In a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the six-month long-awaited Expo 2020 Dubai, which was planned to begin in October 2020, is postponed a year later, according to a statement relased by the event's steering committee.
While everyone involved in #Expo2020 Dubai remains firmly committed, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have expressed a need to postpone Expo’s opening by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge. pic.twitter.com/8xgk5D0UJl
— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) March 30, 2020
We have always aimed to host a World Expo that showcases the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world. We believe that now, more than ever, humanity needs to come together to remember what unites us. Learn more: https://t.co/35PaZwEum7 pic.twitter.com/ic0J2UDXVf
— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) March 30, 2020
"The World's Greatest Show" was expected to receive an estimated 11 million overseas visitors to enjoy its unique medley culture, business, trade, and technology featuring pavilions from 192 countries. The event's steering committee consists of local government officials and foreign country representatives, voted on a conference call on Monday that a delay was needed. The Paris-based based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which awards this global mega-event, agreed to this decision in the face of the unprecendented pandemic.
“The global situation is fast moving, and remains unpredictable,” the event’s managing director, Reem Al Hashemi, said in a statement issued on state news agency WAM. For years now, organizers and officials have regarded the showcase exhibition as the perfect boost for Dubai's economy and billions of dollars were spent on marketing, building hotels and facilities. Let's hope for the best #stayhome!
