Arsalan Afridi

Since the first Great Fair of 1851, World Expos have become one of the world’s largest and oldest mega-events, attracting millions of visitors who explore and discover pavilions, exhibits and cultural events staged by hundreds of participants including nations, international organisations and businesses. In winning the right to host Expo 2020, the UAE and its people set upon a journey that will place the country at the centre of the international stage on the eve of its Golden Jubilee, engaging the global community and creating an immediate and meaningful cultural, social and economic impact. Not only will this be the first time that a World Expo is hosted in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (MENASA), it will also be the first Expo in which the majority of visitors stem from beyond the nation’s borders, heralding the most inclusive and international event in World Expo history. At the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai lies our belief in the power of partnership and collaboration in pioneering new paths of development and innovation. This is reflected throughout the event, from our theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, to the strategic public and private sector partnerships that will be built during the planning and delivery of the event, the innovative site design, and the tangible solutions that Expo 2020 Dubai will deliver around our sub-themes of Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity, on the road to 2020 and beyond.