Expo 2020

What is Expo2020?

Expo 2020 is a World Expo to be hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, opening on 1st. October 2021, and ending on 31st, March 2022. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) general assembly in Paris awarded Dubai as the host of the 2020 Expo. 

Expo2020 – The World’s Greatest Show

The main site of Expo Dubai 2020 will be a 438-hectare area (1083 acres) located between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, near Dubai's western border with Abu Dhabi. The master plan, designed by the American firm HOK, is organized around a central plaza, entitled Al Wasl, enclosed by three large Thematic districts. Each one is dedicated to one of the sub-themes of Expo 2020 – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.  

Expo 2020 Dubai will host the world for 6 months, each day brimming with new experiences. It’ll be a time to create, collaborate and innovate. And it’s going to be fun. We’re talking eye-catching, mind-bending, taste bud-tickling, grin-inducing, good-weird, did-that-really-just-happen fun. Come along, or spend a lifetime telling less interesting stories

Theme: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future

Our once-in-a-lifetime celebration – the largest event ever staged in the Arab world – is set to welcome 190 participating countries, and millions of visitors from across the globe. Here they will experience warm Emirati hospitality at its finest, as well as the UAE’s values of inclusion, tolerance and cooperation. Youth are at the heart of our World Expo. That’s why Expo 2020 aspires to create a meaningful legacy that will benefit generations to come, both locally and globally, spanning everything from innovations and architecture to friendships and business opportunities.

The Expo 2020 Dubai Mascots

Get to know Rashid and Latifa as they embark on an exciting new journey led by Salama the Ghaf tree, while discovering Expo 2020 Dubai and meeting new friends.

Why is it called Expo 2020?

The Expo was originally planned to be held from October 2020 to March 2021, and had to be postponed by a year owing to the Covid-19 pandemic that threw our world out of gear. The expo is now being held from October 01-2021 to March 31-2022 keeping the same name.

1. If I leave the Expo, can I come back on the same day?

Site re-entries on the same day are valid on all tickets - you can go in and out as often as you like

2. I want to visit Expo on one of the peak days: what should I do?

Visits on certain days will require prior reservation, such as days when large events take place as well as other days of national and international significance. 

You can manage your booking on the link given in the Expo 2020 website - this link will be available on the BookMyShow website as well, closer to the start of the Expo

3. What items am I not allowed to carry into the Expo 2020 site?

The following items are restricted from being transported in to or near the Expo 2020 Pavilions Premiere site, including any items that Expo 2020 or Expo determine at their discretion to be similar:

• Professional filming equipment, professional photography equipment with lenses larger than 30 cm
• Food and beverage items (except infant food and beverage, special dietary items)
• Any device with a laser beam/laser pointers or strobe lights
• Animals (except service and assistance animals, e.g. guide dogs)
• Devices producing excessive noise (e.g. vuvuzelas, drums, whistles, horns) that may affect comfort and safety
• Rigid poles and sticks (except walking sticks required for mobility reasons)
• Signage and banners
• Religious, political, provocative or obscene messaging on clothing
• Items too large to be electronically screened
• Any items intended for use in ambush marketing attempts
• Any items bearing the Expo 2020 logo, trade name and/or any kind of trademarks that are suspected to be counterfeit
• Drones and unmanned aerial vehicles.
• Expo 2020 reserves the right to amend this list at its sole and absolute discretion

4. For how many days is my ticket valid?

All Expo 2020 Dubai tickets can be used to enter the site from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. 

