The World Expo has a 170-year history, throughout which, it has borne witness to the several global changes. The first Expo — the Great Exhibition, London — drew participation from the British Empire’s colonies, and 44 other foreign states from across Europe and the Americas. The Expo Dubai 2020 will see participation from over 192 countries, in what can be considered as the most participated and ethnically diverse Expos to date. Furthermore, this Expo coincides with a defining moment, when our lives are being redefined by digitalization, and as we navigate one of the greatest crises of our time.
Emblematic of post-COVID new normal
In January 2020, the UAE announced its first confirmed COVID-19 case. Since then, I haven’t gone a day without hearing about it. It’s a part of our routine life today, as we dutifully wear masks, use sanitizers, make video calls, etc. We’ve been yearning for a sense of normalcy; an urge to head out, experience human connections, and revel in shared joys, in a protected setting. This is what the Expo provides to the whole world.
Taking into account that Japan restricted foreign entry at the Olympics, the Expo is set to be the largest global gathering following the pandemic outbreak. The organizers have struck deals with airlines, tour agencies, cruise companies, and governments; to facilitate the entry of visitors from across the world. The pre-pandemic estimate of 25-million visitors does not seem far-fetched at this stage, as demand grows from China, India, Russia, the US, the UK, and Germany.
I see it as the break of a new dawn, emblematic of the post-COVID new normal. I’m particularly encouraged by the efforts taken to ensure visitor safety. The Expo will allow visitors to tailor their itineraries. You can select from 192 country pavilions, more than 100 food outlets, and interests like business, health & wellness, academics, and sustainability; and the Expo app will make the most streamlined itinerary for you. This is just the right avenue to commence our healing back to “normalcy”.
Beacon of hope
Moreover, if the pandemic was any lesson, the world needs more cooperation and cohesiveness between nations. To this end, the Expo Dubai is a timely opportunity to connect minds, converge ideas, and create the blueprint for a better future. Besides participation from 192 countries; the event will feature multinational companies, educational institutions, and some of the greatest minds in contemporary science. After prolonged downtime, this is an opportune time to gather our efforts, to counter global challenges.
The post-COVID world faces multi-faceted challenges, including economic, geopolitical, and environmental crises. These challenges are consistent with the Expo’s themes: Opportunity, Mobility, Connectivity, and Sustainability. These are the recurring themes across every infrastructure, activity, workshop, and event at the Expo. Sustainability has become the byword for this World Fair. It is embedded in everything from construction material to long-term waste management.
That said, the bottom line is that it enables the only thing that can bring us together in a transcultural setting: in-person communication. This is of great consequence following a year of disruption and social distancing. After all, we are social creatures that seek human interaction. Especially in light of divisive developments in Afghanistan, the coming together of global citizens was much-needed. And I take pride that the UAE is opening the doors for dialogue, helping build new bridges, and setting the stage for a future of tolerance and coexistence.
