Dubai: New Date for World Expo Dubai

Restrictions to prevent the spread of the corona virus are currently present around the world – this is not without consequences for the planning of the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, which was scheduled to start on October 20^th, 2020. According to the organization, many countries have already expressed their wish to postpone the six-month exhibition. “We remain firm in our collective aim to deliver an Expo that is true to its time and to our shared, urgent priorities. But it is clear that this is not the right time,” the organizers say.

The concerns have now been used as an opportunity to apply to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), together with the UAE government and the Expo 2020 Steering Committee, to reschedule the international event. The Executive Committee of the Paris-based bureau met this week and issued the joined recommendation to support the proposed rescheduling. It can be expected that at least two-thirds – the minimum majority required by Article 28 of the BIE Convention – of the BIE member states in the General Assembly will vote in favour of the postponement, so that the BIE can officially reschedule Expo 2020. Expo Dubai is expected to take place one year later from October 1^st , 2021 to March 31^st, 2022. The member states will vote for the final decision between 24^th April and 29^th May. (eap)