EXPO-2021 in Dubai

About Expo 2020 in Dubai - features of the global exhibition, themed events, pavilions, where it will be held, how much a ticket costs.

EXPO 2020 is a global event that will attract a huge number of tourists from all over the world. Before visiting the exhibition, tourists are advised to prepare for their trip to Dubai and think in advance about moving around the city and renting an apartment or a hotel room. It is also important to buy the right type of ticket for the exhibition, as well as passing your PCR test before departure and much more. This article contains all the necessary information for tourists who want to visit the highly anticipated EXPO 2020 in Dubai.

The main goal of EXPO-2020 is to gather representatives of different countries around the world and have them in one place, in order to develop a strategy for further development. Countries’ representatives will work together to find solutions to make the world around us safer and cleaner. The Programme for People and Planet is a necessary platform for the free exchange of experience, innovative ideas and the search for solutions to current world problems

The total area of the EXPO-2020 complex is 1.7 sq. mi. The complex is located in the Dubai South area, which is only a 25-minute drive from Al Maktoum International Airport. Dubai International Airport is 40 minutes’ away.

Visitors can get to the EXPO-2020 complex in several ways:

• Metro. This is the fastest way to get to the EXPO 2020 site. A special metro line Route Expo 2020 was developed so that visitors could conveniently and quickly get to the exhibition complex. The Dubai Metro Route 2020 has 7 stations (Jabal Ali, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Al Furjan, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai Investments Park and Expo 2020), 6 of which are already open. The Jumeirah Golf Estates station will open in early October. As previously reported, the capacity of the Expo 2020 metro station will be approximately 35,000-47,000 visitors daily in both directions.
• Expo Rider buses. There will be 580 free buses specifically launched for visitors of Expo 2020. The buses will be equipped with low floors, ramps and seats for the disabled. The system of information announcements are designed not only in the format of the hearing, but also visualized, and will be broadcast in both Arabic and English. Bus stop locations will be announced closer to the exhibition.
• Taxi. You can order a taxi through the following special online services: Uber, Careem, RTA Dubai and so on.
• Car. If you plan to rent a car and not be dependent on public transportation, the average rental cost will be about AED 100 (USD 28) per day for 2 adults (KIA Picanto) and AED 600 (USD 163) for 5 adults (Chevrolet Aveo). The Exposite will be accessible via the Expo Rd, Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Rd and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, which will be marked by clear road signs, for those visiting the emirate for the first time.

In addition, it is worth noting that the organizers of the event have provided 4 parking areas for 26,000 cars, as well as separate spaces for Nissan vehicle owners (preferential parking from the event sponsor, located closer to the gates in the Mobility and Sustainability zones). In addition, there will be separate parking areas for owners of electric cars, with a recharging station.

The parking system is equipped with stands that read parking tickets with QR codes, which will allow you to quickly find where your car is parked, in case you get lost. There will also be a shuttle service from the parking lot to the exhibition venue. In addition, valet service will be available for drivers, on a first-come, first-served basis, for AED 95 (USD 26).

The world exhibition EXPO 2020 will be held in Dubai from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Ten thematic weeks are planned within the framework of the Programme for People and Planet, during which current issues and opportunities of the modern world will be studied:

1. Climate & biodiversity week (management of climate change and protection of biodiversity) - October 3-9, 2021.
2. Space week (safe and productive exploration of the space) - October 17-23, 2021.
3. Urban & Rural development week (life in harmony with our planet) - October 31 - November 6, 2021.
4. Tolerance and inclusivity week (tolerant and inclusive society) - November 14-20, 2021.
5. Knowledge & learning week (preparedness for the future) - December 12-18, 2021.
6. Travel & connectivity week (balance between the impact of digital world expansion and our physical reality) - January 9-15, 2022.
7. Global goals week (better world in 2030) - January 16-22, 2022.
8. Health & wellness week (creation of a healthy and happy world) - January 23-29, 2022 (part 1) and January 30 - February 5, 2022 (part 2).
9. Food, agriculture & livelihoods week (sustainable growing of food to meet future demand) - February 13-19, 2022 (part 1) and February 20-26, 2022 (part 2).
10. Water week (protection of our most precious resource) - March 20-26, 2022.

