Expo 2020 Dubai has been postponed by a year, the governing body of World Expos confirmed on Monday.
Originally slated to run from 20 October, 2020, to 10 April, 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai will now take place from 1 October, 2021, 31 March, 2022.
The announcement comes after a meeting of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), during which two-thirds of the Member States voted in favour of postponing the event for one year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We welcome the decision of BIE Member States to support the delay Expo 2020 Dubai by one year. We are thankful to Member States for their continued commitment to contributing to a World Expo in Dubai that will play a pivotal role in shaping our post-pandemic world at a time when it will be most needed,” commented His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee.
“Over the past 50 years, we have sought to build bridges, connections, and partnerships around the world because we believe in genuine collaboration to safeguard the future of all. This swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world.
“This affirmation by the international community of Dubai’s offering and its ability to deliver, further strengthens our commitment to matching ambition with achievement to hosting an event that will capture the world’s imagination, when the time is right.”
