From August 24 to 27, Beijing time, the 5th International Exhibitors Conference of Expo 2020 Dubai was held in the form of an online conference, marking a new stage in the preparations for Expo Dubai. The meeting conveyed the firm determination of the Expo organizer and all exhibitors to work closely together to create a unique World Expo event, and shared the remarkable progress made in the preparations for the Dubai Expo.

　　This is the first conference of exhibitors after the Dubai World Expo was announced to be postponed to the opening on October 1, 2021 due to the impact of the COVID-19. Taking this opportunity, representatives of more than 190 participating countries were able to directly exchange and communicatewith the organizers, representatives of the UAE government and officials of the BureauInternational des Expositions, discuss the latest schedule of venue construction,operation preparations, deepen the theme interpretation, plan cultural and promotional activities .

　　Speakers at the Opening Ceremony

　　BureauInternational des Expositions: to create an Expo site without COVID-19

　　The Secretary General of the BIE Mr. Dimitri S. Kerkentzes saidin the opening ceremony that the BureauInternational des Expositions, its member states, the UAE government and all exhibitors will jointly formulate operating guidelines to ensure a safe, non-COVID-19Expo site.

　　He pointed out that the Dubai Expo has been postponed for one year, giving the organizers and exhibitors the opportunity to think more deeply about how to interpret the theme and design exhibition content of this World Expo."The preparations for the Dubai Expo have not stopped in the Expo site and participating countries around the world. The COVID-19has affected us in many ways. The organizers and exhibitors are actively seeking innovative ways to interpret the theme and design the pavilion. With bold ideas and innovations, high-quality content and unforgettable experiences, Expo 2020 Dubai will become a symbol of the current era and it will also be an important milestone for Expo visitors and exhibitors."

　　He also said that the Dubai Expo will be a unique stage to showcase the use of cutting-edge technologies and innovations. These innovations will not only make it possible to safely visit the park and exhibition halls, but will also have a direct impacton people's lives.

　　He believes that the Dubai Expo will bring innovation and even fundamental changes to the World Expo. Under the challenge of the global epidemic, the legacy of the Dubai Expo in terms of planning, management and joint participation will provide invaluable experience for all future World Expos and events."The impact of the Dubai Expo will not only be quantitative, but also qualitative."

　　The construction progresses smoothly: the park will be completed by the end of 2020

　　Despite the global impact of the epidemic, the construction of the Expo Site is still advancing steadily, demonstrating the strong willingness of the organizers and exhibitors to work together for a common goal.

　　Among them, the venue constructed by the organizer was completed at the end of 2019; this year's construction focused on the decoration of the park landscape and the organizer's service facilities.

　　At the same time, under the premise of following the safety and isolation measures promulgated by the UAE government, the construction of self-built pavilions in various participating countries is also progressing smoothly, and many of the pavilions have entered the final construction stage. All buildings in the park are expected to be completed by the end of 2020.

　　In order to protect all buildings and infrastructures and reduce energy consumption, the organizers will subsequently activate the "Park Temporary Sleep Mode". At this step, all exhibitors will complete the design of the exhibition content, event planning and operation plan in their respective countries, and return to the park at an appropriate time next year to complete the exhibition arrangement and operation preparations.

　　Park bird's-eye view

　　Uncertainty under the epidemic, how should the World Expo respond

　　Safety first, becoming the primary operating principle

　　The latest "Principles of Park Operation during the Expo": According to the epidemic situation next year, the organizer will adopt a series of measures and methods, such as park passenger flow management, health inspections, intelligent queuing, and the latest technological methods topresent a grand event with the most extensive "connection"under the most secure premise.

　　The target of 25 million visits remains unchanged, the "Virtual World Expo" online exhibition is launched

　　The Dubai World Expo still adheres to the original goal of attracting 25 million visitors (including on-site and online visitors).

　　Currently, the Dubai Expo is developing the "Virtual World Expo" project. Through advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and virtual reality, online audiences can not only visit the park and exhibition halls with a 3D or 360° perspective, but also participate in exhibition interaction, online games or On-site event being held.

　　Immersive experience

　　11 themed activity weeks

　　During the 182-day exhibition period, the organizers, exhibitors from various countries and partners will jointly plan and present vibrant, colorful activities and programs for the Dubai Expo. The National Pavilion Days and a series of other on-site activities in each participating country will present diverse cultural interpretations. The 11 thematic activity weeks will focus on the most pressing challenges facing the world, such as climate change, health, inequality, environmental degradation, and discuss how to take common actions to solve problems and create a better future for all lives.

　　4 days, 16 topics, 527 questions for online discussion

　　The conference also communicated with the participants on the latest situation of the park’s sustainability practices, market promotion, media services and the preparation timetable for the next stage.

　　During the 4 days of the conference, the organizers held 16 thematic conferences and received 527 questions from various exhibitors, showing that the global Expo community has been highly concerned about advancing the preparations for Dubai Expo since the outbreak of the new crown epidemic. In the next few weeks, the organizer will further consult with exhibitors on individualization issues, and update the operating guidelines for each section as soon as possible.

　　The Secretary General of the BIE Mr. Dimitri S. Kerkentzes emphasized,“Although we have been separated from each other in the past few months, our focus has not deviated from the goal of Expo 2020 Dubai: to communicate ideas and create a more bright future. As we think about the current challenges and look forward to the opening of the next World Expo next year, we always remember that as long as we are together, there are unlimited opportunities and possibilities."

　　The UAE Minister of International Cooperation and Director of the Expo2020 Dubai Bureau, Reem Al Hashimy said,“The core goal of Expo 2020 Dubai is to'consolidate the forces of the world to meet common challenges.' On the occasion of the opening of the Expo on October 1, 2021, The goal will be more far-reaching. All exhibitors are constantly working hard to realize the promise of hosting a unique World Expo on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the UAE. For this, I am deeply proud ."

　　In progress: the preparations for World Expo Museum Pavilion accelerated

　　As the only official museum and official documentation center of the Bureau International des Expositions, the World Expo Museum has confirmed its participation in Dubai Expo. The pavilion is located in the "Mobility" theme area, close to the main entrance of the park. Through exhibitions and abundant activities during the exhibition, it presents the history of the World Expo and its significance to contemporary human society. At the same time, it also echoes the theme of the Dubai Expo, inspiring the audience to think about the future.

　　The World Expo Museum participates in the online conference

　　According to the latest preparation guide information provided by the International Exhibitors Conference, World Expo Museum will be more effectively promoted in the deepening of the exhibition design, the refinement of the activity plan, and the preparation of the operation plan. Continuingto play the role of the official museum, support the Dubai Expo, and work hard for the in-depth cooperation between the two sides throughout the "Expo life cycle" before, during and after the expo.