Expo 2020 surpasses the halfway mark with nearly nine million visitors
Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 8,958,132 visits during its first three months, boosted by a slate of spectacular events across the December festive season and with more world-class sport, music and cultural performances expected in the second half of its six-month run.
From October to December 2021, Expo hosted a total of 8,902 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers, and heads of state – all speaking at numerous official events, including Expo National Days, which provide a unique opportunity to spotlight a nation’s culture, achievements, pavilion, and event-time programming.
Almost half of all visits (47%) have been generated by Expo’s Seasons Passes, with the number of repeat visits to Expo in the first three months reaching 3.5 million – a reflection of the myriad of experiences that require more than one visit.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai said: “We enter a new year having built solid friendships that will enable us to drive urgent action on some of the greatest challenges facing us all.
“Our latest figures are testament to the determination and hard work of everyone involved in Expo as we pass our half-way mark. And with the health, safety, and wellbeing of everyone continuing to be of the highest priority, the numbers also reflect the strength of our ongoing stringent COVID-19 safety measures, which continue to protect visitors, staff and Expo participants alike.”
December highlights included jaw-dropping fireworks and electrifying New Year’s Eve sets from world-renowned DJs Armin van Buuren and Dmitri Vegas. The celebrations topped an incredible month that began with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and included a show-stopping performance from Alicia Keys and a concert from A.R. Rahman – his first in almost two years.
With just 87 days left, each jam-packed with more amazing experiences – from a visit from British boxing star Anthony Joshua on 5 January to the first ever Global Goals Week to be held outside New York later this month – visitors are encouraged to grab their tickets as soon as possible.
Between 1 October and 31 December, almost one third (30 per cent) of all visitors came from outside the UAE, with the top international visitor countries including India, Germany, France, the UK, the USA, Russia, and Saudi Arabia.
Many people also continue to travel to the site using RTA transport, honouring Expo 2020’s sustainability subtheme. Between 1 October and end-December, almost 675,000 rides were made to and from the site using taxis, more than a million trips were made on the free Expo Rider bus service, and more than 3.4 million users entered and exited Expo via the Dubai Metro.
Expo 2020’s virtual visitation crossed the 50 million mark, driven by the fantastic offering of Live@Expo, which enables visitors to take a bespoke live virtual tour through the site, as well as headline acts which have seen millions of viewers tune in from around the globe.
The Expo School Programme attracted 334,110 visits from private and public schools over 41 school days, representing around a third of the total student population in the UAE. The programme’s virtual series, Expo Adventures, saw visits soar to 3.9 million up to 31 December with students attending from more than 60 countries.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Visionnaire presents Il Pavone Throne at Expo 2020 Dubai
The Pavone Throne returns to participate in some prestigious international stages: presented as a preview in the Visionnaire Flagship Store during the Miami Art Basel in December 2019 and later seen as a protagonist of an installation at the Hotel Faena in Miami, the ceremonial chair – designed by Marc Ange – is a project that celebrates the convergence between art and design.
Protagonist at the Super Salone 2020 in Milan and winner of the Archiproducts Design Awards 2020, the Pavone now arrives in Dubai. The throne and the family of armchairs are exhibited in the prestigious Premium Lounge at 2020 Club, in the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai, with a new installation project that can be visited from 19 December 2021 to 14 January 2022.
The inspiration for the capsule collection was conceived during the artist’s travels to India and the charm aroused by the vision of the peacock; as a consequence, the artist was energised to conduct some deeper researches on the animal’s behaviour and its fascinating presence. The capsule is an ode to the romantic and seductive beauty of the peacock, only animal that does not possess natural weapons to protect itself and to fight for its survival. However, the peacock chooses to show its tail – noteworthy for its stunning plumage – when facing a danger, as a emblem of its extreme beauty. In consistency with the Designer’s tendency for the extraordinary, his interpretation of Visionnaire’s world comes to life through an allegorical display of the romantic animal, which to him embodies Visionnaire’s unique eye for beauty and meta-luxury.
