Set to open on 1st October Expo 2020 Dubai announces enhanced entry measures

Organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai have announced enhanced entry measures to ensure a safe event for the millions of visitors expected to attend the landmark event.

Delayed from 2020, the Expo will now run from 1st October until 31st March next year, delivering the world's largest meeting place and raising awareness about the challenges faced by humanity on a global scale.

Unveiling new measures related to vaccinations and testing ahead of the official opening, organisers will require visitors aged 18 and above to present proof of any vaccine recognised by their national government or a negative PCR test taken within the previous 72 hours.

In a statement, organisers added that non-vaccinated ticket-holders who have not been tested within this period can test at the PCR testing facility adjacent to the Expo 2020 site.

In addition, a network of testing centres across the city will be available with locations to be found on the Expo 2020 website.

On presentation of any valid Expo 2020 ticket, alongside an Expo 1-Day or Multi-Day Pass, the PCR test will be free of charge, the statement added.

Explaining the enhanced entry measures, Reem Al Hashimy, United Arab Emirates Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, stated “the UAE continues to drive the global tourism recovery, and Expo 2020 Dubai will be the only global gathering of this size and cultural diversity since the start of COVID-19.

"By updating our vaccination and testing requirements, we are opening up a world of discovery and education for every visitor from every corner of the planet, enabling the world to experience Expo 2020’s incredible offering in a safe and secure manner.

“As we prepare to welcome tourists to the UAE and visitors to Expo 2020, we need to build on our successes in combating Covid-19, where we have seen a decline of nearly 84% in cases in the past eight months."

"Our commitment to the health and safety of all visitors, participants and staff will remain our number one priority. We will continue to follow the guidance of the leading science and medical experts, adjusting our measures as appropriate in our commitment to hosting an exceptional experience that all the world can enjoy. This enhanced measure is responsible, agile and necessary as we prepare to open our doors to the world.”

The measures align with wider strategies across the UAE, including the strict measures and testing programmes operated by the UAE’s airports and ports.

As of this month, the UAE has administered almost 19 million vaccination doses and fully immunised 80% of its population.

Dubai has also seen a steady influx of visitors since it reopened to tourists in July 2020, with the Emirate welcoming 2.85 million visitors in the first half of 2021, with numbers predicted to accelerate in the fourth quarter, boosted by Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations.

The first ever Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, organisers estimate that 25 million visitors will arrive in Dubai during the six-month run.

Preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai have also seen the mandatory vaccination of all Expo and international participant staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers.

On site, sanitisation stations, mandatory face-masks both indoor and outdoor and two-metre social distancing will be maintained.

New attractions unveiled 
With many pavilions and experiences already announced, two new attractions have been unveiled at the Expo 2020 Dubai site this month.

The first, the Expo 2020 Water Feature, sees water defy gravity to flow upwards, while the Garden in The Sky rises above the site, providing views of the entire destination.

The Water Feature sees sheets of water rising up and falling up and down vertical walls 13 metres high, accompanied by an orchestral score from the award-winning composer of the Game of Thrones theme music, Ramin Djawadi.

During the day, the water falls into a ‘circle of fire’ (created with pure hydrogen) while after dark the water changes course, flowing backwards up the walls in a nature-defying act.

Standing 55 metres tall, the Garden in the Sky, is surrounded by including yellow flame trees, which you can access via rotating cabins.

Jubilee Park, where the lofty garden has been planted, also has food outlets, art installations, a stage, the World Souq and a playground.

Images: Recently unveiled pavilions and experiences at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, he Expo 2020 Water Feature (top), Al Wasl Plaza (middle) and Garden in the Sky (below). Credit: Expo 2020 Dubai.