Expo 2020 Dubai in numbers

Expo 2020 Dubai is poised to be a global sensation the likes of which the region has never experienced before – and there are some serious numbers flying around to back that up.

Time Out takes a closer look. You might not believe your eyes. Here’s Expo 2020 Dubai in numbers.

25 million

The number of people estimated by show organisers to flock to Dubai during the run of Expo 2020. And before you ask, yes, that number takes into consideration the current pandemic. World Expos are extremely popular, and Dubai is set to be one of the most-visited exhibitions to date.

182

Beginning with what will no doubt be a show stopping opening night on October 1, 2021, and concluding on March 31, 2021, Expo 2020 will run for a total of 182 days. During that time guests from around the world can immerse themselves in an environment conducive to change and growth.

3

A hat-trick of core themes provide the pillar for Expo 2020’s campaign – Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity. These themes manifest in as many iconic pavilions and districts that will dominate the site of show, conveying important messages about how we impact the world around us, and challenging visitors to become agents of change for the good of all the world’s inhabitants.

550

The weight (in tonnes) of the steel crown atop the Al Wasl Plaza, the iconic centrepiece of Expo 2020 that links the three Thematic Districts. Named after the Arabic word for ‘connection’, the crown was positioned at the top of the jewel of the site in a feat of precision engineering involving hundreds of on-site technicians.

60

The total number of live events set to take place every single day of the six-month-long run of the show. Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome artists and academics, pop stars and pioneering thinkers, culinary wizards and corporate gurus, tech ninjas and tomorrow’s leaders.

200

People who live in Dubai love their food, and they will be well catered for at the Expo site by around 200 F&B outlets. Serving 50-plus cuisines, expect to experience future-shaping culinary tech, local favourites and delicious culinary tours. Expo 2020 will feed more than just minds.

190+

No nations wants to miss out on the world’s biggest stage. Which is why Expo 2020 Dubai will play host to more than 190 visiting countries from October 1. Participating nations have been given the opportunity to set up shop at their very own pavilion to showcase how their nation is contributing to critical global debates on hotly-discussed issues.

21

The height in metres of the expertly crafted mashrabiya-style lattices that make up the Expo Entry Portals. Unveiled in February 2020, they will soon be one of the first photo ops for 25 million visitors. Cameras at the ready.

150,000

Shows like this simply aren’t possible without volunteers, and Expo 2020 Dubai has an army of them. 150,000 people have put their name down to man stations across the site through the show, and we salute you.

4.38

The size of the Expo 2020 Dubai site in square kilometres. The vast arena has plenty of room for individual Country Pavilions that will showcase unique architecture, culture and exhibits, supporting amenities and facilities, Expo 2020 Village for participant and staff accommodation, warehousing, logistics, transport nodes, hotels, retail and a public park. Oh, and all those visitors we keep mentioning.

225 million

The incredible number of man hours it has taken to pull this incredible project together. UAE-based companies are playing a leading role in the construction effort, including Al-Futtaim Carillion, Khansaheb, Besix, Tristar Engineering and Al Naboodah Construction

140

Expo 2020 Dubai’s global innovation and partnership programme Expo Live backs projects with creative solutions to pressing challenges, helping to improve people’s lives or preserve the planet. Expo Live’s Innovation Impact Grant Programme is already supporting 140 grantees from 76 countries, demonstrating that innovation can come from anywhere, to everyone.

6

One magical ghaf tree (Salama), two intrepid Emirati siblings (Rashid and Latifa) and three robo-guardians (Opti, Alif and Terra) were revealed in September 2019 as the Expo 2020 Dubai mascots, embarking on a thrilling adventure through time and space to discover the meaning behind the next World Expo.