“A prestigious milestone – says Leopoldo Cavalli, CEO of the Brand – to be at Expo 2020 Dubai in a meeting of cultures with a purpose as important as that of redesigning a better future. This seemed to us to be the best context to present a project that speaks of beauty, a concept that always makes our gaze look high and continues to inspire our collections. This capsule is a contemporary allegory, a persuasive message of hope, that deep and pure beauty will save the world”.
Visionnaire opened its first flagship store in Dubai in November on Jumeirah Beach Road. From December 2021, IPE-Visionnaire became a Benefit Company, defining its business approach as one of promotion of positive values for the community. Benefit companies are for-profit organisations, but also have the objective of bringing shared benefits to the ecosystem of which they are a part and in which they operate, guiding and driving innovation through their activities.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Expo 2020 Dubai surpasses five million visitors
Expo 2020 Dubai has seen a staggering 5,663,960 visits up to 5 December, since it first opened on 1 October, with recent figures buoyed by the UAE’s Golden Jubilee festivities, as well as a raft of spectacular sport, music and cultural performances.
During October and November, a total of 5,383 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state, have graced the Expo site to speak at official events or celebrate their nation’s Expo National Day, with Expo hosting a total of 10,461 events in just the first two months.
During his visit last week, President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron, congratulated Expo 2020 Dubai for “organising this exhibition and making it a success”.
Proving that one day isn’t enough to experience everything Expo 2020 has to offer, six out of 10 visitors (57 per cent) now hold an Expo Season Pass, with the number of repeat visitors in the first two months reaching 1.2 million.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are delighted with the figures, and that so many people chose to celebrate such a momentous occasion, the UAE’s 50th National Day, with us here at Expo 2020 Dubai. Two months in, these numbers are a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in Expo, from the hosting of spectacular events that make people want to visit again and again, to the bringing together of global changemakers on a powerful platform for action and collaboration, and – crucially – to our robust COVID-19 measures, which allow us to accommodate such large numbers in a safe, reassuring manner.”
More than a quarter (28 per cent) of November visitors came from outside the UAE, with the top international visitor countries including India, France, Germany, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the UK.
The Expo School Programme has attracted nearly 250,000 pupils from private and public schools across the UAE who have participated in 10,000 dedicated school journeys encompassing The Legacy of the UAE; World of Opportunities; The Universe in Motion; and The Sustainable Planet, while more talented youngsters have delighted visitors from the stage, as part of Expo’s popular Young Stars and Rising Stars entertainment.
November saw some major crowd-pullers, including the end of Riverdance’s popular run; a spectacular performance from the Accademia Teatro alla Scala; award-winning Pakistani musician Javed Bashir; Egyptian singer Mohamed Hamaki; a KITE (K-Pop in the Emirates) concert and the opportunity to take part in a family fun run with sprint king Usain Bolt.
Other highlights included the Golden Jubilee’s ‘Journey of the 50th’ – a stirring show in Al Wasl dome that skilfully melded the tenacity of the past with the UAE’s visionary present and pioneering future – as well as the ‘The Boy and the Horse’, a 20-minute theatrical production that honoured His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
Expo’s Programme for People and Planet in November continued to attract changemakers from around the world, with two of Expo 2020’s 10 Theme Weeks – Urban & Rural Development Week and Tolerance & Inclusivity Week – as well as a slate of festivities and activities to mark World Children’s Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities and International Volunteer Day pulling in the crowds.
Looking forward, numbers are expected to rise further as Expo’s new AED 95 Festive Pass, on sale until the end of December, gives access to Christmas festivities and more world-class performances, such as Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys’ show at Al Wasl Plaza on 10 December, Academy Award-winning composer and musician A.R. Rahman on the 22 December and Broadway superstar Lea Salonga on 25 December.
In keeping with Expo 2020’s sustainability aims, an impressive amount of people have travelled to the site using RTA transport. During October and November, around 455,000 rides were made to and from the site using taxis, more than 600,000 trips were made on the free Expo Rider bus service, and 2.2 million users entered and exited Expo via the Dubai Metro.
