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 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.

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The Committee collectively agreed to explore the possibility of a one year delay to the opening of Expo 2020. The Expo organisers and Steering Committee will work with the World Expo governing body, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE’s Executive Committee and the General Assembly. Article 28 of the BIE Convention says that a change of dates requires a two-thirds majority vote from Member States.

The Steering Committee members reaffirmed their solidarity with the international community during this unprecedented global crisis.

A fast-moving and unpredictable situation

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, elaborated. She said: “The global situation is fast moving, and remains unpredictable. We have been consulting with key stakeholders to review the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on plans and preparations.

“While they remain firmly committed to Expo 2020, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19. They have expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to overcome this challenge. The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one-year postponement. We look forward to welcoming the world, which we are certain will come out of this stronger and more resilient.”

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), welcomed the approach and recommendations. He said: “Today’s agreement to explore options for a one-year delay to the opening of the World Expo is welcome. We will move forward in supervising the process to follow in accordance with the BIE convention rules and regulations.”

“I am confident that we will collectively overcome the challenges caused by this global crisis. The UAE’s decision to support a one year postponement demonstrates pragmatism, openness and commitment to delivering an Expo that meets our shared ambition. We have full confidence the UAE will host a World Expo that inspires and delights millions, when the time is right.”

Expo 2020 Dubai organisers will continue to assess the situation and consult closely with all stakeholders.

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The fantastic, futuristic structure will be one of the highlights of the upcoming Expo 2020. It is the work of British architect Gerard Evenden, Senior Executive Partner, Head of Studio, Foster + Partners.

Evenden was previously part of the team that designed the UAE’s pavilions for the Shanghai (2010) and Milan (2015) Expos.

This veteran architect also played a crucial role in the Masdar City development and has extensive knowledge of the UAE.

Gerard Evenden

A feat of engineering and architecture

Evenden brims with enthusiasm when he speaks about this latest feat of engineering and architecture.

“For the first time, we are now seeing how the stainless steel cladding is reacting to the daily cycle, from sunrise to sunset. We wanted to create a building that appears to be moving,” he says.

The designer continues: “The Mobility Pavilion … was purpose-built for use during and after Expo. We will not be throwing anything away. The building was designed so that you can increase the size of the structure, increase floor plates, volume, etc. It’s the ultimate Expo legacy building –very flexible.”

The benefit of experience

Foster + Partners has been active in the UAE for decades and has a permanent office in Dubai’s d3.

Evenden says this experience has been harnessed in the design of the Mobility Pavilion. “The Mobility Pavilion is self-shading – its metal cladding reflects heat. Photovoltaic panels on the roof take advantage of solar energy and the landscape design is sensitive to water usage”.

Evenden is confident that queues will not be an issue at the Expo 2020 Mobility Pavilion. “We were intent on bringing the internal activities out to people on the outside. Visitors will enter at ground level, be whisked to the top of the seven-floor building, and then head back down. We have created a natural flow.”

“Many people don’t realise how much there is to see and do at an Expo – not just the educational experience but the atmosphere, the parties, etc… Many are going to be quite surprised at just how engaging it will be.”

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The pavilion will celebrate women change-makers by looking at the contribution of women and their impact on society. It will also highlight their many achievements that have driven forward economies and enhanced communities.

The Women’s Pavilion will look at the female expertise that inspires and empowers global citizens to create a better future. It will also take visitors on an educational journey that showcases contributors to women’s empowerment and gender equality. Important milestones for women’s rights will be highlighted, as well as the challenges that women still face today.

The aim of the Women’s Pavilion is to raise global awareness and to inspire people from all generations to make a difference.

Amplifying voices of all women across the world

For the six months of World Expo 2020, the Women’s Pavilion will create a space of expression designed to foster dialogue. Its diverse audience will include artists, scientists, thought leaders, politicians, entrepreneurs, business leaders and more.

Supporters of the pavilion include: Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, United Nations Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of UN Women; and International human rights lawyer Amal Clooney.

Mlambo-Ngcuka said: “I applaud the UAE for dedicating a space to the crucial roles that women play – from communities to the world stage. It also recognises the challenges they still face every day.

