Expo 2020 Dubai Senior Vice President Manal AlBayat told Member States of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) of the UAE’s plans to deliver “a truly international and exceptional World Expo” during the Organisation’s 165th General Assembly on 28 May.

　　Manal AlBayat, Senior Vice President, Expo 2020 Dubai

　　With less than 18 months until the opening of the next World Expo, construction on the site is making “excellent progress”, with Ms AlBayat showing delegates the already completed thematic districts. Al Wasl Plaza, the site’s connecting hub, is 60% complete and is due to be finished by July 2019, while the falcon-inspired UAE Pavilion will be ready before the end of the year.

　　Ms AlBayat also informed the General Assembly that in terms of international participation, 31 countries have already revealed their pavilion designs, with several having already launched construction. Efforts to coordinate and plan international participation have been strengthened by the organisation of two technical meetings in Dubai in 2019, encouraging participants to take an active role in the next World Expo.

　　Delegates heard that progress on the site of Expo 2020 is taking place with a high level of commitment to the environment, with more than 15,000 trees being planted on site. Ms AlBayat also introduced the concept of the Sustainability Pavilion, which will offer visitors an immersive and personal experience, encouraging them to become “agents of change” for a better environment.

　　Theme District, Expo 2020 Dubai

　　Making full use of the site developments content announcements, Expo 2020 is actively reinforcing national and international engagement around the Expo, with Ms AlBayat offering Member States an overview of the recent campaigns. These include a strengthening of the Expo School Programme, the global “Welcome the Future” campaign, the national “#Hayyakum” campaign, which draws on the UAE values of hospitality, and a video starring Lionel Messi, a global ambassador for Expo 2020 Dubai.

　　As excitement rises with Expo 2020 approaching, Ms AlBayan informed the General Assembly that the ticket pricing has been announced for Expo 2020. Adult day passes are priced at USD 33 (or USD 71 for a three-day pass), with reduced and complimentary access for certain categories of people.