More than 190 countries will take part in the EXPO 2020 exhibition and each state will have its own pavilion. Here are some of the most interesting pavilions and countries that will be taking part in the exhibition.

The Brazil Pavilion is located in the thematic zone “Sustainability District”. The architects of the pavilion are JPG. ARQ, MMBB and Ben-Aid. Visitors will be able to visit the recreated Amazon basin with flora and fauna. Even the sounds and smells of the Amazon River will be recreated in the pavilion. There will be a gift shop, a restaurant and a cafe, as well as an area for lectures and exhibitions in the same vicinity.

The pavilion of Singapore is located in the “Sustainability District”. Nature and architecture come together in the Singapore Pavilion, the architectural structure of which is the WOHA company. The use of primary electricity in an immersive three-dimensional green space is reduced to zero, due to a self-sustaining ecosystem.

Visitors will be able to enjoy a walk in Ground Garden, Garden Cones and Hanging Garden. The central objects of the pavilion are a series of sculptural Garden Cones. Visitors can also go to the Sky Market - a multifunctional open terrace cooled with fine aerosol.

The pavilion of the Republic of Korea is situated in the thematic zone of the “Mobility District”. The architect of the space is the Mooyuki Architects company. Visitors of the pavilion can take experimental walks with mobile guides to get acquainted with the architecture in virtual reality mode. The facade of the pavilion is constantly changing throughout the day. In addition, there is a kinetic installation, which interacts with the audience and the environment.

The pavilion of the UAE is located in the “Opportunity District” and was designed by the architect Santiago Calatrava. The pavilion is made in the form of a flying falcon and includes four floors with a total area of 161,458 sq. ft. The complex will host exhibitions demonstrating the culture and achievements of the UAE, as well as a special hospitality space on the top floor. The pavilion will introduce visitors to the culture and history of the nation and the ambitious plans of the country's leaders for the future.

The German Pavilion is located in the thematic zone of the “Sustainability District”. The architect is LAVA. On the territory of the pavilion there is a restaurant with German cuisine, a stage that will host entertainment and cultural events, as well as exhibition and thematic areas: The Energy Lab, The Future City Lab, The Biodiversity Lab and the Culture Lab. The Culture lab will offer dances of various genres, fine arts, games, science, music and sports. In addition, this laboratory will house the atrium of the pavilion, where events will be held every day.

Children and teenagers are allowed to enter the territory of the Expo 2020 exhibition complex only if accompanied by adults. Adults must have a valid ID card with them. Purchased tickets are non-refundable and non-transferable after the first use. During the first visit to the EXPO 2020 complex, the ticket holder will be photographed for further identification during the next visits.

During the days of large numbers of visitors, it is necessary and advisable to pre-book a visit through the Expo-2020 website or a mobile application. The possibility of visiting will depend on the capacity of the site.
Visitors under the age of 18, students, inclusive people and those over 60 can attend the exhibition for free. You can only obtain a ticket when you enter the Expo 2020 area and cannot be booked online.

The ticket price for accompanying visitors from the "People of Determination" category will receive a 50% discount.

This type of ticket gives the right to a single entry visit to the exhibition during the period from October 1 2021 to March 31 2022. The owner of a 1-Day Ticket receives ten tickets in the Smart Queue system per day to all pavilions and attractions. It is possible to upgrade the ticket category to a multi-day or season ticket on the day of your visit or earlier.

• Adults (18-59 years) - from AED 95 (USD 27.43)
• Disability companion - AED 45 (USD 12.99)

This type of ticket gives the holder the right to unlimited access to the exhibition for thirty consecutive days from the first day of use during the period from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022. The Multi-Day Pass holder receives ten tickets in the Smart Queue system per day to all pavilions and attractions. It is possible to upgrade the ticket category to a season ticket during the entire validity period of the ticket.

• Adults (18-59 years) - from AED 195 (USD 56.3)
• Disability companion - AED 95 (USD 27.43)

This type of ticket entitles you to unlimited visits to the exhibition during all six months (October 1 2021 - March 31 2022) of the event. The Season Pass holder receives ten tickets in the Smart Queue system per day to all pavilions and attractions.

