The closing report of World Expo 2020 Dubai has been submitted to Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

　　The report, entitled ‘The Expo 2020 Dubai Story’, was handed over by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, and Chairman of Expo City Dubai Authority. He was joined by members of the Higher Committee including its Vice Chairman, H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of The Ruler’s Court of Dubai, UAE as well as H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of the Expo City Dubai Authority.

　　The Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes (third from left) receives the Expo 2020 Dubai Closing Report from H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee (third from right), accompanied by members of the Higher Committee: H.E. Khalifa Al Zaffin (left), H.E. Reem Al Hashimy (second from left), H.E. Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani (second from right) and H.E. Dawoud Al Hajri (right)

　　The 500-page report, published in English, Arabic and French, details the highlights and achievements of the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. It traces the Expo story from the genesis of the candidature project through to the legacy phase, detailing the vision of UAE leadership, the preparation and construction phase including the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the six-month event period. The report pays tribute to the participants, staff, volunteers and visitors who contributed to making Expo 2020 Dubai a milestone in the history of the UAE.

　　H.H. Sheikh Ahmed said:“With the direction and continued support of our wise leadership, Expo 2020 Dubai was an unprecedented accomplishment – a World Expo that will live on in our memories for generations to come. This report is an enduring record of everything we achieved, of how we pledged to make a difference, and how, together, we delivered on that promise. We present it to the BIE with immense pride in our shared success and as a mark of our commitment to build on its spirit and values in our next chapter – Expo City Dubai.”

　　Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, said:“From a bold vision, Expo 2020 Dubai came to life through resolute determination and international solidarity, bringing the world together to demonstrate the best of humankind.‘The Expo 2020 Dubai Story’ conveys this journey for future generations and completes the Expo’s legacy alongside Expo City Dubai and the enduring Expo 2020 spirit that touches all those who were part of this endeavour. If the report teaches us one thing, it is that a better future is achievable when inspired minds cooperate to bring about positive change for everyone, everywhere.”

　　Expo 2020 Dubai, which was themed “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, gathered 192 countries and received 24.1 million visits between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. Its legacy city, Expo City Dubai, today constitutes a new neighbourhood of Dubai that is a blueprint for a clean, green, innovation-driven, human-centric city.

　　World Expos, officially known as International Registered Exhibitions, are global gatherings of nations addressing universal challenges of our time. These unparalleled global events offer a journey inside a chosen theme through engaging and immersive activities. Taking place every five years and lasting up to six months, World Expos welcome tens of millions of visitors, allow countries to build extraordinary pavilions, and transform the host city for years to come.

　　The next World Expo will take place in Osaka, Kansai, Japan in 2025, under the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives”. The following World Expo is set to take place in 2030, with the candidature process currently underway. The host country will be elected by BIE Member States during the 173rd General Assembly of the BIE in November 2023.