Dubai Expo 2020 site to be completed ‘well before’ start of event

Dubai is set to complete construction of the Expo 2020 site “well before” the start of the mega event, officials have told the emirate’s ruler.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who is also UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, paid a visit to the Expo 2020 site on Monday, Dubai Media Office reported.

“Sheikh Mohammed was given updates on the significant progress made by the Expo 2020 real estate and development team. Construction is well placed to be completed well before the event’s opening in 2020,” according to the announcement.

During the visit, the ruler affirmed the importance of youth to the expo’s success.

“Sheikh Zayed directed us that youth should be supported and motivated to participate in the process of nation building. Today, the youth represent a top priority for the UAE. This approach has enabled us to achieve a leading status among the developed nations of the world and made us a frontrunner in shaping the future,” he said.

A new visitor centre was opened to students in October at the Expo 2020 site in Dubai. It offers Dubai school students various interactive activities, allowing them to visualise what the event will look like in 2020.

Read: Expo 2020 Dubai opens new visitor centre for students

Under the wider plan, 80 per cent of the Expo-built structures on site will be retained as part of District 2020, an integrated community that will be a new destination in the city of Dubai.

The new development is set to open in late 2021.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

More than 200 participants, including 180 nations, corporations, multinational organisations and educational institutions, are expected to take part in the event, which runs from October 20, 2020 until April 10, 2021.

Read: Drone video: Expo 2020 Dubai takes shape

The event is projected to record 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors anticipated to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion in the history of World Expos.