“The Women’s Pavilion is setting a needed standard for corporations to rethink their approach to gender advocacy. It is a powerful platform to cascade the gender equality message to the world.”

HE Reem Al Hashimy

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “Gender equality is an essential pillar of all sustainable development. It is the foundation on which the health and prosperity of communities, indeed humanity, is built.”

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More than 25 million visitors are expected to attend the historic first-ever World Expo to be staged in the Middle East, with 173 days of memorable experiences lined up from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021.

Stunning pavilions are being designed and built as countries from around the globe come together under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ on a 4.38-square kilometre site located next to Al Maktoum International Airport.

And as well as some 190 national pavilions there are also three pavilions that showcase the sub-themes of the event – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Terra, Sustainability Pavilion has been designed by UK-based Grimshaw Architects to achieve Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum certification – the highest available accreditation for sustainable architecture.

One of the major focal points of the entire Expo exhibition, it includes a stunning 35-metre-tall core structure with some 8000 square metres of exhibition space, an auditorium, courtyard and reservoir.

The design draws inspiration from complex natural processes such as photosynthesis, while the structure will also capture fresh water from humid air, as a 130-metre-wide canopy featuring more than 2800 solar panels draws enough energy from the sun over a year to drive an electric car halfway to Mars, or to charge more than 900,000 mobile phones.

Energy ‘trees’ that rotate to face the sun surround the pavilion, while further sustainable design elements include innovative irrigation techniques such as a grey water recycling system and extensive landscaping with local flora from the United Arab Emirates being planted to reduce water use.

Andrew Whalley, Deputy Chairman of Grimshaw, said: “When we were approached to put forward ideas for the sustainability pavilion, we were very aware of the very challenging environment that it would be placed within.

“In many ways we saw this as an incredible opportunity to demonstrate what can be achieved, even in a hot and arid environment. If you can create a truly sustainable pavilion in that environment then you can replicate that type of thinking anywhere.

“The pavilion at first glance looks quite simple but it’s actually the result of a fairly complex design process of analysis and exploration, looking at structural form and the shape of the pavilion’s roof, and the performance criteria of the environmental systems placed within it.”

John Bull, Director of the Sustainability Pavilion, said: “Terra will be a stirring, and at times emotional, experience as visitors come face-to-face with the significance of their individual choices.

“We hope they will emerge with a new perspective that inspires millions of people of all ages to take action in their own lives, as we all come together to welcome a better future.”

The pavilion will have a long-term legacy as it is scheduled to have a second life as a science centre after the conclusion of Expo Dubai 2020.

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Commenting on the important milestone, H.E. Ueli Maurer stated: “Congratulations to the government of the UAE and the team of Expo 2020 Dubai for what they have achieved. We are very proud to be a part of this exciting event and it is a great pleasure to witness the start of construction of the Swiss Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai.”

In line with the themes of Expo 2020 Dubai – sustainability, mobility and opportunity – the Swiss Pavilion’s structure is inspired by Bedouin tents and is built by combining scaffolding elements and textiles. It will offer its visitors a journey through Switzerland and promote the country’s breath-taking landscapes while highlighting its traditional values and showcasing Swiss solutions for a sustainable future.

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‘One Year to Go’ was marked across all seven emirates with free-to-attend events. In the Expo home of Dubai, events included live performances from global superstar Mariah Carey and acclaimed Emirati singer and Expo 2020 Ambassador Hussain Al Jassmi.

Mariah Carey

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “As we mark One Year to Go until the UAE welcomes the world to Expo 2020, these spectacular nationwide celebrations will usher in the final leg of a historic journey and a major achievement not only for Dubai, but for the entire UAE.

“So far, 2019 has been the year of delivery and the Expo 2020 site has been transformed by the completion of key construction milestones such as the Thematic Districts and the crowning of Al Wasl dome. The next 12 months will see us put the finishing touches to ensure an exceptional World Expo.

