Dubai to host largest ever leaders summit during Expo 2020

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid says an estimated 100,000 people will be welcomed to the four-day event

Al Wasl Plaza. Expo-led construction is on track to be completed by the end of the year. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on Al Wasl Plaza, where photovoltaic ‘trees’ that will help power the site. Victor Besa / The National

The Al Wasl Plaza, where 40,000 workers are shaping the venue for the international fair. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on the main exhibition centre that will connect to the metro station being built. Victor Besa / The National

Signs point to buildings yet to be completed but developers say construction is going according to schedule. Victor Besa / The National

The sustainability pavilion rises from the sand. Victor Besa / The National

Construction under way on the main exhibition centre. Victor Besa / The National

More than 100 million man-hours have been completed at the Expo site. Victor Besa / The National

Construction began in 2015 when 250,000 cubic metres of sand was moved to the site. Victor Besa / The National

The Al Wasl Plaza, where 40,000 workers are shaping the venue for the world’s fair. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai will host its largest World Government Summit next year as it welcomes an estimated 100,000 participants during Expo 2020.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said the event will be held on November 22-25, drawing in high-profile officials, international organisations and displays of futuristic technology.

“We will host an exceptional expo and summit, and invite the world to discuss the future," he said on Saturday.

“Combining the World Government Summit and Expo 2020 Dubai establishes a pioneering edition of the World Expos that will connect the past, present, and future of nations.

“2020 will be the year of unifying efforts towards cementing the UAE’s new global status.”

Previous summits have attracted everyone from heads of state to celebrities. This year, Hollywood veteran Harrison Ford issued a stark warning about climate change ahead of the event, and later told delegates in Dubai that climate change deniers are on the wrong side of history.

More than 10,000 world leaders, ministers, heads of state and decision-makers are expected at next year’s summit. In addition, 30 international organisations and 600 experts, scientists and scholars will participate in a series of workshops and sessions through which global initiatives will launch to meet challenges facing governments. In contrast, there were about 4,000 officials, specialists and speakers at the February 2019 event.

“Both megaevents held in one place will present an ideal platform to exchange ideas and best practices across different sectors, developing strategies that shape a future of knowledge and sustainable development," Sheikh Mohammed said in a news release.

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs and the Future, said he expects “massive participation” at the summit, which is usually held every February.

“The World Government Summit– Expo 2020 will present new platforms and exceptional ideas to foster forward-looking government culture on a global scale. It will also offer the world’s biggest centre for government practises and specialised research in future government work," he said.