Expo 2020’s virtual visitation rose to an incredible 25 million, driven by the uptake of Live@Expo, which enables visitors to take a bespoke live virtual tour through the site. Virtualexpodubai.com was also honoured by the UK’s Favourite Website Awards (FWA) with the ‘Most Favourite Website Award’ for November 2021.
As the largest major global event to be held since the start of the pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai continues to maintain robust COVID-19 measures, ensuring a safe and exceptional event for all attending. These include the mandatory vaccinations of all Expo and International Participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers, while visitors ages 18 and above must present proof of any vaccination or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours. Face masks are mandatory both indoor and outdoor, and Expo maintains on site sanitisation stations.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
En Route To The Expo: Khalid Elgibali, Division President – MENA, Mastercard
The latest instalment of Dubai Chamber’s En Route to the Expo video series Dubai puts the spotlight on smart payments and advanced transaction technologies that are expected to play much bigger role in the way we live and do business in the future.
The video features Khalid Elgibali, Mastercard Division President – Middle East and North Africa, who elaborates on the company’s role as Expo 2020 Dubai’s Official Payment Technology Partner.
“As Expo 2020 Dubai’s Official Payment Technology Partner, the essence of what we are doing is enabling the payment experiences during expo – whether they’re online or on site – to be safe, secure and fast. But that’s just foundational. I think the higher level thing that we are working on – and enabling as well – relates not to today, but to the future, because technology changes by the day and payment experiences and capabilities also change by the day,“ he said.
Drawing attention to Mastercard’s installation at Expo 2020 Dubai – the Priceless Cube – he said feature demonstrates how the power of payment technology will be harnessed to make life safer, easier and more connected for all.
“We are taking the Expo as an opportunity to invite our guests and partners to take a look at the future, to cast their sight years ahead and say, ‘What can it possibly look like, what is possible?’ And we’re doing that by inviting them to experience a multi-sensory experience in what we call our ‘Priceless Cube.’ This gives them a glimpse of the future and what can happen across emerging technologies and in payments specifically, of course,” added Elgibali.
Launched in conjunction with Entrepreneur Middle East, Dubai Chamber’s En route to the Expo series has been established to provide a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to highlight their contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai, of which the chamber is the Official Business Integration Partner. The series was launched as part of the Business Connect platform – a dedicated information initiative established to help commercial enterprises in Dubai and the UAE navigate the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
ATS leaving its mark at Expo 2020
Expo 2020 has finally opened its doors. It is the beginning of a new era. As part of its slogan “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” Expo 2020 Dubai wants to bring people together through creativity, innovation, and cooperation between countries, cultures, and institutions to develop shared solutions for the future.We are certain that the UAE Expo will go down in history, and we are confident that all positive things will come out of it, not just for UAE but for the entire world. Expo is open to people of all races, religions, and nationalities. It is a celebration of human diversity and should inspire all of us.
There was no question that Al Tayer Stocks (ATS) had a presence at Expo. In fact, they successfully delivered three projects. In addition to the interior fit out of Talabat as well as Siemens Experience Centre, the ATS Building division built the impressive Irish Pavilion.
The Talabat kitchen at the Expo will be the main cloud kitchen for Talabat. ATS were appointed under a traditional contract with Bluehaus as the ID and MEP consultants.
The Siemens Experience Centre is a new 900-meter square office/experience showcase centre fit-out on level 3 of office building C located in Al Wasl Plaza of Expo 2020. The construction of Ireland’s pavilion for Dubai Expo 2020 includes internal gross floor area of 575m² and external gross floor area of 320m². The project included civil, structural, architectural, and façade works as well as all MEP requirements.
ATS are excited of what EXPO will bring to the UAE and therefore are keen to ensure their people experience it. ATS have created an initiative for its operatives giving them the opportunity to visit EXPO for just 1 AED.
