EXPO 2020

Sprawling across an expanse of over 4.5 square kilometres, the Expo 2020 is a festival of ideas, knowledge and cultural exchange. The expo aims to celebrate the blend of human brilliance and achievements. Offering unique experiences and attractions, it is a global level exhibition that will run for over 170 days and will attract visitors from all over the world. 

Organised at the Al Wasl Plaza in Dubai, the expo will begin on 1st October 2021 and end on 31st March 2022. From skill enhancing workshops, business meets and cultural shows, to local and international business exhibits, entertainment shows and more, Expo 2020 will offer visitors a wide array of options to choose from. 

Expo 2020, in essence, will act as a means to connect with like-minded businessmen and grow their business whilst having fun. The expo will host hundreds of different companies in different districts, namely sustainability (for advanced technology), mobility (for exchange of knowledge, ideas and goods) and opportunity (for transforming dreams into reality). 

Expo 2020 will also unveil some of the most modern and technologically advanced attractions of the city to the world, some of which include the Museum of the Future, Deira Islands, Al Wasl Plaza, Aladdin City, the Dubai Water Canal Project and more. Visitors can also choose from a single-day pass to an entire seasonal pass for entry as per their desire.

Highlights

• With the main theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” the expo has pavilions of over 190 countries.
• The Expo will also house over 200 pavilions which will feature interactive exhibits, including entertainment pavilions, luxurious meeting spaces, quirky hangout zones as well as daily live events.
• Visitors will also be able to indulge in authentic cuisines from different parts of the world, ranging from delectable street food to international dishes and more.
• Art enthusiasts can soak in views of installations from local as well as global talents in the Expo.
• Victors can also experience numerous architectural and structural marvels all in a single place, one of the major attractions of which is the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface.
• Witness the world at one place with the Expo 2020 Dubai.
• The Expo 2020 Dubai will be organised for over 170 days with the aim to showcase humanity’s potential to design a future with innovation.
• Expo 2020 Dubai also provides visitors with a global platform to attract investments and promote international cooperation.

How To Reach

If you’re a visitor, keen on paying a visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai, travelling from the airport to the Expo is extremely convenient. You can choose to travel by car, taxi or metro.

1. By Car/Taxi:

The distance between Dubai International Airport and Jebel Ali is approximately 55 kms and can be reached in 40-50 minutes by private car or cab. The local taxi there would cost around AED 100 to get to your destination, while a shared car would cost you around AED 10 per person. There is going to be ample parking space too.

2. By Metro:

The Dubai Red Line Metro is currently being extended to the Expo Site 2020 so as to make metro travel from the airport to the Expo, a breeze. The ticket barely costs AED 4 and takes you to your destination in an hour and a half.

The upcoming Expo Metro Station too is going to be the most eco-friendly and biggest one on the Dubai Metro network, with a capacity of at least 46,000 passengers.

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Best Time To Visit

The best time to plan a visit to the event of Expo 2020 is during the morning hours when the crowd is at its least.

Other Essential Information

Theme of Expo 2020 Dubai:

The core theme of the Expo 2020 is Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. The idea is to build partnerships that’ll inspire ideas and propel growth in the near future. But these can only be achieved when we seek Opportunity, encourage Mobility, and conform to Sustainability, which are the sub-themes of the Expo.

Events Held in Expo 2020 Dubai:

There’s much to see and lots to do at the Expo 2020 Dubai. Some of the most looked-forward-to events this season are:

1. Ride in the Hyperloop: Experience what a hyperloop ride feels like and how you’d get from one destination to another as quickly as The Flash. Travel tech is taking the world by storm and here’s your chance to learn more about the tech that goes into making a hyperloop. Be the first to witness it before it is launched all across the globe.

2. Delve into cultural experiences: From dance routines to digital theatre, from singing to storytelling and everything in between, the Expo promises to keep you enthralled with the most unique experiences! Experience it all at the Expo 2020. What stands out is that you’ll find cultural shows from every country that’s participating in the exhibition, which means you can soak in the culture of every part of the world, at one destination.

3. Witness a technology takeover: Will robots be taking over your job by the next decade? Can you print human organs with 3D printing technology? What will the food be like by 2025? Find answers to all your questions as the expo encourages curiosity with an array of fun activities. You can make your own robot, burn energy with gaming activities, and get your hands dirty as you test the future of food tech.

