Expo 2020 Dubai
By Alyssa Kristeller
Despite beginning a year late due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai, now in its second week open, is already proving to be a historic event. Not only is Expo Dubai the first world exposition to be held in the Middle East, South Asia, or Africa, but it is also taking place in the UAE during the country’s 50th birthday on December 2, 2021. So what is Expo Dubai really about, and what is a ‘World Expo’ anyway?
Since 1851, World Expos have been an integral part of international diplomacy and have historically been key events for showcasing innovation and encouraging business and economic collaboration. Formerly known by the name of “World’s Fair”, these international exhibitions have been home to the debut of inventions such as Alexander Graham Bell’s telephone (Philadelphia 1876), the unveiling of prominent structures such as the Eiffel Tower (Paris 1889), and the birthplace of tasty treats such as the ice cream cone (St. Louis 1904).
The mantra of Expo 2020 Dubai, which takes place from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” (“تواصل العقول وصنع المستقبل”). Within this idea are three themes - Mobility, Sustainability, and Opportunity - which play a role in both the physical layout of the Expo site as well as the substance of many of the country pavilions being showcased. 192 nations are participating at Expo 2020 Dubai, and this is the first time in Expo history that every one of them has its own pavilion. In addition to nations, partners and sponsors, civil society organizations, and other groups have pavilions, such as the Women’s Pavilion, the Emirates Airlines Pavilion, and the League of Arab States Pavilion. While most of the pavilions have different exhibits showcasing all three of the Expo main themes, their physical locations in either the Opportunity, Sustainability, or Mobility districts determine the overarching theme of the pavilions.
This year’s Expo will feature theme weeks based on solving global challenges from Climate and Biodiversity Week, which took place from October 3-9, to Water Week which will take place at the end of the event from March 20-26. Various pavilions feature insight into current and future innovations dealing with artificial intelligence, space, and healthcare. In terms of entertainment, Expo 2020 Dubai has already and will continue to feature artists, musicians, and performers from all over the world from world-renowned Emirati singer Hussein Al Jasmi to the Tulane University Marching Band. Additionally, Expo 2020 Dubai features food and goods from all over the world, as many country pavilions have their own cafes, restaurants, bars, and gift shops featuring the flavors and locally-made products of their people.
Come visit Expo 2020 Dubai and experience the culture, history, and futures of 192 countries, and be amazed by the architecture, performances, and tastes of the Expo experience!
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