ATS is proud to have contributed to such an incredible and huge initiative and wishes it great success in the coming months.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Expo 2020 Dubai will be a Vision of the Connected Cities of the Future: Helmut Von Struve, CEO Siemens Middle East
Expo 2020 Dubai will be a vision of the connected cities of the future, with the global mega-event the ideal platform to bring together the very best smart city concepts under one roof. That was the message delivered by Helmut Von Struve, CEO Siemens Middle East.
Speaking during the latest installment of ‘En Route to the Expo’ video, an initiative of Dubai Chamber, the chief executive outlined how the forthcoming expo’s status as one of the first mega events to take place following the coronavirus outbreak puts it in a uniquely significant position, as it gives the world a post-pandemic starting point to usher in a new era.
“Expo 2020, Dubai will be the biggest major global event to take place physically after the pandemic. We have 192 participating nations and we expect to see the world come together again and to look into the future, to exchange ideas and to showcase innovations, technology and a connected vision for the future going forward,” said Von Struve.
Discussing how Expo 2020 Dubai will offer the opportunity to explore how some connectivity concepts are already becoming a practical reality in Dubai and across the UAE, Von Struve cited The Sustainable City, the Al Maktoum Solar Park and Masdar City as prime examples of how interconnected ecosystems, smart buildings and industries work together, and where the power of the Internet of Things allows for more informed decision making.
“Siemens, the premier partner for infrastructure digitalisation, is creating nothing less than a blueprint for smart cities – cities where buildings, houses, electrical networks, security systems and power sources all talk to each other via the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence,” he said.
“The idea behind smart cities is to enhance people’s comfort and convenience, safety and security, and to do so in a more environmentally sustainable way that reduces pollution and shrinks our carbon footprint. Expo 2020 will be a rare opportunity for both Siemens and Dubai to demonstrate what we and the world are capable of achieving,” he added.
At a time when the need for a collective response to essential global challenges is needed more than ever, Expo 2020 will leverage the convening power of World Expos and the UAE’s unique position as a global nexus to bring together 192 countries and millions of visitors, to inspire meaningful change and create a brighter future for us all.
Dubai Chamber is the Official Business Integration Partner for Expo 2020 Dubai and is commencing its programme of activities on the sidelines of the event.
Dubai Chamber’s videos released as part of its ‘En Route to the Expo’ and Business Connect series, can be viewed here, or on the websites and social media channels of Dubai Chamber and Entrepreneur Middle East.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
The Indian Pavilion at Expo 2020 will display resurgent India’s match to becoming a $5 Trillion economy
The India Pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai starting October 1, 2021, is set to showcase a resurgent India’s march to becoming a USD 5 Trillion economy in the post-covid world. The Pavilion which is a technology marvel will not only capture the vibrant Indian culture and its past but also the capabilities and opportunities that it presents as a global economic hub to the domestic as well as the foreign investors.
Outlining the overarching theme of India’s participation at the six-month Expo 2020 Dubai running up to March 2022, Shri B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, Secretary, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India said that: “India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase resurgent India’s march to becoming a USD 5 Trillion economy. India’s exceptional fightback against COVID-19 and the country’s emergence as a global business hub presenting huge opportunities for the world will be the overarching theme of India’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
The India pavilion will see participation from number of Indian states who will be displaying their culture, tradition and tremendous business opportunities along with the top corporate groups from India, and the public sector companies. Large number of prominent government ministers, officials, celebrities are set to visit India pavilion during the six months of Expo 2020, which will also host number of cultural events.
Shri Subrahmanyam said: “At Expo 2020 Dubai, the India Pavilion is ready to showcase the face of an India rising on the pillar of sustainability along with opportunity and mobility — a nation ready to lead the world’s future.”
The Pavilion will exhibit the country’s cultural diversity, ancient treasures, achievements, and leading opportunities with cutting-edge technologies. One of the largest pavilions at the Expo 2020 Dubai, India Pavilion will feature an innovative kinetic façade made up of 600 individual colourful blocks. It is developed as a mosaic of rotating panels that will depict different themes as they rotate on their axis. It represents the theme of ‘India on the move’ and is a unique amalgam of the rich heritage and technological advances of the nation.
