DUBAI EXPO 2020

By : Hassan Zubair

In United Arab Emirates, Dubai is one of the multi-national cities currently hosting World Expo 2020.The event was originally scheduled for 20^th October 2020 to 10^th April 2021 but due to the severe Covid-19 pandemic wave that spread across the World forced the experts to postpone it to 1^st October 2021 to 31th March 2022. Even though the event was postponed the organizers decided to keep the name Expo 2020 for marketing and branding purposes. It was planned in 2013 by the Bureau International Des Expositions (BIE) general assembly, Paris .Inspired by the Expo 2015 held in Milan, Italy this project cost $6.8 billion. So according to the correspondents of iPak present in Dubai this event meant a great deal for Arabs in UAE . The site of approximately 1083 acres (438-hectare), located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi was being set-up by engineers in such a way that it’s like a maze. As if the whole world is shrunk into that area presenting its culture and latest innovations.

The entire infrastructure was built by ORASCOM and BESIX, one of the top multi-national companies in the world .The site is designed in such a way that couple of hotels are also situated all around the Exhibition Center. Each hotel has 312 rooms with 20 suites and roof top swimming pools and restraunts. Celebrities from around the World have been making guest appearances almost every day .Many inspiring figures like Christiano Ronaldo , Muniba Mazari , Malala Yousaf Zai have spoken to the millions gathered to watch and hear what they had to say .

The opening ceremony was one of its kind. Around 2.5 million people visited the arena on the very first day. Each country presented itself in a way like never before since such a historic platform is provided by the Arabs of Emirates .Previously the metro rail line was till UAE Exchange center but since the Expo 2020 was to be right in the middle of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, new Metro stations were built so that people can easily travel by means of Metro train easily however the charges for the NOL cards (metro cards) were raised by 1^st October 2021. That didn’t matter to the people at all and millions of them gather each day after buying the tickets for 150 AED- 250 AED.

The basic theme of 192 pavilions, of countries and organizations from around the world, holds the ideas of sustainability, mobility and opportunity. One of our allies, Azerbaijan was representing its growth in sustainability. It has the theme of seeds of future designed by Simmetrico. Whereas our Pakistan’s pavilion was situated in 31000 sq. feet designed by Al-Jabal Engineering showing the potential of legacy, Pakistan Culture and Heritage Centre. On the other hand Turkey represented itself with the sub theme of sustainability .The Turkish Airlines, drones, auto-mobiles and off-course their latest invention of mini sub-marines that are manufactured each year in Turkey were presented as models .Since Pakistan, Turkey and Azerbaijan almost have the same cultural resemblance it was quite glorious how they presented themselves amongst approximately 200 countries.

Each day of the 182 days of Dubai Expo 2020 showcases the best version of each country presenting itself. From flavors to cutting edge technology, from arts to cultural heritage, all under one roof is presenting itself in most innovative landscape people have never seen before .Enabling the smarter movement of knowledge, goods and ideas unlock the potential to shape the future. Finding new ways to preserve planet earth. The sub themes of Expo 2020 open the doors to conversation and actions that will help to make the World a better place.

Dubai is hoping the best for its economy as this event is much bigger then the Expo 2015 held in Milan .Attracting a lot more tourists than ever .Many companies from around the World are looking up to it .Even though the project of such a lavishing mega infrastructure took eight years to be made presentable and much attractive than ever, seen before in the World, the hard work of Arabs is indeed paying off .Two more months are left for all the countries and companies to demonstrate their plans for the future . People were guided properly by the designated staff. For senior citizens Golf Carts are being driven every minute of the day .Map of the entire arena was provided on the entrance to the visitors so that they don’t get lost as I mentioned before that once you enter the center ,it’s like a maze . What one can only imagine, many countries presented the future with latest technology, sustainability, mobility and opportunistic approach towards certain challenging aspects few countries had to face over the past few decades .

One of our correspondents present in Dubai was lucky enough to take comments of Reem Al Hashimy, the Director General of Expo 2020. Mr. Hashimy said, I quote” We are quite confident that by being responsible in how we manage the situation with Covid-19 but also in how we put forward and exciting program for visitors each day, we will hopefully be able to thread the needle by opening up but remaining conservative at the same time and keep public safety in mind as it’s our foremost priority”.

Seemingly the Gulf States have not loosen up with the restrictions regarding Covid-19 at all. Precautionary measure are taken each day as each and every pavilion is sanitized and people without masks are warned and provided with the masks. Social distancing was also being catered by the staff present all around the arena was quite helpful said iPak’s correspondents. They also told that the people who are reluctant to wear as many Pakistani’s and Indians who are almost the same when it comes to follow rules were fined .Minimum fine for not wearing a mask after warning was 2000 Dirhams which ultimately forced our proud Pakistani’s to take those measures seriously. Without the mask one can’t even leave his/her house .For visitors and locals being vaccinated is checked thoroughly as the security staff is accountable for public safety.

So to my readers around the World, we at iPak humbly request you to visit Dubai Expo 2020. It’s and exhibition of only one of its kind. The countries and organizations that are representing their sub themes are worth a glance. Their methods and cutting edge high tech is worth the hassle . The exhibition center will be vacated by these countries and their pavilions on 31st March-2022 .So if you still haven’t been their .We at iPak recommend to take time out of your busy lives and visit this marvelous and extravagant show of cultural and occupational presentations .A few of the organizations and countries have also set-up latest ways on how to deal with global challenges like weather and economical hazards .So If you are amongst those who want to travel the World we suggest you visit Dubai’s Exhibition Center because their you will find the World under one roof .