Metro Red Line connects Jebel Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investment Park and Al Maktoum International Airport with the Expo Station. First arrivals are at 06:15 Saturday to Thursday and 09:15 on Friday and the last departures are at 00:00 Saturday to Wednesday and 01:00 Thursday to Friday.

One can also take the bus to get to and from the Expo 2020 site, which is free of charge for Expo 2020 visitors and available from different locations in Dubai and other Emirates. Locations where one can catch the Expo Rider buses across the UAE will be available in due course.

In total, there will be over 200 participants during Expo 2020 including organizations and 191 countries besides the UAE. For the first time in the history of the World Expo, every participating country will have its own pavilion. In addition, partners of Expo 2020 and participating international organizations will have pavilions too.

The United Arab Emirates pavilion will be in the shape of a flying falcon and tell the story of the UAE as an international trading hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society. The pavilion will comprise four storeys with a dedicated hospitality space on the top floor, cultural exhibitions and areas to showcase the country’s achievements. The UAE's pavilion will be located in the Opportunity District.

The China pavilion will be one of the largest at Expo 2020, with a total area of almost 50,000 sq. ft. The pavilion will showcase the history and culture of China and its modern technologies, such as 5G, artificial intelligence and smart travel. The architecture of the pavilion symbolizes hope and a bright future, and its design was inspired by the combination of Chinese and Western culture. China's pavilion will be located in the Opportunity District.

The Germany pavilion or "Campus Germany" is a place where everyone can enroll for entertainment and cultural performances, and indulge in traditional German cuisine. The "edutainment" pavilion will showcase German innovations and sustainable solutions. Visitors can wear cutting-edge connected devices as they explore themed areas including The Energy Lab, The Future City Lab and The Biodiversity Lab. The Culture Lab will feature various activities such as dance, visual arts, games, science, sport and music. Germany's pavilion will be located in the Sustainability District.

The USA Pavilion will showcase how US society has shaped the modern world and supported freedom and prosperity for all people around the world. Visitors will be able to try American food and learn about the culture in the pavilion’s courtyard, where live entertainment will be held everyday, and enjoy an eight-minute looping show that takes place in the ceiling of the pavilion.

The Austria pavilion will create spatial sequences of how East meets West, how tradition brings nations closer, and how technology creates future opportunities, bringing together sensory and digital experiences in a harmonious structure. Visitors will be able to enjoy an Austrian coffeehouse tradition and learn why the United Nations lists the institution as an "intangible cultural heritage". Austria's pavilion will be located in the Opportunity District.

There are several ways to buy a ticket for Expo 2020. One will be able to buy tickets through the Expo 2020 website, via Authorized Ticket Resellers, or at the Expo 2020 gates during the event. There are dozens of authorized resellers available for every country. For example, Desert Adventures and Gulf Dunes provides tickets for Europe, India, Russia, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States. Adonis Tourism L.L.C. Dubai Office serves Belgium, France, China, Italy, South Korea, Netherlands and Slovenia, while AYAVA TOURS L.L.C. serves Azerbaijan, Germany, Iraq, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

A single-day adult (18+) ticket will cost AED 120 (USD 33), while a three-day pass, which can be used on any three days during the Expo, will cost AED 260 (USD 71). Children aged five and under as well as seniors aged 65 and over are free of charge. Children and teenagers aged 6 to 17 and students of any age get a 50% discount, while individuals with disabilities will be able to enter the exhibition for free, with their carers entering for half price.

A ticket holder will obtain access to Expo 2020, including 60 live shows a day, technology showcases, performances from world-famous artists, daily parades, cutting-edge architecture, special events and more than 200 food and beverage outlets serving different cuisines from all around the world.

The master plan is focused around Al Wasl Plaza, enclosed by three thematic districts: Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. As the names imply, each district is devoted to one of the sub-themes of Expo 2020. This will be a focal point for the exhibition over the next six months.