As India celebrates 75 years of its independence, the India Pavilion will mirror the celebrations of Amrut Mahotsav, which was launched by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India and will bring to the world the New India through many activities and cultural extravaganzas.
The entire four-storey structure is divided into two parts. The zones are identified based on 11 primary themes – Climate and Biodiversity, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Tolerance and Inclusivity, Golden Jubilee, Knowledge and Learning, Travel and Connectivity, Global Goals, Health and Wellness, Food Agriculture and Livelihoods and Water.
The India Pavilion will also be hosting and co-creating leadership discussions, international trade conferences, and seminars to explore opportunities to partner with other participating nations.
At the India Pavilion, the visitors will also get the chance to witness star-studded nights, multiple cultural shows, Indian festivals celebration and relish the Indian delicacies.
The specially designed logo of India’s participation has been created to give a new holistic global brand experience to India’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai. The logo’s circular form represents unity, commitment and the community which forms the central pillars of India; and signifies continuity and evolving lifecycles in one of the world’s most vibrant democracies and fastest-growing business centres.
The logo design showcases the chakra (wheel), which reflects strength, courage and progressive movement. The colours have been taken from the Indian flag, where Saffron symbolises strength and courage; White indicates peace and truth; and Green represents fertility, growth, and auspiciousness.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));
Expo 2020 Dubai to create far-reaching economic benefits, says Cisco MD
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to create huge tangible and intangible economic benefits for the emirate and the wider region, with new and expanded infrastructure serving business communities and societies for the long-term, says Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Gulf Region, Cisco.
“What’s fascinating is the sheer scale of Expo 2020. We are talking about vast investments in infrastructure. District 2020 – as the site will be known after Expo 2020 – will retain more than 80 percent of the infrastructure built as it transitions into a human-centric mixed-use and fully integrated community for businesses, residents and tourists alike. As a ‘city of firsts’, District 2020 will become a global hub for innovation that brings together an inclusive and diverse community of stakeholders to accelerate the future of industries and technologies. Ultimately, the site was designed to create a more resilient, smarter and sustainable urban environment that lives on after the six-month event. Job creation is another aspect of Expo 2020 legacy, not only for the sake of the event itself, but also to benefit Dubai, the UAE and the wider region for years to come. The benefits of Expo 2020 will be felt long after the last day of the event,” said Eid.
At a time when the need for a collective response to essential global challenges is needed more than ever, Expo 2020 will leverage the convening power of World Expos and the UAE’s unique position as a global nexus to bring together 191 countries and millions of visitors, to inspire meaningful change and create a brighter future for us all.
One of the first events of this scale to take place since the start of the pandemic, and the first World Expo ever held in the MEASA region, the six-month experience will be a beacon of hope for the global business community.
It represents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses of all sizes, international organisations and government entities from across the world, to come together to foster a more diversified and resilient global economy, inspire a vibrant business environment and drive sustainable growth.
Eid’s comments came during the latest installment of the “En Route to Expo” video series run as part of the Business Connect platform, launched by Dubai Chamber in partnership with Entrepreneur Middle East.
“At Cisco, we are proud to be playing a role in enabling one of the most technologically advanced expos in the event’s history. We were fortunate to be appointed as the Official Digital Network Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai back in 2018. Since then, we have truly moved full speed ahead to build on the promise of making Expo 2020 Dubai a highly immersive, informative and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he added.
The “En Route to Expo” series provides a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to highlight their contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai and discuss its impact and legacy.
(function(d, s, id) {
var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];
if (d.getElementById(id)) return;
js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id;
js.src = “//connect.facebook.net/en_US/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.5&appId=https://www.facebook.com/designmiddleeast”;
fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);
}(document, ‘script’, ‘facebook-jssdk’));