Ray of Light: Dubai Expo 2020 and Beyond

Dubai has been preparing to host its first-ever World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region ever since it was announced to host Expo 2020 back in the bidding year 2013. Dubai brought in encouraging visa regulations coupled with safety measures in light of the COVID-19 pandemic to make the Expo 2020 successful.

While the world is steadily recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, Dubai is inviting the entire world to witness the innovation and collaboration that each nation has to propose under the Expo 2020 theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, bringing the world together to initiate an exchange of new perspectives and deliver real-life solutions to overcome real world challenges.

Dubai Expo 2020 will take place from 1 October 2021 and will continue until 31 March 2022. The initial footfall expected for this grand event was incredible, however, the COVID-19 pandemic forced the UAE to impose strict protocols for those wishing to enter the country to witness the event. Dubai is expected to welcome 25 million visitors during these six months. 

 

New Civic Rules Imposed Prior to Expo 2020

Recently, Abu Dhabi opened its borders for vaccinated travellers and tourists without the need for quarantine—an added advantage for Expo 2020 and a promising step towards revival of the tourism sector. Dubai Expo 2020 tickets are available, free of charge, for individuals travelling to or via Abu Dhabi by certain airlines to attend the event. Additionally, Dubai Government employees can enjoy six days of paid leave to explore the event.

While mask mandates and associated consequences for violators are still in effect in public spaces, as of 22 September 2021, the UAE Government confirmed that masks are not mandatory in the following places and situations:

• • • Places of exercising
    • When travelling in a private vehicle with family members
    • Beaches and swimming pools
    • Salons and beauty centers
    • Medical centers
    • When alone in enclosed spaces

 

Covid-19 Protocols for Expo 2020

All visitors 18 years of age or older must show valid proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test done 72 hours prior to visiting Dubai. GDRFA or ICA approval is not required by tourists while travelling to the UAE.

 

Apply for the UAE Tourist Visa to Witness Expo 2020

You can apply for a UAE tourist visa with usual requirements and there is no separate visa category introduced for the Dubai Expo 2020. The UAE Government has also expedited the timelines of issuing tourist visas to encourage visits to the Expo 2020 venue.

 

Need to Know More?

For further information, please contact Minu Joseph at [email protected] or Nikhil Bande at [email protected]. This blog was published on 29 September 2021, and due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our dedicated COVID-19 site, subscribe to our alerts and follow us on LinkedIn, twitter, Facebook and Instagram.