Historically, Dubai was called Al Wasl, which is translated from Arabic as "connection", because it connected people from all over the Emirates. Visitors of Dubai Expo 2020 will gather at Al Wasl Plaza to see exhibitions and participate in cultural events from 192 countries.

The thematic pavilions will host interactive exhibitions and present engaging content to explore each of the themes in a fun and entertaining way. Each Thematic District will also include performance spaces, innovation galleries, art installations and outdoor gardens.

Prior to the beginning of Expo 2020, various major tourist and leisure attractions were announced and scheduled for completion by 2020. The following projects have already been completed as of 2021.

The Dubai Water Canal Project connects the Business Bay district with the Arabian Gulf. The project includes a new shopping centre, four hotels and 450 restaurants as well as private berths for yachts and a new trade centre at the entrance of the canal.

Launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Museum of the Future hosts the world’s latest inventions and offers advanced courses and specialised workshops, as well as public talks and events. The museum is located next to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers near Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC).

The Jewel of the Creek project comprises a massive waterfront complex that features apartment buildings, office towers, luxury hotels, a recreation centre and a convention centre. The area is located between Al Maktoum Bridge, Baniyas Road and the Floating Bridge.

Al Habtoor City comprises dining venues, a French-inspired garden, an iconic Las Vegas style aqua theatre and the world’s first Bentley cafe, and also features three luxury hotels and three residential towers. Al Habtoor City is located along the Sheikh Zayed Road, just before Business Bay.

Deira Islands is a waterfront city consisting of four islands, which houses a large shopping mall, an Arabic souk-style night market, an amphitheatre for 30,000 people and a marina. The islands are located off the coast of Deira and adjacent to the Deira district.

The District One project is a large mixed-use district of over 1000 acres, where over 60% of the total area is dedicated to green and open spaces. The project features the beautiful Crystal Lagoon, the world’s largest artificial beach and a boardwalk. The district is located near the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall, along the Al Khail Road.

The resort features three theme parks – Motiongate, Bollywood Parks, Legoland – and a water park. Rollercoasters and other attractions have started operating in the park this year. Dubai Parks and Resorts is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, opposite Palm Jebel Ali.

Bluewater Island is to become one of the best leisure and entertainment destinations in the world. The island comprises retail, residential, hospitality and entertainment zones and features the Ain Dubai – the world’s tallest ferris wheel. The island is located near Jumeirah Beach Residence.

Dubai Creek Harbour is a large residential district developed by a joint venture of Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding. The district hosts six mixed-use towers and will soon feature the Dubai Creek Tower – the tallest tower in the world. Dubai Creek Harbour is located along Dubai Creek and adjacent to Ras Al Khor Road.

The Good Place is a lively and dynamic space for human interaction. Expo Live invites its visitors to watch a cinematographic introduction to Expo Live, a multi-sensory interactive experience to explore the innovations and a facilitated space where visitors can engage with the innovators. Visitors will also be offered an opportunity to receive support towards their own projects, as this is the main goal of Dubai Expo 2020 – to empower those who care to do good. The Good Place pavilion is located in the Opportunity District.

Visitors will be able to meet the historical giants of mobility, look into the future of smart cities, AI, big data, robotics, machine learning and autonomous transport and learn more about moving goods around the world and how mobility could evolve in the human-centred city of the future. The Mobility Pavilion also features the world’s largest passenger lift, which can move over 160 people simultaneously. Moreover, visitors will get an opportunity to build their own robot or design a spacecraft, watch demos of hoverboards and jetpacks and much more.

This pavilion tells the story of three individuals, Mariam, Abel, and Mama Fatma, and their impact on their communities in terms of food, water and energy supply. The Opportunity Pavilion is based on the rich urban history of the "plaza" and its reputation as a place that connects people of any age, language and culture. Visitors can join the call to action to end poverty, protect the planet and help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.

Visitors of this pavilion will be offered a chance to explore humankind’s relationship with nature and how we can change our everyday choices to reduce our carbon footprint and impact on the environment. The pavilion features a canopy of 426 ft in width with 4,192 solar panels installed and 18 "energy trees". The pavilion alone can produce 4GWh of alternative energy per year. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion is meant to meet the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture – LEED Platinum certification.

