After two long years of pandemic, uncertainties, unclear future and anxiety, I am more than glad to see Dubai being back to its full glory. And it was not just an ordinary comeback - the Emirate made a spectacular return to life as we know it by welcoming the world at Expo 2020 – the biggest and most international forum about culture, innovation and technology.
The motto of the event is Connecting Minds, Creating The Future and it has been chosen well. This is exactly what we need - to connect and be together for a better future, creating better solutions for upcoming challenges. And what better place would that be than a global event that unites minds that think alike from all over the world.
Expo 2020 was planned to take place from October 2019 to March 2020 but was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and instead it is happening now – from October 2021 through March 2022. Nevertheless, the organizer decided to keep the original 2020 branding.
What is Expo?
Expo is one of the oldest and largest global events that takes place once in every five years. For the first time it is being held in the Middle East, hosting 192 country participants. Over the course of six months participants come together to exchange perspectives, ideas and their vision for the future. The meaning of this edition’s motto is more important than ever – it spreads the message of confidence in the future, positivism and hope that the world will come back stronger on the other side of the pandemic.
Over the course of six months, countries feature their latest innovations, ideas and breakthroughs through an extravagant and memorable cultural experience. Ideas are showcased with the help of modern art installations and the latest of what digital and visual arts have to offer. The elegant display of perspectives shows not only the future but the present as well – Expo is one of the best places to learn about a country’s history, people and culture.
Expo 2020 Dubai
For the first time in Expo history each country gets its own pavilion where its best culture, technology and progress are displayed. What is meant by a pavilion is, in fact, a whole building - each country building (pavilion) is designed in different shapes, sizes and colours according to what the host country has selected for itself.
I have never been to the UN headquarters, but I imagine the entrance over there is something similar – a grand pathway, surrounded by the flags of all countries participants, welcomes you, symbolically recognizing all participants at the very entrance of Expo 2020.
Make sure you spot your own flag – it feels pretty good seeing your home country playing its part in this global gathering.
After you find your country’s flag, head to the beating heart of Expo – the Dome. The Dome is where Expo starts and finishes - a huge, round construction, home to a large stage that hosted the Opening ceremony and each major concert and cultural event. Alicia Keys, along with other local and international celebrities, recently performed there. It is beautiful during the day but make sure you visit the Dome after dark – thousands of glittering lights, colours and pictures come together creating a picturesque and vivid fairy land.
The other side of the Dome leads to the main site itself - a mini city within the city is revealed in front of the visitors, with pavilions, streets, kiosks, cafes, restaurants and booths. One gets the feeling that they are in a real town, with busy streets, traffic (there are golf carts), people minding their own business around and signs pointing to the different districts.
At first, visitors may feel a little overwhelmed, wondering where to start. The site is divided into different “neighbourhoods”:
Opportunity: Unlocking the potential for individuals and communities to shape the future.
Mobility: Creating smarter and more productive movement of people, goods and ideas, both physically and virtually.
Sustainability: Respecting and living in balance with the world we inhabit to ensure a sustainable future for all.
Each country pavilion is located in its respective district according to the theme it represents. I recommend doing research in advance to spot where the countries’ pavilions you want to visit are. It will make your exploration much easier and quicker.
It is difficult to explore all 192 in a few days (and even in six months) but here are some suggestions of the most notable pavilions:
· Dive into Saudi Arabia – with the help of modern technology and classic art, the country’s architecture, culture and history is shown in an entertaining and engaging way.
· Visit the UAE at the very beginning of your Expo journey – its pavilion architecture is certainly one of the best ones.
· See the future of aviation at Emirates – experience the future of flying through the help of virtual reality; find out how robots construct aircraft parts; take a picture with a real engine; learn more about the history of aviation. Make sure you say hi to the Emirates staff there.
· Enjoy the one and only Italian style in Italy – learn more about their sustainable solutions and classic culture.
· Don’t miss the Netherlands – the country raises important environmental questions through extravagant art installations and an unusual use of umbrellas 😉
· Alif is a must-visit – the best pavilion at the whole Expo, in my opinion. It transports the visitors into the future of technology, virtual reality and artificial intelligence.
Together with the pavilions, visitors can enjoy traditional cuisine from each country they visit, numerous cafes and restaurants; concerts, exhibitions and events happening on site. One can also go even for a walk to enjoy a relaxed and calm day, away from the hustle and bustle of Dubai.
Don’t miss the impressive waterfall, popular for pictures or simply walking around it to escape Dubai’s heat for a moment. I also strongly recommend seeing Expo site at night – a beautiful fairy land of colours, lights and Arabic romantic vibes.
COVID-19 at Expo
All necessary precautionary measures are taken to keep the safety of staff, participants and visitors at the highest level. Everyone can enter only by presenting a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken no later than 72 hours prior to the visit or a vaccination certificate (one or two doses are enough).
Everyone is required to wear masks at all times, outside including, and keep social distance. Masks can be taken off for eating and sitting at food courts. Staff and security are everywhere for assistance and answering questions.
What is happening now?
Expo 2020 is still open and will run until 31 March 2022. You can still visit, and I strongly encourage you to do so. It is once in a lifetime experience and a unique initiative that spreads hope, togetherness and unity. It sends messages of peace, acceptance and tolerance through the best means possible -education, creativity and art.
It is a global celebration of the human history, culture and genius and presents the best out of what people as inventors, artists and thinkers have achieved.
Let’s connect our minds, let’s create the future together.
Useful resources:
Visit Expo 2020 official website
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