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
-
“It’s not a sin to be arrested as a politician” – Afenyo-Markin rallies NPP behind Bawumia
15 minutes -
2025/26 Ghana League: Bibiani GoldStars dominate Basake Holy Stars with 3-0 win
31 minutes -
Ablakwa congratulates President Mahama and Ghana on unanimous AU backing for historic UN resolution
33 minutes -
This is not the time for retribution and political score-settling – Bawumia urges unity
33 minutes -
FoSCel urges prioritisation of genotype testing before marriage and childbirth
34 minutes -
Ghanaian tomato traders targeted in deadly terrorist attack – Association President speaks
53 minutes -
GPL 2025/26: Hohoe United edge Nations FC to boost survival hopes
55 minutes -
2025/26 GPL: Bechem United beat Young Apostles FC 1-0 at home
1 hour -
Fire guts Agatex Paint Factory in Ho
1 hour -
We’ll force NDC to pay cocoa farmers what is due them – Minority Leader
2 hours -
FoSCel founder urges awareness, care for sickle cell patients
2 hours -
FoSCel Fun Fair 2026 engages students and public in nationwide push for sickle cell awareness
2 hours -
Mahama gives me money every month – BullGod
2 hours -
Historic Legal Education Bill will transform Ghana School of Law – Ansa-Asare
3 hours -
Suhuyini launches 1Heart Fund, disburses interest-free loans to 23 women’s groups in Tamale North
3 hours
