The impact of World Expo 2020 on the United Arab Emirates
The World’s Fair is one of the most important international events, representing a truly global trade fair. In fact, it is the world’s oldest international event, and probably the one that brings together the largest number of people in the world. For the host countries, a world’s fair is always seen as a landmark event that brings pride and joy to their citizens, but not only that: the benefits of such an event are manifold. The same applies to Dubai and the United Arab Emirates.
The World’s Fair is an excellent opportunity for millions of people to share their ideas, showcase their innovations and celebrate human ingenuity at the same time. Held every five years, the Expo lasts six months.
Among the most famous inventions presented at one of these World Fairs were the telegraph in 1851 at the first World Fair in London, the diesel engine at the 1867 World Fair in Paris, the typewriter and sewing machine in Philadelphia in 1876, and the IMAX film format at the Osaka World Fair in 1970.
The organization of a World’s Fair represents a major challenge for the host country, and serves to highlight a country’s successful objectives. It also highlights the country’s role as a driving force in economic development and, above all, the potential business opportunities it offers to a wide range of global players. It is for this reason that the United Arab Emirates has been keen to live up to its reputation by investing heavily in infrastructure, especially in information and communication technologies. A recent Kuwait Financial Center report on ICT in the UAE showed that the country currently represents the second-largest ICT market in the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (GCC) in terms of capital and value of spending in this sector.
The World Expo 2020, which was due to take place in Dubai but was postponed due to the COVID-19 health crisis by a year, should encourage companies to invest in the country in order to take advantage of one of the world’s fastest-growing ICT markets. The city of Dubai has succeeded in elevating the UAE to one of the most important places in the Middle East in terms of investment, ICT, market development and as a true logistics hub for the Gulf region.
Al Wasl Square will be the centerpiece of Expo 2020. The main theme of the World Expo to be held in Dubai is “Connecting minds, creating the future”. The dome reflects this theme very well, acting as a 360-degree screen and allowing images to be projected for the thousands of visitors who will have the chance to visit this exhibition. This giant projection will be possible both inside and outside the exhibition site.
The dome is 65 metres high and 150 metres in diameter. Over 10,000 visitors are expected to attend. In addition to the dome, the site will feature parks with waterfalls, palm-lined walkways, fountains and green spaces offering freshness and greenery.
The first country to begin construction of its pavilion for this World Expo was Luxembourg. Designed by Metaform architects, its pavilion features a spiral ramp serving all floors, with several zones allocated to exhibits and a restaurant.
One of the aims of the Dubai World Expo 2020, which will take place in 2021 due to the health crisis, is to strongly develop the knowledge economy in the Gulf countries, while highlighting the values of inclusion and cooperation.
