Dubai Expo 2020 marks the celebration of people and the planet. The once-in-five-years tech and art bonanza is now open to the world, from October 1, 2021 till March 31, 2022. It is culmination of 5 years of preparation, and it involves 192 nations, 1080 acres, 25 million estimated visitors, and a fiesta of futurism. The spirit of innovation, futurism, sustainability, and the eclectic vibrancy of human cultures. Spread over 816 football fields in size, the expo certainly a lot to offer to visitors. Expo 2020 Dubai’s theme is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. The sub themes are ‘Opportunity’- it is about unlocking the potential for individuals and communities to shape the future; ‘Mobility’ it is about creating smarter and more productive movement of people, goods and ideas, both physically and virtually; ‘Sustainability’ – is about respecting and living in balance with the world we inhabit.
It’s a great opportunity for tourist to see the dazzling extravaganza that is called the Expo 2020 Dubai, which is a celebration of human brilliance and achievement. It gives opportunity to people all walks of life to connect with people from different corners of the world, to experience their best of art, culture, geography, science, technology, innovation and invention. The idea is to set into motion, millions of new thoughts and ideas that will make a lasting impact in our lives. Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration of the UAE Vision 2021 by supporting the growth of tourism, and stimulating the development of innovative businesses in the UAE, as well as enhance the country’s international reputation as a location to do business and tourism. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, and the first to be hosted by an Arab nation.
This is important because due to COVID 19 pandemic international business by ports and international flight by airports had come to abrupt halt in 2020. After more than 18 months of delay as the situation has considerably the expo was started in 2021. Despite the delay the name was kept 2020 for marketing and branding purpose. Open from 9am-1am on weekdays and from 10am-2am on weekends and special days; there are lot of things to do at Expo 2020 Dubai. A single-day adult (18 and over) ticket costs AED 120 (USD 33), while a three-day pass, which can be used on any three days during the 173 days of the Expo, is priced at AED 260 (USD 71). The special pass costs AED 95 (available online only), which roughly converts to INR 2,000, giving you multiple-time access to the event, so you can keep coming back for more and see or do something different every time.
You as a visitor will be able to buy tickets through the Expo 2020 website, through a network of Authorised Ticket Resellers, contracted with Expo 2020, and at the Expo 2020 gates during the event. Tickets will go on sale to the general public in April 2020, although visitors to Dubai will be able to buy monthly and season passes directly from Expo from Q4 2019. Entry is free for kids below 5 years and adults over 60 as well as those with disabilities. Whats more visitors do not have to follow a dress code.
1. Get an ExpoDubai2020 passport
Expo Dubai 2020 is like a miniature globe with each pavilion representing a country, apply for an Expo passport and get stamped for every nation and pavilion you visit. This is optional but definitely fun and something you can take back home. It costs AED 19 (Rs 400 approx.).
2. Witness future of food at Epochal Banquet
While Expo 2020’s already a global food court, why not also taste a slice of the future of dining? Travel to the year 2320 via Bompas & Parr’s immersive multi-sensory studio, the Epochal Banquet. This two-hour-long culinary experience will stir your senses using AI feats from the future. It’s also inspired by space, microbiology, artificial intelligence, and hyper-intelligence.
3. Visit India, UAE, and other country pavilions
There are 192 nation pavilions at the Expo 2020, and of course, while you can’t visit them all, try visiting most. Each pavilion promises a unique experience and embraces their respective cultures. They also showcase their country’s vision of futurism and development in the coming years. India’s pavilion showcases various dance forms, the art of yoga, and many architectural marvels in the making.
4. Ride an electric bicycle
Do you really think you can navigate 1080 acres on foot? Go ahead if you can but instead you could just get hold of an electric bicycle. It will also allow you to explore more places and get around faster. You can find these yellow bikes parked all around the Expo site.
5. Visit the Emirates Pavillion
The ‘Future Of Aviation’ as Emirates likes to call it. This three-story pavilion is an absolute Disneyland for geeks. You can even cop some aviation merch and design your very own aircraft there. Do check it out, not giving out any spoilers!
6. The 360-degree Al Wasl Opera
Start your day at the Al Wasl Plaza. This is one pavilion you must visit. In collaboration with Welsh National Opera and composed by Mohammed Fairouz, it’s truly a one-of-a-kind experience in terms of sound and graphics.
7. Interact with robot-pals
If there are kids with you, here’s something that’ll excite them. There are a bunch of AI-operated robots running around the place that can talk and respond to you. They’re also really cute to take photos with.
8. The Al-Wasl Plaza
The beating heart of Expo 2020 and the first thing you as visitor see upon arrival. It’s a grand cathedral of projection lights and 3D sound. Sometimes, if you need a break from exploring the venue, just have a seat there and enjoy the majestic light work. Hands-down one of the best feats and things to do at Expo 2020.
9. Go for a run
As much as the event promotes sustainability and looking after the planet, one needs to look after oneself. Be sure to pack your running gear and participate in an extensive running program alongside runners from 192 countries.
10. Checkout future of service stations inspired by UAE’s national tree
The Ghaf is UAE’s national tree and a strong symbol of resilience, considering the region’s harsh weather conditions. Stepping to the future, there’s a Service Station that’s been designed upon the exoskeleton of the Ghaf tree structure. More so, it’s solar-powered and features a carbon fibre canopy, too.
11. Checkout SpaceX rocket at USA Pavillion
Inside the USA pavilion, you’ll find a real-life SpaceX Falcon rocket. It’s almost like a space lab where you can also find authentic moon rocks and the US Mars Rover.
12. Dine at Michelin-star chef tables
With the best of food available at the Expo 2020, you as visitor certainly need to be treated by the best chefs too. Check the Jubilee Gastronomy Restaurant that is home to a spectacular line-up of Michelin-star chefs and restaurants.
13. Take a breather at the Garden in the Sky
Expo 2020 is 1080 acres, so getting a complete photo isn’t possible. So head to the Garden in the Sky. It’s a 55-meter tall platform that promises every visitor a great panoramic view of the entire expo site. There’s also a cool garden in case visitors need some fresh air.
14. Witness Germany Pavilion’s Culture Lab Beethoven-inspired robotic band
At the German pavilion classical and acoustic meets rock and electronic band. The entire band consists of robots and they put on a performance for the ages every day.
15. Experience A.R. Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra
The visit Dubai Expo 2020 is incomplete with visiting A.R. Rahman’s Firdaus Orchestra. Under the creative direction and leadership of Oscar-winner A.R. Rahman, visitors can experience a pioneering women’s ensemble that was developed exclusively for Expo 2020. Absolutely spectacular yet typical of AR Rahman style.
16. Shop for souvenirs at the Expo site
Expo 2020 Dubai souvenirs will be anything but ordinary. The first licensed products, all by GCC-based SMEs, are the Expo-inspired chocolate by Mirzam, camel soap by the Camel Soap Factory and Bateel dates. Through the Expo 2020 Dubai Merchandising and Licensing programme, we will have on sale some 5,000 official licensed products from up to 70 Official Licensees.