4. Tap your feet to the beats: Among storytelling and theatre, there’s going to be LIVE performances by bands and celebrated musicians so get ready for some foot-tapping music at this extraordinary Expo! Every LIVE performance represents the themes of the Expo and the cultural diversity of the country it originates from. So while you’re grooving to the music you’re learning so much more about the world around you.

5. It’s Time to Travel: Since there are at least 190 countries participating this season, every booth caters to your wanderlust with visuals of their local attractions, tour packages, trips to your favourite destinations, and the future of travel.

6. Broaden your horizons: It isn’t all fun and games at the Expo 2020 Dubai. For employees, businessmen, entrepreneurs, and others, there’s much more than what meets the eye. Learn about growing your business, working with like-minded people and building the future of the world together. Be socially aware and understand how all of this can be achieved through sustainability. From educationists to inventors and artists to pioneers, get a chance to meet some interesting personalities who will change your perspective and share valuable insights on the matters that matter.

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7. An opportunity like none other: If you’re an entrepreneur or a young aspirant, keen on bringing your product or service to the limelight, this is your place to be. The Expo will not only be conducting workshops that’ll help you improve your skills, but it also offers you an opportunity to be a part of the 6-month long event and exhibit your product to test the waters before entering the bigger markets. Truly, the expo abides by its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ to the fullest with never-seen-before experiences.

8. Save the world: If you’ve always dreamt of making this world a better place, now’s your chance. Meet Gnasher at the Expo 2020, a giant consumption machine that’ll consume natural resources to churn out single-use consumer products, thereby teaching us why minimum consumption and sustainable use of resources is the need of the hour.

9. Work up a sweat: Mindful sessions, gaming fitness, extreme adventure, sports workouts and much more awaits at the Expo 2020. The most exciting though are the virtual and augmented reality sports that’ll have you hooked for hours at end.

10. Visit the parks: The upcoming Expo 2020 isn’t just for adults, because there’s so much here for kids too! There are three lush parks, namely the Al Forsan Park, Al Wasl Plaza, and Jubilee Park where kids can spend a gala time playing, interacting with other children, greeting the mascots and participating in fun games that’ll keep them entertained for hours. The ceiling of the Al Wasl Plaza dome is also fitted with a 360° screen where kids can watch interesting videos being played out, in rapt attention.

11. A Feast of Flavours: You can’t travel all around the globe, so Expo 2020 is bringing the world to you! Indulge in rare local flavours from Finland, Africa, Scandinavia and so many other places that you probably haven’t even heard of. Learn how their meals are prepared, which ingredients are unique to the country, what their local food tastes like, and more. Each day at the Expo is a food extravaganza dedicated to a different country, so you’re always in for a surprise!

12. The fun never ends: When at the Expo 2020, you’re always in for a great time! The event begins each day at 10:00 am and goes on till 1:00 am on weekdays and 2 am on weekends. After sundown the pyrotechnic displays and concerts keep you entertained. The entire space is beautifully lit with palm groves shining and the central water fountains gleaming in the night light.

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Food at Expo 2020 Dubai:

The first-ever Expo 2020 Dubai promises to be an extravaganza of food, fun, and festivities while indulging in immense cultural and educational experiences and connecting with countries across the globe. But all the rushing around to attractions, meeting new people, and imbibing new knowledge is sure to make your hungry!

Which is why the Expo 2020 Dubai has a whole lot of food to offer. Already planned out are over 200+ restaurants serving cuisines from various parts of the world. Here’s what you can look forward to witnessing:

1. The future of food: We aren’t just talking about new recipes, experiments, and plating techniques, the expo will, in fact, highlight how food from the future will be. Technology has already begun changing the way we order our meals, and with the passage of time augmented reality and virtual reality will inspire path-breaking innovation in the way meals are cooked and brought to us.

Very soon, you might just notice that human resources have been replaced by robots who will be taking down orders and bringing food to your table. But while that might happen years later, here’s your chance to experience it right now at the Expo!

2. Indulge in Gastronomic experiences: When traditional cuisines with modern cooking techniques come together, you can certainly expect a burst of flavours coupled with some gastronomic delights that you’ve probably never experienced before. Technology and fun elements involved in food will also be brought to the forefront.

The idea behind this is not just to cater to a new dining experience, but to encourage conversation through food because surely, nothing brings people closer than similar palates and the desire to eat good food.

