Expo 2020 Dubai could be postponed until 2021, according to reports from Arabian Business.
Arabian Business reported that Expo 2020 Dubai will explore the possibility of postponing the event by one year in order to allow the world recover from the coronavirus pandemic.
#Expo2020 organisers and steering committee participants explore postponement of the event by one year in view of #COVID19 impact #worldwide#WamNews https://t.co/x4QPOXXnR6 pic.twitter.com/kp3HntA6F6
— WAM English (@WAMNEWS_ENG) March 30, 2020
An official statement from Expo 2020 Dubai states: “While everyone involved in Expo 2020 Dubai remains firmly committed, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have expressed a need to postpone Expo’s opening by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge.
“The BIE will now work with its Member States and Expo 2020 Dubai to establish a change in dates. A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE’s (Bureau International des Expositions) General Assembly.
“We believe that now, more than ever, humanity needs to come together to remember what unites us.”
While everyone involved in #Expo2020 Dubai remains firmly committed, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have expressed a need to postpone Expo’s opening by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge. pic.twitter.com/8xgk5D0UJl
— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) March 30, 2020
Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of BIE, welcomed Expo 2020 organisers’ decision.
“The UAE’s decision to support a one year postponement demonstrates pragmatism, openness, and commitment to delivering an Expo that lives up to our shared ambition,” he said.
“We retain full confidence in the UAE’s ability to host a World Expo that inspires and delights millions, when the time is right.”
Millions of visitors are expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai, flying into both Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports.
With a huge operation having been undertaken in Dubai South, home to the Expo 2020 Dubai site, anticipation is mounting rapidly.
For everything else we know about Expo 2020 Dubai so far, click here.
