Expo 2020 Dubai
A look back at Expo 2020 Dubai
Fri 1 April 2022
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3 min read
Over 24 million visits, 182 days of making history and a lifetime of memories. The historic World Fair may be over but it's the start of many new beginnings.
Over 24 million visits, 182 days of making history and a lifetime of memories. The historic World Fair may be over but it's the start of many new beginnings.
Dubai can take a bow as the Expo 2020 has cemented its place in history as a ground-breaking World Fair. Held from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, it achieved many admirable milestones. It was the first World Fair to take place in the region and after the coronavirus pandemic took hold, as well as the only edition till date where more than 190 countries participated with their own pavilions.
Beyond the headlines, Expo 2020 also brought nations, people and cultures together in a way that will never be forgotten, perfectly reflecting its theme of Connecting Minds and Creating the Future.
The world at Expo 2020 Dubai
It was exciting to see nations come together as visitors explored the best from countries far and wide. There were many stunning pavilions to admire, including the popular host UAE pavilion that resembled a huge falcon taking flight from the outside and showcasing Emirati culture on the inside. The Saudi Arabia pavilion, the second-largest at Expo 2020 Dubai, was another hit with its mirrored exterior and immersive deep dive into the Kingdom's futuristic vision.
Other crowd-pleasing country pavilions included Germany, Pakistan, Japan and Singapore to name just a few, each offering interactive, engaging exhibits that sparked curiosity, wonder and inspiration.
The world converged in Dubai as the fair recorded over 24 million visits. An incredible achievement considering the many challenges the international travel sector faced during the pandemic.
All-out entertainment and foodie fun
For 182 days, Expo 2020 delivered an electric line-up of events, entertainment and fun activities that enthralled all ages.
Aside from headline concerts by Alicia Keys, Coldplay, Black Eyed Peas and more, world musicians and performers delighted daily visitors across multiple stages and courtyards. From full-scale orchestras and folk dancers, to fantastical roaming entertainment and street performers, there was something to thrill around every corner.
The world being at Expo 2020 Dubai also had the added benefit of introducing visitors to fresh dining possibilities. Think wonderful waffles from Belgium, authentic sushi and ramen from Japan, kniddelen dumplings from Luxembourg and soursop gelato from Columbia, in addition to a slew of new restaurants and culinary concepts.
Goodbye Expo 2020, hello District 2020
Expo 2020 Dubai grabbed headlines not just for its experiences but also for its design and architecture. Now an admirable 80 per cent of the Expo’s built environment will be repurposed into an integrated mixed use community called District 2020.
Billed as a sustainable human-centric smart city, District 2020 will continue to attract people to live, work and play. It will also focus on carrying on Expo's founding vision to be an ecosystem to connect and create. Several tech-driven companies involved in the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), big data and blockchain are expected to set up base here, fostering a new hub of innovation.
The World Expo 2025 in Osaka
All eyes are now on Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai. The next World Fair will take place in Japan from 13 April to 13 October 2025 under the theme: Designing Future Society for Our Lives, with sub-themes of Saving Lives, Empowering Lives and Connecting Lives.
Japan's Expo site will cover an area of 1.55sqkm in Yumeshima, an artificial island in Osaka Bay, offering visitors waterside views of the Seto Inland Sea.
Expo 2025 aims to be a People's Living Lab — a laboratory for a future society, addressing key topics such as science, technology and sustainable living. Keep an eye out for a new online platform, launching ahead of the fair, where people around the world can share ideas, challenges and solutions.