3. Something for Everyone: The food might be from the future, but the prices are just right for the new decade. The 200+ restaurants, cafes, and bars ensure that there’s something that suits everyone’s palate, from Old classics to new favourites and street bites to gourmet delights. While the prices range from pocket-friendly to luxurious, just in case you want an over-the-top memorable experience.

4. An Opportunity for Entrepreneurs: Food startups and F&B industry entrepreneurs will be a part of this culinary journey, where they’ll be given an opportunity to introduce their products, services and talents to the market, while you get a chance to indulge in it all!

While the local Emirati hospitality will play a major role here, Dubai’s diverse food scene, local favourites, traditional cuisine, food innovations, upcoming chefs, will all be proving themselves to a massive global audience. 

5. What’s for food: Dubai is inspiring food for thought by introducing ‘thoughtful food’ at the Expo. It has developed a set of values that influence their culinary ethics and food sustainability. Matters like sourcing and growing local produce, sustainable packaging, clean eating, and affordable food for all, will be discussed and promoted.

Know More: Dubai Expo 2020 Food Guide

Shop at Expo 2020 Dubai

Once you’re done with satisfying your tastebuds and have refuelled yourself, it’s time to shop at the Expo! When there’s so much to look forward to, there’s definitely going to be a lot to shop for as well.

The exhibition is encouraging sustainable & clever products as well as innovative designs by small and medium enterprises that inspire the shopper to buy smart and spend smart. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Camel Soap: Nourish your skin with chemical-free, organic, camel-milk soap designed by a homegrown brand named The Camel Soap Factory (pretty straight forward, we’d say). The soaps are all-natural with zero artificial colours or ingredients that don’t meet the standards of sustainability. Even the fragrances are all essential oils, so you are certain of using chemical-free products that are smooth on the skin and environment-friendly too!

2. Coffee: If food isn’t enough, quench your thirst with Karam Coffee that allows you to craft your special blend. The Dubai-based brand brings the two most popular Arabic coffee blends prepared from beans growing in Asia and Africa. The cocoa beans are sourced directly from the farmers of both countries and curated well before introducing them to the audience. If you’re a coffee connoisseur, you have to head here for your unique blend or simply for a Cuppa Joe.

3. Chocolates: Bite into the goodness of artisanal chocolates handmade by Mirzam. The three types of locally-made chocolate bars that’ll be available at their expo outlet are definitely worth a try! All of them are curated especially for the Expo 2020 and boast of rich cocoa beans imported from Asia and Africa. If you’re visiting Dubai for the very first time, a trip to Mirzam is a must for some delectable souvenirs and melt-in-the-mouth goodness.

4. New Zealand Mint: Mark your trip by buying a gold or silver medallion or foil from the New Zealand Mint. These are considered rare collectables and memoirs to last a lifetime. Memories of the expo might fade, but the medallion will last forever!

5. Buy a Plane! : If an original one is way out of your budget, why not settle for a model aircraft of the Emirates, the official airline of the UAE? Being the airline partner for the Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates is even launching a special edition model aircraft just in time for the exhibition. The designs reflect Sustainability, Opportunity and Mobility, the three sub-themes that branch out from connectivity. If you can’t get your hands on the medallions and foils at the Mint, make sure you get one of these to commemorate your trip to the Emirates, with an Emirate!

Your shopping spree doesn’t end here! From sustainable clothing and official merchandise at Splash to eco-friendly fashion accessories, perfumes, gifts and souvenirs, gadgets, stationery, kitchenware, homeware, and much more. There’s a lot that awaits you at the Expo 2020 Dubai! 

Do Read: Best Shopping Places in Dubai

Tips For Visiting Expo 2020

• The entry price for Expo 2020 Dubai for children between 6 to 17 years will be reduced, while there will be free entry for People of Determination and half price tickets for caregivers.
• Expo 2020 Dubai will be open from October 01, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
• All the three districts will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m., however, it is best to arrive early.
• Skip-the-lines tickets will be made available online and will offer priority access to visitors who wish to avoid waiting in lines for entry.
• Visitors can also book combo tickets at lesser costs, which will include entry to Expo 2020 Dubai, in addition to attractions like Burj Khalifa, Dubai Garden Glow, Dubai Frame, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as well as the different theme parks in the city.
• Those who are visiting the city only for the Expo can save on extra costs by booking tickets that include hotel transfers to and from the event.

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