What the pandemic means for Expo 2020

By Wiktoria Walkowiak

The multibillion-pound innovation fair known as Expo 2020 is once again gearing up to connect minds and create the future. The October event had been postponed for a year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Standing outside and admiring the architecture. Photo by Wiktoria Walkowiak

The first world Expo took place in 1851 in London. Since then, countries worldwide are chosen to take over and organise around a particular theme that will improve knowledge and innovation in culture, science, art and technology.

Last year, the Dubai Ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum promised to “astonish the world in 2020,” he says, “Dubai Expo 2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity.”

The global exhibition was predicted to attract 25 million visitors and create 277,000 jobs; therefore, postponing was not an easy decision to make. Despite the one-year delay, this has given Dubai extra time to plan and produce. Sheikh Al Maktoum says that the World Expo will “play a pivotal role in shaping the post-pandemic world at a time where it will be most needed.”

Although the impacts of COVID-19 on the economy, infrastructure, and travel are ongoing, Dubai remains hopeful. Expo 2020 is inviting visitors before the grand opening, and applications for the volunteer programme have seen over 160,000 participants apply.