World Expos are a large international organization that arranges exhibitions around the world aiming to highlight the achievements of various countries and connect the people from across all these countries in one place. They put equal importance on celebrating ideas, inventions, and projects along with cultural practices. The very first Expo was held in London in 1851, hosted around six million visitors. Out of many things that came from these expos include the Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Ferris wheel, Space Needle in Seattle, etc.
The Expos brings the gathering of nations from around the globe to represent their development and to bring great minds in finding solutions to the most important matters of the moment, inviting visitors in millions through attractive, innovative, and interactive activities.
Expo 2020
On 27th November 2013, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in its general assembly in Paris declared Dubai as the host city for Expo 2020. It is being held from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022, originally scheduled for 20th of October, 2020 to 10th April, 2021 postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The name remained the same for marketing and branding purposes.
This Dubai instalment is the first one ever to take place in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, highlighting the UAE’s position at the forefront of efforts taken to shape the future potential of the current world and our impact on it. There is an estimate made by the organizers of about 25 million people visiting Dubai for this Expo 2020’s six-month span.
There is an estimate of about 190 countries participating in this Expo 2020 from across the world sharing their culture and innovations. These countries have been given the chance to set up their pavilion to showcase how exactly they are contributing to critical debates on the most pressing matters from around the globe.
The Expo is held at the new Dubai South development, near the new Al Maktoum International Airport which is said to become the world’s largest airport. The Expo holds 60 shows every day with over 190 pavilions representing various countries along with the provision of 200 restaurants at the event. The campaign for the Dubai Expo 2020 has been done by famous Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth.
Dubai Expo 2020: Themes and Sub-themes
The Expo 2020 exhibits the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. The pavilions have been divided into three sub-themes are Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability, apart from these individual country-wise pavilions, each sub-theme has its pavilion displaying solutions to problems the world is currently facing.
The three sub-themes of pavilions have been designed by different architects; AGI Architects designed the Opportunity pavilion, Foster and Partners designed the Mobility pavilion and Grimshaw Architects got to design the Sustainability pavilion.
Opportunity District
The Opportunity pavilion designed by AGI Architects represents a gathering space where everyone regardless of their age, nationality, language, or cultural background comes and shares their ideas and experiences to bring about change in the current scenario. The small actions of just three women show that even little things can have huge impacts on individuals, communities, and the world as a whole.
Mobility District
Foster and Partners designed the Mobility pavilion portraying the endless possibilities that the future holds and how mobility can be used to continue connecting everyone through common understandings irrespective of differences in any background. It walks you through technology over the years and futuristic cities that connect artificial intelligence and robotics.
Sustainability District
Just like the name suggests, Grimshaw Architects designed the Sustainability pavilion focusing on changing the path we are on right now with a better alternative. This district highlights the impact climate change is having on our planet and solutions on how to tackle it, from solar energy to water conservation.
The Dubai Expo 2020 provides several business opportunities for the participants as it attracts new investments, new agreements and helps make international connections. Also, the rising market of Dubai is an ideal place for any business venture, new or already established. The event calendar contains all the details of conferences and forums that are held during the Expo allowing participants to prepare beforehand, making it easier for them to make connections. The provision of the Business Matchmaking app also helps in connecting with new opportunities with the right people.
UAE Pavilion
The UAE pavilion stands out during its six-month-long event not just being the host but also its unique design by architect Santiago Calatrava who shaped it to resemble a falcon in flight demonstrating the ambitious goals of peace and progressive society.
Dubai after hosting Expo 2020
The sub-theme of the Expo, Sustainability is not only an important part of the Expo but also for Dubai and the UAE, as the UAE has committed to using at least 80% of the installations as part of a new business district ensuring that the things built for the Expo have a much longer life span. The Expo is expected to prove beneficial for Dubai and attract visitors and new opportunities for them.
Dubai Expo 2020:India Pavilion
The Indian pavilion at the Expo 2020 represents a technology sensation highlighting the Indian culture and traditions that are very lively. It would also present its opportunities and capabilities as a contributor to the global economy and attract investors to the country. The different states will showcase their traditions, culture and business opportunities with private and public sector both. Various celebrities, government ministers, and officials are visiting the Indian pavilion to promote the exhibition.
The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet
The spectacular thematic culinary show ‘The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet’ by the London-based creative studio Bompas & Parr would be great for the participants to experience. The experience is such that you enter the year 2320 where they bring a two-hour journey inspired by space, microbiology, artificial intelligence, and hyper-intelligence to stir your senses highlighting the impact of Artificial Intelligence on the future of dining.
Expo2020dubai.com. (2019). Home | Expo 2020 Dubai | Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. [online] Available at: https://www.expo2020dubai.com/.
