01 September 2021

With all permanent Expo-led construction for the Expo 2020 Dubai having been long completed (at the end of 2019), the organisers of the mega event are currently putting the final touches to the world-class site that showcases stunning architecture from around the globe, and some of the best examples of collaboration, innovation and sustainability.

Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (Measa) region, and will be hosted by Dubai, a city of the future, in the Golden Jubilee year of the UAE’s founding.

With just a month to go until the giant portals open on October 1, the organisers say they are on track to deliver an exceptional World Expo that will open up a world of wonder, excitement and hope for millions of visitors from across the planet. The 21-m-high, mashrabiya-style carbon-fibre entry portals will give visitors a first taste of the amazing architecture and unprecedented innovation they will experience across Expo 2020.

The Expo 2020 site covers 4.38 sq km, approximately 2 sq km of which forms the gated area, while the remaining 2.4 sq km feature supporting amenities and facilities. It is one of the world’s most technologically connected sites, powered by state-of-the-art innovations that will link every aspect of the event to ensure visitors have an unparalleled experience

“The Public Realm – the area that surrounds the Thematic and Country Pavilions – has been landscaped with hundreds of thousands of plants, shrubs and trees. In total, more than 340 different species have been selected, many of which are native to the region, and we are now starting to add the finishing touches so they are fresh for the event,” a spokesperson for the organiser tells Gulf Construction.

The Thematic Districts include performance spaces, innovation galleries, art installations, parks and outdoor gardens. Each is anchored by its own Thematic Pavilion namely:

•   Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion;

•   Alif – The Mobility Pavilion;

•   Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion.

Al Wasl Plaza is Expo’s beating heart – its iconic centrepiece and the focal point for celebrations during Expo 2020. Its steel trellis dome provides the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface.

The site also includes the world-class Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo 2020 Dubai, which with its 45,000 sq m of flexible space, will be a major draw for the MICE (meetings, incentives conferences and events) industry during Expo and beyond.

“Participating countries are also working on completing their pavilions, and it is exciting to see dozens reveal their inspiring designs and programming, with more being unveiled as we approach opening day,” the spokesperson continues.

Expo 2020 will gather more than 200 participants – including 191 countries, as well as multilateral organisations, businesses and educational establishments – for a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days.

Expo 2020 aims to be one of the most sustainable World Expos ever – an example of innovation in action from its cutting-edge sustainable architecture to sensors that monitor energy efficiency.

Meanwhile, consulting with the world’s leading medical experts and guided by the latest science and data, the organisers have implemented a range of measures and continue to monitor new developments to ensure a safe and exciting visitor experience at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Measures include mandatory mask wearing, hand sanitising stations and capacity restrictions to ensure social distancing. The pre-booking of tickets is strongly encouraged, and visitors are urged to make use of Expo’s Smart Queue system to book their pavilion experience.

All Expo and international participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers must be vaccinated. Visitors to Expo are not required to provide proof of vaccination.  

• Just a month to go!
• Saudi Arabia completes work on giant showcase
• UAE University unveils Pathfinders narrative
• Calatrava’s design captures Qatari vision
• TK Elevator presents Multi at German pavilion

Tags

The Big 5 Expo Countdown Neom Concrete Technology Power Generation Leisure Facilities 3D Scanning Just Out Regional News Saudi Focus UAE Focus Events Legally Bound Architecture & Design Real Estate Contractors Interiors Manufacturers & Procurement Tenders

Gulf Construction is the undisputed leading trade journal for the building and construction industries of Saudi Arabia and the other Gulf states. The magazine provides editorial coverage on a wide range of topics which are of interest to industry professionals. In addition, regular features highlight technological developments within specific industry fields. Launched 40 years ago, the magazine has established an enviable reputation as an authoritative, respected journal with unmatched coverage of the Gulf region. Gulf Construction is essential reading for anyone with a serious interest in the region’s building and construction industry.