The Dubai Expo 2020: A promise of a greener, brighter, and happier future

Op-ed by Hisham Al Gurg, CEO, Seed Group and the Private Office of Sheikh Saeed bin Ahmed Al Maktoum

The much-awaited Expo 2020 Dubai is finally here. Spanned over 180 days and with the participation of 191 countries and an expected footfall of 25 million visitors, the first-ever international expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region promises to be an event never seen before. Dubai Expo 2020 is the perfect booster dose the world needs in the time of the pandemic, bringing together the best of diverse cultures, the most advanced technologies, mutually beneficial business opportunities and, above all, impactful global movements championing the cause of ‘a sustainable future for humanity’.

For the next six months, Dubai will be in the global spotlight as it scripts history by holding the most sustainable and eco-friendly World Expo. The international community is bound to take note of the UAE leadership’s vision to create future societies that are not only catalysts for economic growth, but also models of inclusivity and sustainability. The inaugural week of Expo 2020 drives the green message home with the theme ‘Climate and Biodiversity Week’.

In the run up to Expo 2020, both private and public entities worked in tandem to build infrastructure that’s reusable and has minimal environmental impact. While all permanent structures at the expo site are fitted with clean energy systems, at least 50 per cent of the power requirement will be met by renewable sources. The three districts and the pavilions of the participating countries will highlight the best practises and mitigation strategies in the fight against climate change.

To dispel the myth that such meaningful actions come at a cost, more than 1,200 companies from 55 nations will showcase business opportunities resulting from the transition towards a greener and sustainable future. All sectors, especially travel and tourism, are upbeat about Expo 2020, which is expected to generate nearly 300,000 jobs. The hospitality industry and airlines are already on a hiring spree to cater to millions of visitors converging on Dubai for the six-month global extravaganza. Authorities have pumped in over $4 billion to create an impressive world-class mass transit network driven by artificial intelligence for round-the-clock, hassle-free travel.

Dubai is steadfast in utilising the latest edition of the World Expo to further consolidate its position as the most sought-after international commercial hub and one of the fastest growing economies. With 60 shows per day, umpteen business and educational opportunities, cultural performances, jaw-dropping architecture, and much more, the international trade fair will become the hotspot of meaningful engagements. The Emirate is ready to take a big leap forward and power the clean energy and sustainability agenda at the global level. Expo 2020, which has the theme ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’, will serve as an excellent launch pad to project the UAE as a global model of creating an economically viable, greener, brighter, and hence a happier future.

READ – Dubai Expo 2020: All you need to know about the global event that is catalysing growth for businesses
Take a deep dive into everything that went into and continues to make Dubai Expo 2020 the world’s largest show to date.