However, 1-Day Tickets are valid for single use; Multi-Day Passes are valid for unlimited entries for 30 consecutive days from the first day of use, between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022

Season Passes are valid for the full duration of the event

5. What is Expo2020's Refund Policy?

All tickets are strictly non-refundable; multi-day / season tickets are non-transferable after first use

6. How can I move around inside Expo 2020?

Inside the Expo you can move around on foot or use the high frequency buses. Golf buggies are also available in limited numbers. There is also the Expo Explorer Train which is accessible for wheelchair users as well

7. Is the Expo 2020 suitable for the differently abled?

Yes, Expo 2020 is very much suitable for the differently abled and for persons of determination. Visitors with any disabilities can enter free of charge (you must have a ticket), however we suggest that you bring in a companion to fully experience the Expo. A person of determination can bring in a companion on a half-priced ticket

8. How is the weather in UAE during the time of the Expo?

The weather in UAE is pleasant from October to March. December and January are the coolest months, and during these two months you may need light woolens in the evenings.

Basic Terms and Conditions

• Certain peak days require prior reservation via the Expo 2020 website or mobile app, and entry will be allowed based on site capacity
• You can make peak-day reservations on the Expo 2020 link - this link will be available on the BookMyShow website as well, closer to the start of the Expo
• 1-Day Ticket is valid for a single entry between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022
• Multi-Day Ticket is valid for unlimited entries for 30 consecutive days from the first day of use, between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022
• Season Pass is valid for unlimited entries for the entire 6 months, between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022
• Free access is available for kids and youth under 18, tertiary and higher education students, seniors 60 years and above, and people of determination (+1 companion at half price). The free tickets must also be booked in advance for entry
• Visit timings - 10:00 am to midnight, daily Sat - Wed and 10:00 am to 2:00 am on Thursdays and Fridays

Detailed T&Cs and Conditions For Entry

• All visitors, including those who are eligible for free tickets, must obtain a ticket to enter Expo 2020
• Tickets for children under six years old will only be issued to visitors upon arrival at the Expo site entrance, and cannot be booked online
• Kids and youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult (with a valid ID) to enter the Expo site
• The companion of the person of determination (POD) must enter the site with the POD for their ticket to be considered valid
• Ticket Holders must retain their Tickets at all times while attending the Exposition and within the Exposition Site
• Tickets and bundled add-ons, once purchased, are non-refundable. No refunds shall be made under any circumstances for the tickets or the bundled add-ons
• Tickets are non-transferable after first use (for multi-day and season passes)
• Prices of tickets may change at any time at the discretion of the Expo. Any offer tickets or early bird prices are for limited periods only and can be withdrawn anytime without prior notice
• For security purposes, when using the ticket for the first time, an image capture identification method will record the ticket holder’s identity at the Expo gate
• Multi-use/access Ticket Types will require the Ticket Holder to provide images for image capture on the Ticket Holder's first visit to the Exposition Site and its verification upon every following visit. Such image verification will be in accordance with Expo 2020's Data Privacy Policy
• Persons displaying Covid-19 symptoms will be barred from entering the Expo. All visitors need to be wearing face masks at all times in public areas within the venue
• Tickets purchased from unauthorized websites or resale websites like Viagogo, Stubhub, Dubizzle, Quikr, Online TicketShop, etc. are not valid entry tickets - Expo 2020 may bar entry for such ticket holders without compensation
•  Timings are subject to change without prior notice at the discretion of the Expo
• Expo 2020 Dubai reserves the right to modify ticket benefits without prior notice
• Any Ticket Holder entering the Exposition Site or a Venue with either a: (i) a Discounted Ticket; and/or (ii) a Complimentary Ticket shall be required to provide an ID for inspection on entrance to the Exposition Site  Failure to produce ID may result in the Ticket Holder being asked to pay the full price of an adult Ticket in the respective Ticket Type, and/or refused entry and/or being asked to leave
• Expo 2020 reserves the right to ask a Ticket Holder holding a Ticket for a Person of Determination to provide documented evidence of disability. Expo 2020 advises all Persons of Determination to retain the correct documents of confirmation of disability at all times during their visit to the Exposition
• For complete details on the terms of entry and other conditions please visit https://www.expo2020dubai.com/en/legal/visitor-terms-and-conditions
• For any enquiries call +971-4-2468829 or email [email protected], or join our 24*7 live chat https://support-ae.bookmyshow.com/support/home

