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New dates are proposed for Dubai Expo 2020

United Arab Emirates Architecture News - Apr 09, 2020 - 16:42   11059 views

New dates are proposed for Dubai Expo 2020

The UAE government has formally requested a change in the dates of Dubai Expo 2020, which is originally planned to be held from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. 

In a new announcement made by the Dubai Expo, the government proposed to move the event to next year starting from 1 October 2021 and running to 31 March 2022 in the light of the coronavirus pandemic.

A request was made in a letter addressed to Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary general of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE). 

Esquire Middle East reported that "In the letter, His Highness Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation of the UAE, seeks the postponement of the World Expo following in-depth discussions by the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee with the Organiser and the BIE on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and in solidarity with participating countries," reads a statement from the BIE.

In addition, the Dubai Expo explained that on 30 March, the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee, comprising Expo leadership, International Participants and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) representatives, collectively agreed to explore the possibility of a one-year delay to the opening of Expo 2020.

New dates are proposed for Dubai Expo 2020

Thematic pavilion: Mobility Pavilion by Foster + Partners. Image courtesy of Dubai Expo 2020

The organizers of Dubai Expo 2020 published a long list of participating nations and official commercial partners that have also shown support for the possible postponement

"At this critical period of human history the need to strengthen international and regional cooperation is bigger than ever. The League of Arab States is supportive of Expo 2020 Dubai and commends it for its commitment to bringing its vision to life despite any possible postponement. We remain committed to working closely with Expo 2020 Dubai as a platform that will bring the world together and advocate for collective action towards a better future for humanity," said Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary General and Commissioner General of the League of Arab States at Expo 2020 Dubai.

"I appreciate the wise decision taken by Expo 2020 Dubai, as the key priority now is to implement timely and coordinated measures to mitigate the health and economic impacts of the outbreak. Together, through cooperation and solidarity, the world will overcome COVID-19, and I look forward to a successful World Expo," said Dato Lim Jock Hoi, Secretary-General of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The BIE, the governing body of World Expos, and its Executive Committee will meet in a virtual meeting on 21 April to consider the proposed delay, and will make a recommendation to all BIE member states which they must then vote on. 

New dates are proposed for Dubai Expo 2020

CRA, Italo Rota, Matteo Gatto and F&M Ingegneria to design Italian Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020. Image courtesy of CRA

"A final decision requires a two-thirds majority," stated the organizers of Dubai Expo 2020. 

The Dubai Expo 2020 expects estimated 25 million people to visit the event in the 6 months. The forum will house more than 200 countries and international organisations coming together to work towards a brighter future.

The Dubai Expo 2020's theme is "Connecting minds, creating the future", the event will feature hundreds of pavilions with interactive exhibits, live entertainment, memorable meeting spaces, quirky hangouts.

Top image courtesy of Dubai Expo 2020

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