In pics: Sheikh Mohammed inspects progress at Dubai Expo 2020 site

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum inspected work progress at the Expo 2020 site on Tuesday, even as the event nears a one-year countdown to its start.

The six-month long event, which opens doors its on October 20, 2020, features pavilions representing 195 countries.

The UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai was presented an overview of different pavilions participating in the global gathering including the UAE pavilion, which draws its architectural vibes from Emirati heritage.

Reem Ebrahim Al Hashimi, director general of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, also highlighted promotional efforts to spread knowledge about Expo 2020 locally and abroad.

Sheikh Mohammed underlined the importance of “intensifying efforts to make the world gathering a success that reflects the progressive development of the UAE”, Dubai Media Office reported.

He also thanked the Expo 2020 team members for their work to “ensure a success worthy of the grand event”.

Expo 2020 Dubai, the first world expo to be held in the MENASA ( Middle East, North Africa and South Asia region) expects to attract 25 million visitors during its six-month run from October 2020 until April 2021.

More than 70 per cent of visitors are projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos.

Also read: Dubai Expo 2020 ticket prices revealed

The expo is expected to add Dhs122.6bn ($33.4bn) to the UAE’s economy between 2013 and 2031, according to a study conducted by consultancy EY.

In May, Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer, told Reuters that all major projects were on track for completion by year end.

In terms of legacy, more than 80 per cent of the Expo-built environment will be converted to District 2020, an integrated mixed-use community, after the event.