On 1 May, 1851, the first ever World Exposition – The Great Exhibition – was inaugurated in in a specially designed massive glasshouse nicknamed ‘Crystal Palace’ in London’s Hyde Park.
The World’s Greatest Show serves as an incubator for inventors – inspiring innovation and promoting cultural, economic and technological exchanges among nations from all corners of the globe.
To date, 33 cities have hosted a World Expo. From 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai is set to welcome 192 participating countries and about 25 million visitors, with 70% of these international.
This year’s theme centres on ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, and is split into three subthemes; Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.
Focused on unlocking potential, the Opportunity Pavilion will address new industries, employment, education, financial capital and governance.
The Mobility Pavilion is centred on creating smarter and more productive connections across logistics, personal mobility, transportation, travel and exploration, and digital connectivity.
Finally, the Sustainability Pavilion operates in the belief that every generation is responsible for safeguarding the world for the future. It will promote awareness of resource management, climate change and green growth, natural ecosystems and biodiversity, and the importance of sustainable cities and the built habitat.
Participating nations will each have their own pavilion in which to showcase their innovations, achievements and aspirations for the future.
“We are ready and remain true to our promise of hosting the best Expo edition yet in its 168-year history,” says His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
“We are building a new reality for our people, a new future for our children and a new model of development.”
Conveniently located between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the six-month event will be the largest ever staged in the Arab world.
Youth are at the heart of Expo 2020 as it aims to inspire the next generation and spark innovations that will underline the next 50 years of human progress.
Visitors will witness global superstars perform in the world’s largest 360-degree projection dome, marvel at more than 60 live events and parades each day and discover dishes crafted by some of the world’s most celebrated chefs across more than 200 food and beverage outlets.
As the sun goes down, the Expo will come alive with dazzling pyrotechnic displays, concerts by A-list artists and futuristic dance, music and theatre performances.
All while exploring 192 mind-blowing Country Pavilions packed with game-changing innovations by the world’s brightest minds.
Buildings and products first revealed at previous World Expos include the Eiffel Tower, the Seattle Space Needle, the typewriter, the television and even the ice cream cone.
“Expo 2020 Dubai provides us with the opportunity to express the proud spirit and values of our nation,” says His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
“For the UAE, the event is especially significant because it will coincide with the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates, our Golden Jubilee.
“Expo 2020 Dubai will be a festival of imagination that will inspire innovation and provide a forum that cultivates sustainable solutions to global challenges.”
The Expo also adheres to UAE Vision 2021 by supporting the growth of tourism, stimulating the development of innovative local businesses and enhancing the country’s international reputation as a destination to do business.