Security Checks    

• The Ticket Holder consents, as a mandatory condition for access to the Exposition Site and any Venues if indicated, to a security inspection/screening before and/or during the entry to the Exposition Site and/or a Venue. The security checks may include a body search, bag inspection or inspection of other objects owned and carried by the Ticket Holder. Expo 2020 may request visitors to remove individual items (such as mobile phones, tablets, belts, shoes and coats) from their bags or person to be inspected or screened separately
• A Ticket Holder who will not consent to a security search or refuses to comply with rules and security notices will be refused entry or required to immediately leave the Venue and/or Exposition Site without refund
• The Ticket Holder acknowledges that Expo 2020 or Exposition Staff may conduct security searches at any time to ensure safety in a Venue and/or the Exposition Site
• A Ticket Holder may not enter the venue with prohibited items such as explosives, firearms, weapons, ammunition of any kind, projectiles, blades, alcohol, bicycles, scooters, Segway or any other mobility devices, corrosive or radioactive materials
• Certain items are of a restricted nature, and Ticket Holders cannot bring such materials into the Expo venue. This includes professional filming / photography equipment with lenses over 30 cm, food and beverages except infant food / special dietary items, laser pointers or strobe lights, animals except service or guide dogs (with proper documents), drums, whistles, horns, signage and banners, poles and sticks (except for walking sticks for POD), religious, political or provocative messaging / obscene messaging on clothing, items too large to be screened, and drones / unmanned aerial vehicles

Expo Vaccination Requirements

Vaccinated visitors must present proof of at least one dose of any COVID-19 vaccine recognised by any Expo 2020 participating country or the World Health Organisation (WHO).  Expo 2020 will recognise digital or hard copies of Al Hosn and international vaccine certificates. Visitors with at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine do not require a PCR test

UAE Citizens or Residents must present their vaccination certificates / PCR test results on the Al Hosn App. Please download the app and create your profile. Following instructions on the app, please link it to your Emirates ID and generate the Expo pass. Visitors from other countries / tourists may present hard copies, soft copies, PDFs or screenshots of internationally recognized vaccination certificates and / or PCR Test results

PCR Test Requirements (Only Required for Visitors without at least one Covid-19 Vaccine Dose)

Unvaccinated visitors must present a negative PCR test certificate for a test conducted within the last 72 hours prior to entry.   The PCR test can be taken internationally, at the airport, at PCR testing facilities anywhere in the UAE and at the DHA Expo2020 PCR Testing Facility.  There are no vaccine or PCR entry requirements for visitors under 18.

Free PCR Testing for Expo 2020 Visitors

 Unvaccinated Expo 2020 ticket holders with eligible tickets can take a free PCR test at the DHA Expo2020 Testing facility, located at World Parking. 

Unvaccinated, visitors are advised to take the PCR test the day prior to the planned visit as results will take many hours to be confirmed, and entry will not be permitted without a negative PCR test.

Unvaccinated visitors, over 18 years, holding the following ticket types are eligible for a free PCR test:

• Adult 1-Day Ticket  -  1 free RT-PCR 
• Adult Monthly Pass (multi-entry) – visitors may receive a maximum of three free RT- PCRs

The following visitors are not eligible for a free PCR test:

• Holders of an Adult Seasonal Pass (including Jubilee, Premium and Family Passes) 
• Fully vaccinated and partially vaccinated visitors
• Visitors under 18

Visitors who are not eligible for a free PCR test may take a PCR test at the DHA Expo 2020 Testing Facility, at the cost of AED 150.

How Can Eligible Expo Visitors Get a Free PCR Test?

