A Guide to Dubai Expo 2020 – Everything You Need to Know!
The Dubai Expo is currently the world’s largest and most costly exhibition, with a whopping US$8 billion price tag and in case you’ve been living under a rock, it’s taking place right now!
If you’re looking for an interesting and exotic destination to visit, this is definitely it. Check out our Ultimate Dubai Travel Guide with itinerary to help you navigate Dubai seamlessly.
With its modern architecture, fascinating culture, and delicious food, Dubai is a city that has something for everyone. And of course, the Expo will be packed with exhibits and events that will allow you to experience just about all of it.
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So without further ado, here’s all the information you need to know before you go.
Dubai Expo 2020: What Is It?
Simply put –
Dubai Expo 2020 is a six-month, 180-day event held under the theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. The Expo will be a celebration of human ingenuity and innovation, with over 190 participating countries.
The Expo begins on October 1st, 2021 and ends on March 31st, 2022. It has been expected to attract 25 million visitors from 200 different countries.
Dubai has recently endured a difficult time in terms of economy and financial crisis. Originally expected to take place in 2020, the date was pushed back a year in order to give Dubai some time to recover.
The Expo is being hosted between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. It’s near Dubai’s southern border with Abu Dhabi.
There will be a total of 200 pavilions on display, 191 of those from countries and organizations, while 9 will be dedicated to corporate participants.
The Expo is spread across over 1082 acres, including a 222 acre site for the main pavilion, which will be designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava.
Who is the Expo for?
Dubai Expo 2020 will be a family event. Whether you’re traveling alone or with your significant other, there will be something for everyone in terms of the sheer number of exhibits and events on display.
If you’re bringing children in tow, there will be plenty of activities and games to keep them busy.
You can also expect an array of world-class musical and theatrical performances throughout the Expo.
If you’re a design lover, check out the Expo’s segment on fashion. This will be where fashion designers from different countries around the world present their latest designs.
If you’re an architecture enthusiast, this is the event for you. The Expo will be held over 1082 acres and featuring a number of famous architectural designs, including Santiago Calatrava’s Grand Pavilion – pictured firstly above.
Before going to the Expo
Do not attend the Expo if you have any COVID-19-related health problems, are under quarantine or self-quarantine rules, or have been in close bodily contact with someone who has been identified as COVID-19 positive.
Entry requirements for visitors ages 18 and above
If you have been vaccinated, you must submit proof of at least one dose of any COVID vaccine recognized by any participating country or the World Health Organization.
If you haven’t been vaccinated, you must have a PCR test certificate that was issued within the last 72 hours.
You’ll need to schedule your appointment for the PCR test at least one day ahead of time, as results can take up to ten hours to come back. You will not be permitted on the premises without a negative PCR result.
Eligible for a free PCR test
Unvaccinated visitors who are over 18 years old and have the following ticket types are eligible for a free PCR test at the DHA Expo 2020 Testing Facility:
- 1-Day Ticket – maximum of 3 free RT-PCR tests
- Multi-Day Pass – maximum of 3 free RT-PCR tests
Not eligible for a complimentary PCR test
Below are the people who can’t get a free PCR test:
- Visitors who are fully or partially vaccinated with one dose.
- Season Pass Holders, including Jubilee Experience, Premium Experience, and the Family Package
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) has built a five-lane PCR testing facility, as well as a centre that can do 10,000 tests each day. You’ll get your results within 4 hours.
Safety and Transportation
To guarantee the greatest levels of security, the Dubai Police are employing cutting-edge smart gadgets. An artificial intelligence (AI) system allows the police to tackle any emergency situation within a minute.
Free Shuttles
To avoid traffic congestion, all visitors are advised to travel by public transport. The Dubai Metro Expo 2020 have been operating since day one of the Expo. The metro line connects seven stops and is a convenient way for visitors to get around the Expo as well as several other areas of Dubai.
The RTA (Roads and Transport Authority) has also deployed a fleet of 126 buses from nine stations to transport Expo visitors. Shuttle buses will also be available to transport people between hotels and the Expo site.
