The number of visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai has continued to grow steadily, reaching 8,067,012 visitors in the period up to 27 December, continuing to be one of the most significant global gatherings of 2021.
The Expo’s COVID-19 safety measures are designed to protect everyone on site, and all visitors, as well as all staff and participants, must wear masks indoors and outdoors.
Thousands of visitors safely took part in Expo 2020 Dubai’s special Christmas events during the past week.
In the face of heightened health concerns, visitors and performers have shown collective responsibility. A.R Rahman thanked audiences for being responsible during a special concert on 22 December and encouraged them to wear masks – a message repeated on Christmas Day by award-winning actress and singer Lea Salonga and internationally acclaimed singer and pianist Joe Stilgoe.
As part of the Holy See’s prayer service for humanity on December 24, award-winning Lebanese singer Tania Kassis and the Festival Chorus presented a special carol service, while the UK’s most successful gospel choir, the London Community Gospel Choir, and American soul artist Naia Izumi thrilled audience members.
The next seven days promise to dazzle, entertain, and educate, with a special emphasis on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. A pair of world-class DJs will help visitors ring in 2022 – Dimitri Vegas, who will be in the spotlight at Jubilee Park from 23:30, and Armin Van Buuren, the ultra-famous producer of electronic music, who will be on hand from 01:30.
There will be a midnight ball drop at Al Wasl Plaza, as well as two separate fireworks displays at midnight and 03:00 on New Year’s Eve.
On New Year’s Eve, Dubai Metro will run continuously to ensure that every visitor to Expo 2020 can enjoy the world-class experiences available and get home safely.
Virtual visits to Expo 2020 have reached 37 million up to 27 December, with more than three million children around the world enjoying the Virtual School Animation Series – now available in six languages – in the past 20 days alone.
In addition, venues may temporarily close for deep cleaning and sanitization as a result of positive cases detected by extensive workforce testing protocols, as well as for maintenance, private events, and staff shortages.
As always, the health, safety, and wellbeing of all visitors remain a top priority, and the organizers are dedicated to welcoming visitors to a safe and exceptional Expo.
The Expo 2020 Dubai takes place until 31 March 2022, inviting the world to take part in a global celebration that will help shape a better, brighter future for all.