The wait is finally over as gates opened for the much-awaited Expo 2020, tipped by many as the biggest show on our planet. The event will host the world for 182 days (from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022). Here’s everything you may want to know about it.
What to see
There are many things to look for in an event of such a size and reputation. Every day there are roughly 60 events lined up. One of the main attractions is the UAE pavilion, which looks like a falcon in full flight. This structure, which sits at the center of the event area, tells how the UAE has emerged as an important global hub. Besides it, there are 190 pavilions from all corners of the world.
Looking for an amazing culinary experience? You will not be left disappointed. The Expo reveals some of the world’s best chefs, including Matthew Kennye, Rohit Ghai and David Myers, across over 200 eateries.
If you are interested in retail therapy, make sure you include World Souq in your itinerary. It features a wide range of enchanting items of ethically sourced craftsmanship from different countries. In the evening, the spaces and buildings will come alive with light installments and projections to create an enthralling world of beauty and wonder.
Ticket Booking and Price
Want to book a pass to join the Dubai Expo 2020? Well, booking a pass is simple, easy, and quick via the official website of the Expo. Plus, visitors get several booking options to choose from. You can book a daily, seasonal, or monthly pass.
A seasonal pass, as the name suggests, is valid for the entire season (6 months). You can get a six-month season pass for AED 945. On the other hand, a monthly pass is valid for 30 or 31 days, depending on the month for which you buy it. For example, the ‘October Pass’ is valid for the whole month of October (that is, 31 days). This pass — which costs AED 195 — gives you a great chance to explore the event and enjoy many entertainments and immersive experiences for the whole of October. However, if you want to visit the Expo for one day only, you will be better off purchasing a one-day pass by paying AED 95.
Entry for the following people is free:
- Kids and youth (6-17 years)
- Senior citizens (60+ years)
- Students (as long as they have a valid ID card from any recognized educational institution in the world)
- People of determination
Because of the Covid-19 Pandemic, there are a few special considerations this year that you must keep in mind:
- Entry is allowed only if you are fully vaccinated or have a negative PCR test
- Visitors must wear a mask
- Visitors must maintain social distancing
The Dubai 2020 Expo is open from 10 am to 10 pm.
How to get there
Getting to the event couldn’t be simpler. You can get there by Metro, taxi, bus, or car. Expo 2020 has three main entrances, all of which are less than 25 minutes from Dubai Marina. The cost of a taxi ride from Dubai Marina is roughly AED 45. You can book a cab via the phone, but the easiest way is to use an app like Uber or Careem. If you want to book a ‘Hala’ ride — the most affordable taxi in Dubai—use the Careem app.
Dubai Metro is a great option for budget travelers. Dubai is divided into seven traveling zones, each with its own Metro stations, tram stations, and bus stations. The cost of traveling via Metro depends on the number of zones you pass through but is usually much lower than taking a cab. Dubai Metro is free for Children below 5 years.
Expo Rider — a dedicated public bus — can also take you to the Expo 2020 site, and that too free of cost if you are an Expo visitor. You can catch the bus from a number of different locations in Dubai.
The Expo site is well connected with all major roads in Dubai. So, if you want to drive yourself to the site, that’s easy and quick as well.