These are the Top 10 Hotels In Dubai With Free Shuttle Service.
Tickets and Hours of Operation
The Expo is open 7 days a week, with pavilions open daily from 10am to 10pm so there is no need to worry about not being able to visit on a specific day. Refer to the table below for hours of operation.
| DAYS | TIME |
| SATURDAY – WEDNESDAY | 9AM- 12 AM MIDNIGHT, LAST ENTRY AT 11PM |
| THURSDAY – FRIDAY | 9AM – 2 AM OVERNIGHT, LAST ENTRY AT 1AM |
There are different types of tickets for the Expo, depending on what type of experience you are looking for.
If you are looking for a one-day experience, then the 1-Day Ticket is the right option for you. If you want to visit the Expo multiple days, then the Multi-Day Pass is a better option.
There are also Season Passes available for people who want to take a longer visit. These passes come with different privileges, such as free PCR tests and Jubilee Experience access.
You can get your tickets online HERE, or on site at booths designated for tickets.
Can You Shop In Dubai Expo?
Dubai Expo is a great place to do some shopping! There are plenty of stores to choose from, and you can find everything from clothes and accessories to electronics and home goods.
The opening of the first Expo retail store has made it even easier to get your hands on official Expo 2020 Dubai merchandise.
Located at Global Village in Dubai, products on sale at the store include the hugely popular Expo wristbands, camel soap personal care products, sustainably produced apparel, and collector’s items such as gold and silver commemorative coins.
Other locations around the UAE, such as ENOC’s Zoom shops, Carrefour and Splash, as well as nine Dubai Duty Free stores in Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central, offer Expo branded items.
Expo’s mascots will also be on hand to take photos with and learn more about the biggest event in the Arab World.
Where To Stay for the Dubai Expo 2020?
Dubai is home to the world’s finest hotels, with over 6,000 options scattered throughout its vast metropolis.
The host city has also made it easy for visitors to find accommodations that are within walking distance of Expo 2020 Dubai.
If you’re searching for a budget-friendly option, check out the Top 11 Closet Hotels to Dubai Expo 2020 under $100. Or if you’d rather stay in style, we’ve hunted online for the Top 10 Hotels In Dubai With Free Shuttle Service that offer value for money.
What To Do Outside of The Expo?
One of the most popular tourist attractions in Dubai is Ski Dubai, which will be open for visitors during Expo 2020.
Located at Mall of the Emirates, Ski Dubai is part of the world’s largest indoor snow park with two slopes that are 1,400m (4,593ft) long and 85m (279ft).
The park also has a variety of activities for those who don’t want to ski, such as bumper cars and mini-golfing.
Don’t forget to take a short ride to the Dubai Eye. Known as the London Eye Killer, the Dubai Eye which is 328ft high, offers an unforgettable view of the cityscape.
What To Eat in Dubai Expo?
Dubai is known for its international cuisine, and there are plenty of restaurants to choose from within walking distance of Expo 2020 Dubai.
From Indian curries to Italian pasta dishes, the host city has the best of the world’s restaurants.
If you’re looking for a quick meal, Dubai has plenty of options, too! From local snacks to fast food chains, there are plenty of low-cost options around the Expo site.
What Happens To The Pavilions After Dubai Expo? Does it all go to waste?
The Expo 2020 Dubai site will live on after the Expo is done in March 2022.
It will transition into what will be called District 2020. This sustainable, people-centric smart city will reuse at least 80% of the Expo-built infrastructure, including LEED Gold and Platinum-certified structures.
Conclusion
Dubai Expo 2020 is set to be one of the most exciting events in the Arab World, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.
With plenty of shopping, dining, and sightseeing options available, as well as a variety of accommodations to choose from, planning a visit to Dubai Expo is easy.
And don’t forget the amazing pavilions that will be on display! After the Expo is over, the site will be turned into District 2020, a sustainable smart city. So make sure to put Dubai Expo 2020 on your calendar!
Now get out there and enjoy this wonderful city. Always remember, Wherever You Go, Don’t Forget to Wander!
References:
Check the up-to-date CDC Guidelines for travel to the UAE.