• Where and when to go for a free PCR test: Location: Expo World Parking K
• Facilities Available: Drive-thru Lanes and Walk-thru Tent
• Operational Hours: 24 hours a day / seven days a week

What to take for a free PCR test

• Visitors must show a ticket to avail a free PCR
• Physical copy of Emirates ID card or Passport is mandatory 
• Emirates ID holders presenting for a free PCR test should also be prepared to show their vaccination history on the Al Hosn app, if asked

Test Results

• PCR test results will be shared via AlHosn and SMS
• A link to download a copy of the results will be available via the SMS

Coming Soon – Expo 2020 will announce a network of laboratories across Dubai where visitors can avail their free PCR upon presentation of their Expo 2020 ticket.

Covid-19 safety measures    

Please do not visit Expo 2020 if you are suffering from any health symptoms associated with COVID-19, if you have been in close contact with an individual confirmed as COVID-19 positive, or are under any quarantine/self-quarantine orders

We want to make sure that your visit is enjoyable and safe. To ensure this, we have implemented a number of precautionary measures across the site

• Thermal cameras at arrival points to check the temperature of visitors before entry to the site
• Visitors are required to wear face masks at all times
• Social-distancing regulations of at least two metres between people
• All venues and common areas are regularly cleaned and sanitised
• Hand-sanitiser stations are positioned at regular intervals throughout the site
• Appropriate facilities and specialist staff are available to manage any potential medical issues on site

By Metro 

The fastest and most sustainable way to get the the Expo. The Dubai Metro Red Line takes you from the city of Dubai to the entrance of Expo 2020. First arrivals to the Expo Station are at 06:15 Saturday to Thursday and 09:15 on Friday. Last departures from the Expo Station are at 00:00 hours Saturday to Wednesday and 01:00 hours Thursday to Friday

For more information visit https://www.rta.ae/wps/portal/rta/ae/home?lang=en

By Expo Rider Buses

Get to and from the Expo 2020 site via a dedicated public bus service. It’s free of charge for Expo 2020 visitors and you can catch it from different locations in Dubai and other Emirates. Just remember where it drops you off as you’ll have to take the return trip from the same gate

By Taxi

Dubai has readily available taxis, and car hires are plentiful. Taxis can be hailed on the road, but the simplest way is to download the Careem or Uber app.

By Car

If you’re driving to the Expo 2020 site, you can get here from all major roads. Follow the signs for one of the four designated parking zones:

• Opportunity parking zone (from the E77 Expo Road)
• Sustainability parking zone (from the E77 Expo Road or D54 Zayed Bin Hamdan al Nahyan)
• Mobility parking zone (from the E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road)
• Dubai Exhibition Centre parking zone (from the E311 Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road)
• Parking is free of charge. Entry is from 08:30 to 00:30 Saturday to Wednesday, and 08:30 to 02:30 Thursday to Friday and special days.
• Valet parking is also available on a first-come, first-served basis for AED 95

Standard parking shuttles will operate from all car parks ensuring that you do not need to walk more than 600 metres from your vehicle to the gate. Shuttles will operate on a high frequency basis while the parking zones are open

The Google Maps link to Expo 2020 is https://goo.gl/maps/ufi9FuwXWZDBSkdy8

GOLF BUGGY RENTALS AT EXPO 2020

Expo2020 Dubai Golf buggies are available for rent from 09:00-00:00 Saturday to Wednesday and 09:00-02:00 Thursday to Friday. We encourage visitors to book in advance. The best way to book your golf buggy is online, but you can also send an email to [email protected] or call +971 55 804 2020

Alternatively, you can flag down an empty golf buggy if you see one anywhere in the Expo site or you can walk into one of the four Golf Buggy Majlis locations (by the arrivals plaza of Opportunity, Sustainability, Mobility and 2020 Plaza) and make a booking, subject to availability

Cash and credit card payment are accepted at the Golf Buggy Majlis, while the buggy drivers only accept credit card payment. Tickets are non-refundable after first use

If you have any questions or concerns about golf buggy rentals, please call +971 50 882 5599. Link : https://myezadmin.com/tickets

Expo2020 promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience for you and your family. The Middle East's first global Expo, it holds for you surprises and excitement galore. Come experience the amazing. 

