As of Saturday, 19 March, Expo 2020 Dubai had received 20 million visitors – a remarkable achievement breaking history against all odds while bringing the world together in the UAE for the largest global gathering since the start of the pandemic.
With unprecedented challenges, the largest event ever held in the Arab world combined unparalleled cultural, educational, and entertainment experiences, with 192 countries coming together to present the best their nations have to offer.
World leaders, cutting-edge innovations, sporting stars, Grammy-winning artists, world-class architecture, Arab superstars, interactive forums, global cuisine, and something new and surprising every single day made Expo 2020 Dubai the first World Expo in the region.
H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said, “When we started this journey in 2013, and even before then as we prepared the bid for Expo 2020 Dubai, we had a dream to welcome the world to Dubai and the UAE for an unprecedented global gathering that would live long in hearts and minds.
“That we have fulfilled this dream is already beyond doubt, but to achieve such a landmark number of visits is true testament to how the world has responded to what we have worked so long and hard to create. We trust that those millions of people will take their memories back to their families and friends, wherever they are from in the world, to continue the impressive work we have set in motion at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “The opportunity to safely unite the world in the wake of the pandemic to deliver an experience with real significance is one which we have not taken for granted, and we are thrilled that Expo 2020 Dubai has proved so impressively popular.
“In the spirit of optimism, millions of visitors and participants have come together, not only to witness and enjoy something truly remarkable, but to also work together to drive positive social and environmental impact. Expo 2020 Dubai has demonstrated exceptional capability and agility in achieving a consistently high turnout amid continuing global challenges, and, as we begin our bittersweet countdown to the final curtain, we are proud of the collective efforts of all those involved.”
From 2030 GST, Al Wasl dome will be lit up with a special projection and fireworks will be fired off to celebrate this historic achievement.
UAE residents have turned out in force to support Expo 2020 Dubai, with almost 70 percent of visitors coming from the UAE. Children under the age of 18 have visited more than 2.8 million times, with the global event inspiring the next generation of innovators and change-makers.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s final theme week – Water Week – runs from 20-26 March and examines how we can safeguard our most precious resource. It is the final opportunity to see what has made Expo 2020 Dubai such a success. It is part of the Programme for People and Planet, which examines humanity’s most critical challenges and opportunities.
A wide range of nations across the globe will celebrate their Expo 2020 Dubai National Days, including Canada (19 March), Pakistan (23 March), South Africa (28 March), and India (28 March), followed by the Honor Day of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which coordinates World Expos.
Expo 2020 Dubai Run 3 concludes the hugely successful sporting series on 26 March, while a high-quality programme of entertainment and activities will continue for the next two weeks.
In only 13 days, its doors will close on 31 March: now is the last chance before it’s gone for good.