AusLeisure

Facing uncertainty over how the Coronavirus pandemic will impact international events and tourism, the organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai said they are exploring postponing the event until 2021.

The organisers are working closely with all stakeholders in Dubai, the United Arab Emirates and internationally as they continue to assess the situation.

UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General, Expo 2020 Dubai, Reem Al Hashimy, advised "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 Expo’s opening by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge.

“We will follow due Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) processes on making the decision to delay Expo 2020.”

A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE’s General Assembly, which requires a two-thirds majority vote from the BIE Member states.

Related Articles

27th March 2020 - Global Wellness Institute launches new campaign and collaborations

21st March 2020 - One million jobs a day being lost due to Coronavirus pandemic

17th March 2020 - Coronavirus impact puts up to 50 million jobs at risk across global tourism

14th March 2020 - SportAccord 2020 cancelled due to COVID-19 ban on large-scale events

11th March 2020 - Amusements and attractions exhibitions in Dubai and Taiwan impacted by Coronavirus

3rd February 2020 - Coca-Cola Arena hosts sell-out concerts at conclusion of Dubai Festival

31st January 2020 - Coronavirus declared global health emergency by World Health Organization

30th January 2020 - Dubai Global Village recognised among the top four most visited entertainment destinations in the world

24th January 2020 - Opening of world’s tallest observation wheel to coincide with Expo 2020 Dubai

10th December 2019 - Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena secures Audiovisual Fan Experience Award

6th November 2019 - Dubai venue to host 100% environmentally sustainable rock concert

29th May 2018 - Dubai spends US$42.5 billion on mega projects ahead of Expo 2020

15th May 2018 - Dubai Parks and Resorts welcomes 45% rise in visitors in 2018

20th December 2017 - Work starts on Dubai 2020 Expo pavilion centrepiece

12th November 2017 - Louvre Abu Dhabi opens to the public

13th October 2016 - Authorities plan to reuse more than 80% of Dubai Expo 2020 site

23rd June 2015 - UAE leisure sector to attract 45 million visitors by 2021

4th June 2015 - Dubai becomes the fourth most visited global city and gets top rank for business events

21st February 2014 - Dubai to host biggest attractions event in the Middle East

4th December 2013 - After Expo 2020, Dubai considers 2024 Olympics bid

2nd December 2013 - Dubai to host 2020 World Expo trade convention