Organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai said they aim to spread a message of hope amid adversity ahead of the fair opening on October 1 next year. With a year to go until the Expo begins, new ideas on health, connectivity and travel will be shared to help people reconnect during the Covid-19 pandemic. Organisers said they aim to convey the spirit of collaboration that will bring 192 countries together on the Dubai South site for the first Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia. “Our World Expo has a mission to inspire hope, and in the coming weeks we will begin to share new details and ideas about space, health and wellness, travel and connectivity and other subjects that sit at the heart of this Expo,” said Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau. New images showing progress at the site were released on Wednesday to reflect optimism about the future. Ms Al Hashimy thanked international participants and state entities for remaining committed to delivering the event. “The journey has been worth it, and in 365 days we will share our excitement and our passion with millions.” Construction of the country pavilions will be finalised by the end of the year and work over the last few months has been focused on landscaping and readying Expo-owned structures. “Our leadership has spared no effort, guided us, and provided all resources to ensure that our World Expo will be a true expression of the UAE’s values, reflecting its ambition to build a better future for us, the region and the world – a future of which coming generations will be proud,” Ms Al Hashimy said. The World Expo will run from October 1 to March 31 with themes that aim to inspire visitors to alter the way they think and live. Businesses, educational institutions and governments will showcase projects that will highlight solutions to resolve pressing global challenges in sectors from energy, sustainability, agriculture and health.