• Adults (18-59 years) - from AED 495 (USD 142.91)
• Disability companion - AED 245 (USD 70.73)

This type of ticket entitles you to unlimited visit to the exhibition for all six months, from October 1 2021 to March 31 2022. The holders of the Family Package receive ten tickets in the Smart Queue system per day to all pavilions and attractions. The price of the ticket is AED 1,007 (USD 274). Family Package includes:

• 2 Season Passes for adults (18-59)
• 1 Season Pass for Nanny
• 1 Photograph - Advance Purchase Voucher
• 25% discount on five Multi-Day Passes

You can buy tickets on the official website of EXPO-2020 (expo2020dubai.com). In addition, tickets can be purchased at the main entrance gate of the EXPO 2020 exhibition and from 2,500 authorized ticket sales representatives, including hotel groups, online tour operators, travel agents and airlines from across the world.

The master plan of EXPO 2020 in Dubai is divided into 3 areas (Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity) and 3 pavilion types (Terra, Alif and Mission Possible). Different kinds of pavilions include country pavilions, partner pavilions, organization pavilions and special pavilions.

The first district in EXPO 2020 is the SustainabilityDistrict. This thematic zone offers visitors the experience to take a walk under the trees that condense solar energy in an environmentally friendly atmosphere. Visitors will be able to explore the coral reefs where the hamour fish lives. In addition, cultural, musical and theatrical performances will be held in this pavilion.

The second district is the MobilityDistrict. Here visitors can ride in a driverless car, learn about the latest developments in the field of space research, such as the UAE National Space Programme and the Emirates Mars Mission, and get acquainted with advanced mobile technologies.

The third district is the OpportunityDistrict. Visitors will be able to meet people and innovators from different countries, discover their own potential, exchange ideas and experiences. Activities designed to empower young people will be organized in this sector.

The first group of pavilions are country pavilions. For the first time in the history of the World Expo, each of the 191 participating countries will have its own pavilion.

The second group is partner pavilions. These pavilions will look to the future with the help of experience, knowledge and innovation. There are three partner pavilions in EXPO 2020:

• DP World Pavilion in the thematic zone of “Opportunity District” in which the architect’s are Yaghmour Architects. Visitors will be able to see a giant model of a digital waterfall and attend a seminar on sustainable development - FlowLab. In the pavilion, you will be able to complete a dynamic quest for connecting logistics supply chains.
• The Emirates Pavilion in the thematic zone of “Opportunity District”. The architect for this pavilion is Pulse Group. In the Future Lab, visitors can test innovative metal and composite materials of the future, which will improve the flight qualities of aircraft. In addition, visitors will be able to get acquainted with the basic principles of aerodynamics and aviation.
• ENOC Pavilion in the “Opportunity District”. The architect is Jack Morton. This pavilion is a platform for the exchange of knowledge between industry experts and colleagues. Visitors will be able to learn the principles of operation of nuclear energy.

The third group is organisation pavilions. There are six organisation pavilions in EXPO 2020:

• African Union Pavilion. Here, visitors can listen to the speeches of great African leaders and visit sound booths to explore Africa.
• Dubai Cares Pavilion. This is a movement to ensure access to education for the younger generation of developing countries. Dubai Cares is launching “The future is Human” global advocacy campaign at EXPO 2020 Dubai.
• Gulf Cooperation Council Pavilion. In this pavilion, you can get acquainted with the achievements of the organization and learn about the general history and culture.
• Investment Corporation of Dubai Pavilion which is the main investment branch of Dubai’s government.
• League of Arab States Pavilion. Here visitors will be able to learn about famous Arab athletes and Arabic music of different countries and eras.
• Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Pavilion. Visitors to the pavilion will be able to undergo IQRA' learning to reconsider their views on the Islamic world.