Some of the thousands of  bespoke experiences include: 

Innovation and Technology

Countless technological advances await. Unleash your inner techie, discover life-changing innovations and experience a truly connected high-tech world.

• Here are some of the experiences you could enjoy:
• Explore Artificial Intelligence at the UK pavilion
• Explore the future of air travel at the Emirates pavilion
• Experience what a truly connected high-tech world could be, from autonomous vehicles to space travel - in the Mobility District
• See structures that generate their electricity and water in the Sustainability District

Entertainment

We bet you’ve never celebrated like this before! Heighten your senses, with everything from opera to A-listers, pop-up theatres to flash mobs, and parades to national day celebrations.

Here's a brief glimpse at some of the experiences you can enjoy

• A band of robots bringing some of Beethoven's most iconic works to life - at the Germany pavilion
• A stunning immersive light show at the Al Wasl Plaza garden
• Street festivals, parades and stage shows daily
• Music concerts by your favourite artistes from all over the world - on the special days

Arts and Culture

From Al Wasl Opera to a diverse range of installations, artistic creations, workshops and performances, you’ll be engulfed in a realm of contemporary creativity.

A few of the myriad experiences that await you: 

• Global and Emirati talent bringing UAE's rich history and innovative culture to life at the Al Wasl Opera
• The Story of Water - Sabeel Fountains - a series of fountains exclusively designed by regional artists and designers for Expo2020 to recreate a time honoured tradition of providing thirsty travellers with refreshment
• At the Jamaica pavilion, come to the Music Studio to look at artwork in shipping containers inspired by Jamaica's annual International Reggae Poster Contest

Culinary Experiences

Expo2020 is a foodie's paradise - experience global cuisine to suit every taste and palate from over 200 food and beverage outlets.

• From old classics to new-age cuisine, street bites to gourmet cuisine created by celebrity chefs, there is something for everyone
• At the Talabat kitchen, experience 30+ concepts showcased in a state-of-the-art cloud kitchen with robots
• Devour plant-based kebabs, pizzas and much more at the Sustainability Hub

Architecture

Experience countless architectural marvels in one place – including the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface, 90+ uniquely designed pavilions and 200.000 sqm of future LEED Gold & Platinum structures. You’ll find groundbreaking architecture at every turn, from the world’s biggest 360-degree projection surface on Al Wasl Plaza’s steel dome to the all-natural materials that make the Opportunity Pavilion, including 2,500 tonnes of stone and 111 km of rope.

Arab-style vistas will sit throughout Expo 2020, including palm groves, jasmine trees, wadi figs and desert scenery. You can keep cool wandering under shaded canopies provided by the national tree of the UAE, the Ghaf tree.

Awe inspiring creations await you at Expo 2020 - See them to believe them! Just a few glimpses of what to expect:

• UAE Pavilion - Shaped like a falcon in flight, the pavilion tells the story of the UAE as a global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.
• Belgium Pavilion -An arch inspired design that produces more energy than it consumes
• Al Wasl Dome - The centrepiece of Expo 2020, this awe-inspiring dome is almost as wide as 2 Airbus A380s wing to wing, and the world's largest 360 degree projection surface
• Get a bird's eye view from the top of the rotating observation tower -  The Garden In The Sky
• 200+ pavilions, including 190 country pavilions, each designed to take your breath away

And there's more to experience:

Enjoy educative exhibits like

• A forest pinball session at the Sustainability Pavilion
• Play with humpback whales, rare turtles and the living fossil, Coelacanth, at the Comoros Pavilion
• See a new-generation bio-printer that can reproduce live cells using 4D printing technology, at the Belarus Pavilion

and much more