Audio By Carbonatix
Dubai could attract 11 million foreign visitors to the Expo 2020 trade fair, organisers said in an interview, giving a significant boost to the emirate’s tourism sector.
Overseas visitors would account for almost 71% percent of the total expected for the event in Dubai, already a popular destination which lured a record 15.9 million visitors in 2018.
Expo 2020, which starts in October 2020 and runs for six months, is expected to add 122.6 billion dirhams (26.27 billion pounds) to the United Arab Emirates’ economy between 2013 and 2031, according to a study conducted by consultancy EY.
Ahmed Al Khatib, Chief Development and Delivery Officer, told Reuters 67.5% of Expo-led construction is completed and all major projects were on track for completion by year end.
Out of the 192 participating countries, 81 will build their own pavilion and 111 will lease Expo-built pavilions.
Organisers said Iran, Israel and Qatar will participate and will each build their own pavilion. Israel and the UAE do not have any formal relations, although the two countries share common concerns over regional rival Iran.
Qatar has made no formal announcement that it will attend. Qatar’s government communications office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and commercial ties with Qatar in June 2017, accusing Doha of supporting terrorism. Qatar has denied these allegations.
“The Expo is, and certainly for us, an apolitical event,” said Sanjive Khosla, deputy chief visitor experience officer. “It’s a global event, an event for the world. That was our commitment when we submitted the bid and we won, that we would invite the world to it and we are sticking to our word.”
Latest Stories
-
Health Ministry engages Ga Mantse ahead of Free Primary Healthcare launch
24 minutes -
We can tackle multiple priorities – Sam George defends Anti-LGBTQ Bill push
59 minutes -
Statement: Ghana Chamber of Mines’ Response to Claims in Joe Jackson’s “Ananse Stories about the Economy of Ghana”
1 hour -
GES opens 2026 teacher recruitment for licensed B.Ed graduates
1 hour -
Ghana must value skilled trades, build resilient learners — Ibn Chambas
1 hour -
Ghana must rethink education around relevance, resilience and responsibility — Ibn Chambas
1 hour -
Prince Harry faces defamation lawsuit from charity he co-founded
1 hour -
South Korea deploys thermal cameras to track escaped zoo wolf
1 hour -
Calls for royal meeting with Epstein survivors grow ahead of US visit
1 hour -
Ibn Chambas advocates blend of technology and human values in education
1 hour -
UMA improves healthcare access in Asutifi North with GH₵700k ‘Kim Taylor Legacy’ Walkway
1 hour -
Scholarships Authority and Fanaka University offer sponsorship for procurement and supply chain studies
1 hour -
Bisa Kdei drops new single ‘Go N Look’ featuring Medikal
2 hours -
Benin facing rising terrorism in north as French military presence faces growing criticism
2 hours -
UEW Public Lecture Series 2026: Education debate ‘about the soul of Ghana’s future’ — Dr Ibn Chambas
2 hours