The fourth group is special pavilions. There are five special pavilions in EXPO 2020:

• The Good Place Pavilion by Expo Live. The pavilion will inspire and support those who create their own perspective projects.
• Alif - The Mobility District. Here there is the largest passenger elevator in the world, which is able to transport more than 160 people at a time. A special track located in and around the pavilion demonstrates the advanced means of transportation in action. In the pavilion, visitors will be able to create their own robot or design a spaceship.
• Mission Possible - Opportunity District. Here you will be inspired by the example of Mariam, Abel and Mother Fatima, who were able to make the world a better place with small actions. The concept of the pavilion is based on city squares as a place for communication of different people.
• Terra - The Sustainability District. Visitors will be able to walk among the roots of forest trees, dive into the depths of the ocean and see what damage is being done to the Earth. 4,912 solar panels and 18 Energy Trees are installed on the pavilion canopy.
• Women’s Pavilion. Here, visitors will learn about the contribution of women to the world heritage and the problems faced by women around the world.

Against the background of the coronavirus pandemic, precautions such as thermal imaging cameras at the entrances to check visitors temperature, mandatory wearing of masks, social distancing (at least two meters) and regular cleaning and disinfection will be taken on the territory of the EXPO-2020 exhibition complex. Special personnel will also be stationed on the territory of the exhibition complex to provide emergency medical care.

For a more comfortable and prepared visit to all the events, it is recommended that visitors install the Expo-2020 application on their smartphones in advance, to track the occupancy rate of visitors.

It is worth noting that vaccination is not a mandatory measure for attending the event. The only point is that before flying to Dubai, as well as upon arrival, you will need to take a PCR test.

A large number of entertainment programmes have been prepared for EXPO 2020 visitors: opera, street festivals, theater performances, parades, celebration of national days and performances of various music acts. Several of the most exciting entertainment events are:

• A group of robots performing the famous works of Beethoven in the German pavilion.
• Al Wasl Plaza Garden and immersive show with lighting effects.
• A cooking show at the Talabat restaurant, where more than thirty concepts will be demonstrated in an ultra-modern kitchen.

There will be family zones, parks and playgrounds for children on the territory of the exhibition complex. EXPO 2020 visitors will also have the opportunity to attend the bright event - Jalsat Nights. Jalsat is a vibrant Khaleeji-led jam session. Many artists will join musicians from other cultures in order to make a great show. Jalsat Nights schedule at EXPO 2020 is the following:

• 12 October 2021 - 20:30 — 22:30
• 8 November 2021 - 20:30 — 22:30
• 6 December 2021 - 20:30 — 22:30
• 12 January 2022 - 20:30 — 22:30
• 9 February 2022 - 20:30 — 22:30
• 15 March 2022 - 20:30 — 22:30

If you are planning to rent, we recommend considering areas such as Dubai Sports City, Dubai South, Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali. They are all located about 15-25 minutes’ away and offer furnished apartment rentals priced from AED 2,300 (USD 630) per month or AED 150 (USD 41) per day. Residents will have access to many of the complex's amenities, including spa treatments, fitness centers, pools, gyms and more. Some of the nearby complexes include:

• In the MAG 5 Boulevard complex, daily rent for a 1-2BR apartment will start from AED 250 (USD 68) and monthly rent will cost AED 4,500 (USD 1,225). Located in Dubai South Villages, 7 km away from the Expo 2020 site, the complex offers an array of amenities including swimming pools, restaurants, retail spaces and much more.
• The Pulse offers 1-3BR apartments for rent from AED 180 (USD 49) to AED 500 (USD 136) per day. Monthly rentals range from AED 4,500 (USD 1,225) to AED 10,000 (USD 2,750). The Pulse is also located in Dubai South, with a full range of services for a comfortable stay.

For those who prefer the option of hotel accommodation, it is worth noting that the only hotel that will be located on the territory of the city is Rove Expo 2020 which will be situated on the Al Wasl Plaza. The cost of accommodation in the hotel will be AED 1,100 (USD 300) per night from October.

You can also consider hotel accommodation options in Dubai Investments Park, which include the Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park, Maisan Hotel and Fortune Park Hotel. The minimum price for accommodation in the Premier Inn Dubai Investments Park constitutes AED 181 (USD 49) per night, in Maisan Hotel - AED 161 (USD 44) per night, and in Fortune Park Hotel - AED 202 (USD 55).