About
Expo

Discover the history of the World Expo, the journey to Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the new doors that open when our Expo draws to a close.

Expo 2020 Dubai

The first Expo in the 170-year history of the World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai is a transformative global gathering that celebrates humanity.

2013 - 2021

The Bid for Expo 2020

On November 27, 2013, fireworks painted the sky from Dubai's iconic Burj Khalifa as thousands across the UAE celebrated. The UAE was to host Expo 2020 Dubai: the first World Expo to be held in the MEASA region.

What is an Expo?

Expo 2020 Dubai Themes

With a guiding theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo showcases three subthemes that tackle key global issues and challenges facing the world today: Mobility, Opportunity and Sustainability.

Discover Expo 2020 Themes

The Expo Grounds

Combining sustainable design with awe-inspiring structures, the Expo 2020 site embodies its values with incredible and inspiring architecture. Here, you’ll find buildings that can generate electricity, produce oxygen, or even sustain a microclimate.

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Our Mascots

Get to know Rashid and Latifa as they embark on exciting journeys around Expo 2020. Their adventures are led by Salama the Ghaf tree, and the young siblings are joined by their robot guardian friends.

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Opening Ceremony

Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors to the public on 1 October 2021 with a glittering line-up of international stars, as well as a live orchestra, performing under an illuminated Al Wasl Dome in an Opening Ceremony that will be remembered forever.

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Our 50-Year World Expo History

What had started as an ambitious vision to put together an Expo pavilion in Japan fifty years ago has blossomed into a World Expo hosting 192 countries in the UAE today.

From Osaka to the UAE

Disruptions to Expo 2020

Just as the finish line was in sight for Expo 2020’s launch, reports of the Covid-19 virus began to dominate the news. Following a unanimous vote by member states, the World Expo was postponed until 2021, when Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed the world.

Disruptions to Expo 2020

An Archaeological Site

On the edge of the Empty Quarter lies the remains of an ancient trading post, Saruq Al Hadid. Discovered by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, archaeologists excavating these remains discovered an intricately-designed ring, that would form the inspiration for Expo 2020 Dubai’s official logo, and blueprint.

Watch the Documentary

Food at Expo 2020

With over 250 restaurants that cover 62 types of cuisine, including 27 never-seen-before concepts and over 40 street food stands, Expo 2020 Dubai offers a plethora of food and drink options to suit every taste, occasion and diet.

Discover Food at Expo

Expo 2020 Dubai Closing Ceremony

After six months of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', Expo 2020 Dubai closes its doors in a stunning Closing Ceremony comprising a plethora of international acts, all performing under the magnificent Al Wasl Dome, lit up with stunning visuals.

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