Expo 2020 Dubai: how to beat the queues

Make sure to use the Smart Queue app and arrive early for Germany

The UAE pavilion has been a favourite with visitors since doors opened in October. Photo: Steve Holland / Expo 2020 Dubai

The Saudi Arabia pavilion has had millions of visits. Photo: Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai

One place you are sure to find a queue is outside the Germany pavilion. Photo: Christopher Pike / Expo 2020 Dubai

The Japan pavilion lets you book a visiting time slot from 9am each morning. Ruel Pableo for The National

The popular Thailand pavilion is located in the Mobility District. Photo: Joe Sassine / Expo 2020 Dubai

Another structure that has had millions of visits is the India pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Pakistan pavilion is instantly recognisable with its colourful facade. Photo: Stuart Wilson / Expo 2020 Dubai

The US pavilion lets visitors touch a piece of the Moon. Photo: Katarina Premfors / Expo 2020 Dubai

The UK pavilion has a restaurant beneath it serving traditional fish and chips. Photo: Walaa Alshaer / Expo 2020 Dubai

The Singapore pavilion is recognisable with its many trees and bushes. Photo: Katarina Premfors / Expo 2020 Dubai

The Italy pavilion has a life-sized replica of the Statue of David inside. Photo: Katarina Premfors / Expo 2020 Dubai

The Surreal water feature comes alive at night with its light show. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Under the senior citizen programme, visitors aged over 60, can book in advance for private access to the site with buggies available during the day and fast track entry to select pavilions. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Check out the Korea pavilion for a look at some futuristic technology. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Long queues at popular Expo 2020 pavilions in Dubai have led to visitors snapping up time slots before the curtains close on the world's fair this month.

Organisers last week revealed more than 17 million visits had been paid to the sprawling site, with more expected each day as the last day of admission approaches.

The mini heatwave recently experienced in the emirate made spending time queueing even less desirable.

So how can you beat the queues? The National explains.

Smart Queue

The Expo smart queue system allows people to book for up to 10 pavilions a day, with fast-track options available for over-60s visiting Expo 2020 Dubai on week days.

Advanced bookings are possible on the ‘manage tickets’ option on the Expo app and online.

But with several pavilions booked out until the end of the event, visitors should check on the day as slots open up after cancellations.

One ticket allows a visitor 10 smart queue bookings each day.

On the Expo 2020 Dubai website, create your Expo account, go to the drop down option under your name, and select ‘my tickets & smart queue’.

Link your ticket and add the tickets of people who will accompany you.

Add tickets by entering the reference number and click on ‘activate smart queue’.

Under ‘manage smart queue’, add the pass and select a date, pavilion or attraction and a time.

If you have downloaded the Expo 2020 Dubai app on your phone, create your Expo account and follow a similar process.

Tap on the Expo logo or booklet and select the ‘manage orders’ or ‘manage tickets & smart queue’ options, then activate the smart queue by selecting the pavilion choosing the date and time.

Arrive early

There are some pavilions that do not subscribe to the smart queue system, such as the popular Germany pavilion, so arriving before it opens to secure your place near the front of the line is the best way to make sure you get in.

Several pavilions allow people with disabilities, the elderly, pregnant women and families with young children in strollers quick access without a booking.

Buggies for seniors

Buggies can be booked for 90 minutes for over-60s.

This is available in two slots at 9.30am and at noon from Monday to Friday.

A quick tour of the site with stops is possible for seniors who also get free entry to the site.

They can be accompanied by family members, friends or carers.

You need to book entry tickets to the Expo for each visitor and the ‘senior citizen’ programme before you arrive at the venue.

Dedicated parking is available near the Expo entrance, as well as a buggy drop-off to the arrival zone and private buggies for up to five people for 90 minutes from 9am until 1pm.

Details about the pavilions that allow fast-track entry for seniors is available here.

For more information, message on WhatsApp on [phone] or email [e-mail]

Bookings need to be made at least 48 hours in advance.

Quick tips

For entry to the Japan pavilion, bookings open at 9am daily.

Visitors need to be quick to link their tickets and choose available slots for that day.

It is the only pavilion with daily bookings due to heavy demand.

Bookings must be made on the Expo app or online in the ‘manage tickets’ section.

Visitors should check the bookings page as options for other favourite structures such as UAE, Singapore, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, India, Pakistan, the US and Italy can become available the day before or on the same day as your planned visit.