Expo 2020 Dubai – another reason to visit Dubai

EXPO 2020 will be held from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates featuring 192 participating countries (including Singapore) at the 4.38 sq. km site. This is the first time a World Expo is held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) in the 168 history of the world’s oldest and largest mega event.

This year each country will be showcased in their individual pavilions which will be grouped under three sub theme districts – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. There will be 26 venues across the entire site.

The Opportunity Pavilion will be built by Cox Architecture. A series of gameplay moments will challenge visitors to think on issues related to basic needs of water, food and energy by simulating environments of real individuals who are agents of change in their own communities. Country pavilions in the opportunity district include China, Japan, Norway, Saudi Arabia, UK and Ukraine amongst others.

The Mobility Pavilion by Foster + Partners will feature the world’s largest elevating platform which takes you to the House of Wisdom in ninth-century Baghdad before you head on to meet nine-metre-tall historical giants of Mobility. Here, visitors will be able to explore the pavilions of Finland, Oman, Poland, Republic of Korea, Thailand and USA amongst others.

The Sustainability Pavilion by Grimshaw Architects will offer experiences creating its own electricity and water featuring global projects that are creating new paths for sustainability. Visitors can tiptoe underneath a dense forest as the roots communicate with one another and dive into ocean depths to meet a giant fish disturbed by ocean pollution. Visit country pavilions including Brazil, Germany, Netherlands, New Zealand, Spain or Sweden. Singapore’s vertical garden pavillion created by WOHA Architects will showcase sustainable growth and technology invested for the sustainability.

The UAE Pavilion is designed by Santiago Calatrava. The pavilion is shaped as a falcon in flight. Explore the pavilion and learn about the history of the nation as a connected global hub and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.

Visitors can expect 60 live events such as large scale music festivals, celebrity concerts, intimate performances of ballet, jazz or opera. There will be over 200 dining options with more than 50 cuisines from around the world.

The expo will be open daily from 10am to 1am on weekdays and 10am to 2am on weekends and special days. One day admission tickets are priced at AED120 (S$45) and three-day tickets will cost AED260 (S$98). Free admission for children five years and under as well as for adults above 65. 50% discount off admission for students of any age and youth aged 6 to 17.

A mobile app rich with information for EXPO Dubai 2020 will be available for visitors to plan their visit. More details of the Expo will be released the next few months leading up to event.