fbpx
Close

Expo 2020 Dubai officially postponed until October 2021

Postponement resolution has surpassed the required two-third majority backing by BIE member states.

The Expo Live Pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai has been officially postponed until 2021 after a request to move the event was put forward and approved by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) executive committee in light of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Votes by BIE member states exceeded the two-thirds majority required for the event to be officially postponed. Expo 2020 Dubai will now take place from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 under its original Expo 2020 Dubai title.

While voting originally began on April 4 with plans to stay open until May 29, within two weeks the two-thirds majority vote had already been achieved.

Expo 2020 Dubai has been officially postponed

Expo 2020 Dubai has been officially postponed until 2021

“We have sought to build over the last 50 years bridges, connections, and partnerships around the world because we believe in genuine collaboration to safeguard the future of all. This swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world,” Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee said.

“This affirmation by the international community of Dubai’s offering and its ability to deliver, further strengthens our commitment to matching ambition with achievement to hosting an event that will capture the world’s imagination, when the time is right,” he added.

Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion

With the Expo 2020 infrastructure already 100% complete, many of the country pavilions had broken ground and were under construction. Major UAE-backed pavilions and sites were also nearing completion such as the Opportunity District and Mobility Pavilion which was under construction.

The expo site’s flagship Al Wasl Plaza, which is crowned by Al Wasl Dome , has been completed in addition to the spectacular mashrabiya-inspired welcome portals designed by British architect Asif Khan (which you can now read about in the latest issue of identity).

Al Wasl Dome raised for Expo 2020 Dubai

“In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021, when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that strengthen us. With its theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer the world a unique platform to share the lessons, solutions and ideas for a better tomorrow,” said Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, secretary-general of the BIE.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the first world expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MENASA) region and the biggest event to be held in the Arab world, welcoming 192 countries from across the globe.

The Latest

Read ‘New Generations’ – Note from the editor – June 2025

Read identity magazine's June 2025 edition on ISSUU or grab your copy at the newsstands.

Edginess in Shenzhen

This contemporary duplex with glowing accents brings a touch of Paris elegance to one of China’s booming cities

Technogym Artis

Technogym’s new Artis Luxury line blends style and design

High-performance wellness meets seamless integration of advanced technology, sustainability, and timeless style.

Things to Covet – May 2025

Here are the latest releases that we spotted at Milan Design Week

AMAN NAI LERT

A Contemporary Sanctuary Rooted in Thai Heritage

The newest Aman hotel in Bangkok offers culture, craft and timeless design

LUTRON

Light as a Design Statement

Lutron’s Alisse Keypads and S-Curve Shades are elevating Middle Eastern interiors with seamless control and sculptural beauty

Optical Delight

Influenced by the geometric formation of crystals, Arctic elegantly captures and refracts light

Downtown Design Riyadh

Highlights from Downtown Design Riyadh

From collectible creations and immersive installations to Saudi-driven showcases, the Kingdom’s first high-end contemporary design fair spotlighted local vision and global design excellence.

Oikos

An impressive entrance at a home in Amman, Jordan

The Synua pivot door by Oikos defines the entrance of a contemporary villa in Jordan’s capital with scale, strength, and striking materiality.

Small Spaces, Big Impact

How intentional design, emotional storytelling and clever craftsmanship can quickly transform challenging spaces into points of interest

Cosentino at Downtown Design Riyadh

Cosentino’s Moon Vignettes makes a comeback at Downtown Design Riyadh

Over 70% of the installation has been repurposed for this edition, showcasing the brand's dedication to circular economy.