“Our One Year to Go festivities offer a window into the once-in-a-lifetime celebration that awaits. They are an opportunity for us to look forward to this momentous occasion for our young, dynamic nation as we prepare to see our leadership’s vision burst into life at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

Free festivities took place simultaneously at Louvre Abu Dhabi, Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah, Ajman Museum, Umm Al Quwain Corniche, Al Qawasim Corniche in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah Fort.

One hundred performing artists from 26 nationalities kept the whole family entertained, while also highlighting the universal language of art and the global appeal of the next World Expo.

Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “This was a wonderful ‘Be There’ moment for the nation after we launched our newest campaign – ‘Be There for the World’s Greatest Show’ – only last week. Tonight gave the entire UAE and the wider world a tantalising glimpse of what Expo 2020 Dubai will offer in just 12 months from now – and proved exactly why everybody will want to be there for an unmissable landmark in our history.”

Expo 2020 Ambassador Hussain Al Jassmi

All the tickets to the One Year to Go event in Burj Park, Downtown Dubai, which also included a special appearance by leading Bollywood actress Shraddha Kapoor and an eye-catching countdown on Burj Khalifa featuring LED and fireworks, were snapped up within two hours by people from 76 nationalities.

Expo 2020 Dubai is set to open its doors on 20 October 2020, and for 173 days millions of visitors from around the world will enjoy art, music, gastronomy, architecture, technology, entertainment and more, under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Get more details about Expo 2020 Dubai by visiting expo2020dubai.com or following any of Expo’s social media channels.

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During the evening of 20 October – exactly one year ahead of the opening of Expo 2020 – One Year to Go celebrations are being held in Burj Park, Downtown Dubai. Festivities are also taking place across the UAE’s other six emirates at Louvre Abu Dhabi; Al Majaz Waterfront, Sharjah; Ajman Museum; Umm Al Quwain Corniche; Al Qawasim Corniche, Ras Al Khaimah; and Fujairah Fort.

The 4.4-square kilometre site is continuing to take shape, with a construction staff of 32,000 people from 71 countries. Expo’s Thematic districts were completed in May 2019 and in September the crown was lifted into place atop the 2544-tonne, 67.5-metre-tall Al Wasl dome – which will act as an innovative 360-degree projection surface during Expo 2020, and which encircles Al Wasl Plaza, the heart of the Expo 2020 site.

Al Wasl Plaza from above after the crowning of its dome

All permanent Expo-led construction is set to be completed by the end of this year, while work continues on creating the 192 Country Pavilions that will allow nations to showcase themselves to the world.

More than 90 of Expo 2020’s permanent buildings are being built to LEED Platinum or Gold standards, and more than 80% of the buildings created for Expo 2020 will form part of District 2020, the world-class integrated community that the Expo site will transform into.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be capable of welcoming up to 300,000 people per day – many of whom are expected to use the dedicated Dubai Metro station on the Route 2020 line. More than 30,000 volunteers – both UAE nationals and expats – will help to ensure an exceptional experience.

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Eight hundred engineers and construction technicians carefully monitored the process of raising and positioning the moulded steel in the dome with the aid of GPS indicators to ensure perfect alignment. Al Wasl, which means connection in Arabic, reflects the theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, and involved companies from thirteen countries.

“Crowning Al Wasl Dome was both incredibly exciting and one of the most challenging engineering operations in the world. Lifting such a large and heavy structure involved a huge number of variables. Something as simple as a shift in direction of the wind or change in air temperature could have had a big impact on our calculations, so constant monitoring and reassessment was essential throughout the process.” Sated Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai.

Read more features here.

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Located at the Expo 2020 site, it will host the world’s forward-thinking minds during the six-month Expo. Located in close proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport and easily accessible from Dubai and Abu Dhabi International Airports, its legacy will continue after the World Expo as a major event space in the MEASA region.

According to Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Delivery Officer, Expo 2020 Dubai, “By any standards, the Dubai Exhibition Centre will be a cutting edge venue that will play a pivotal role during Expo 2020/ But the impact of such a unique space will stretch well beyond the six months of the Expo, boosting the region’s meetings and events industry, furthering the UAE’s reputation as a destination for major conferences, and fueling growth in Dubai’s knowledge-based economy for many years to come.”

External view

Read more features here.

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