· UAE sets global example by hosting safe World Expo that advances development
· Health and safety of Expo visitors, participants and employees remains top priority
· Expo 2020 visits reach 9.5 million at 11 January, virtual visitation nears 60 million
DUBAI, 11 January 2022 – The UAE has proved its ability to bring the world together successfully and safely and lead global action towards recovery, with Expo 2020 Dubai a powerful catalyst that boosts global innovation and strengthens international cooperation to tackle humanity’s most pressing challenges.
This was the outcome of a recent meeting of the Higher Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee.
HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum said: “The UAE continues to lead the global recovery phase, implementing robust science-based precautions and setting an example to the world as it hosts a safe, secure and successful global event that is advancing development for all.
“Expo 2020 Dubai is the ideal opportunity to build and strengthen international relations, to gather together people from across the planet, to celebrate what unites us, and to find solutions to the challenges we all face.”
His Highness praised the efforts of everyone working on the global gathering – from across the UAE and from all 192 participating countries – as a true embodiment of Expo’s purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Reviewing the success of Expo at the half-way point, the Higher Committee applauded the remarkable global presence at the highest levels, with Expo 2020 Dubai welcoming almost 9,000 world leaders, deepening friendships and establishing long-term partnerships that will drive sustainable development in the region and beyond.
Expo 2020 Dubai has seen 9,529,710 visits in the period to 11 January, with the launch of the AED 195 Season Finale Pass expected to further drive visitation in the final three months before Expo closes on 31 March 2022.
Thousands more world-class events will be held before Expo closes on 31 March 2022, with January alone seeing the first ever Global Goals Week to be held outside New York, a concert by the Black Eyed Peas and the launch of Why? – a landmark musical spectacle from filmmaker Shekhar Kapur and award-winning composer A.R. Rahman.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s virtual visitation is nearing 60 million, driven by a comprehensive Live@Expo offering, where visitors can enjoy the headline acts and take a bespoke live virtual tour across the site.
The Higher Committee meeting was attended by committee members: HE Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; HE Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH The Ruler’s Court of Dubai; HE Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai; HE Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; HE Lieutenant-General Abdullah Khalifa Al Marri, Commander-in-Chief of Dubai Police; HE Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan Higher Committee, Director General and Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA); HE Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director General of Dubai World Trade Centre Authority; and HE Eng Dawoud Al Hajri, Director General of Dubai Municipality.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.