In the Sustainability District one can learn how the human race could live in harmony with nature by means of high technologies. Visitors will be able to stroll beneath solar energy and water condensing "energy trees", explore the coral reefs from different and unexpected points of view; which is home to the hammour, as well as watching cultural shows, music performances, dance and theatre in a large outdoor area that can accommodate up to 300 people. Visitors will also get a chance to play a part in creating a more sustainable planet.

The Mobility District shows how mobility transforms our lives and delivers new ways of connecting people and exchanging knowledge and ideas. Visitors will be offered an opportunity to ride in a self-driving vehicle and explore new mobility technologies, learn about space exploration, including the UAE National Space Programme and the Emirates Mars Mission, and see innovative mobility devices in action on the special track.

The final Opportunity District allows visitors to learn how people create opportunities for a better future and will inspire its visitors to do the same. Visitors will be able to interact with each other and the innovators, exchange ideas, discover new horizons and participate in various activities that will be held in the district everyday.

During the pandemic, certain restrictions and safety measures were introduced in Dubai to reduce the transmission of COVID-19. Of course, individuals with a confirmed positive COVID-19 test and those who are suffering from any health symptoms associated with COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter the exhibition. In order to reduce the risk of spreading the virus and to ensure the safety of all visitors, the following safety measures and precautions will be implemented prior the exhibition:

If you want to stay in an apartment during your time in Dubai, you need to figure out the best area you want to be in. If you are looking for accommodation close to the Expo and the city center, areas such as Al Furjan, Dubai Production City and Dubai Sports City are ideal. The average daily rental price for a 1BR apartment there is AED 290 (USD 79). For a studio, the price will be around AED 310 (USD 85) a day. The best offers can be found in residential complexes such as Azizi Residence, The Diamond, Canal Residence and The Matrix.

If you want to reside closer to the sea, Jebel Ali City and Dubai Marina are the best options. However, these areas are further away from the Expo site. The average price for a 1BR apartment per day is AED 530 (USD 145), while a studio is AED 320 (USD 87). Great offers can be found at Botanica Tower, Royal Oceanic Blakely Tower and the Murjan complex. In the area where Expo 2020 is located - Dubai South, the average daily rental price is AED 270 (USD 75) for 1BR apartments and AED 230 (USD 63) for studios. Each of these areas are within easy reach of public transport, such as the metro, which can take you directly to the Expo. Our recommended residential developments are MAG 5 and Celestia.

It is worth noting that a month's rent will cost you a lot less than if you rent by the day. In general, a 1-bedroom apartment is almost twice as cheap if rented on a monthly basis. A studio is 3 times cheaper than if you rented the same property on a daily rate.

If you are looking to rent villas by the day, the only option is the Palm Jumeirah area in Garden Homes, where the price for a 4 bedroom villa is AED 4,200 (USD 1,1434) per day. To get to the Expo it is advisable to have a car as the nearest public transport station is 30 minutes’ away. Renting a car will cost you an average of AED 150 (USD 41) per day. For example, renting a 2018 Toyota Corolla will cost AED 90 (USD 25) per day or AED 1,900 (USD 517) per month.

If you are interested in staying in a hotel, the Green Community is the best option. Here, there are hotels such as the Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park, Courtyard by Marriott Dubai, Fortune Park Hotel and others. The price range in the area starts at AED 200 (USD 55) and increases to AED 370 (USD 101) for one night. The biggest advantage of this area is its location as there is also a metro station in the area that goes directly to Expo 2020.

If you want to find deals that are close to the Expo - then the Dubai South area is what you need. Here you can find hotels such as Sleek Studio Apartment at Celestia Dubai South, Staycae Celestia, 2B-PulseResidence-808 and Frank Porter. Prices here start from AED 210 (USD 57) to AED 400 (USD 109) per night.