Many distinguished organisations spoke in support of Expo 2020 Dubai, affirming their solidarity and agreement with the decision to move the dates of the ‘greatest show on Earth’ due to the COVID-19 pandemic. And now the postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai has been approved by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
A statement from Dubai Media Office, read: “Expo 2020 Dubai is gearing up to help shape a post-pandemic world and create a better future for all after a two-thirds majority of Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Member States voted in favour of postponing the next World Expo by one year.
“The global mega-event will now run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, a delay that allows all participants to safely navigate the impact of Covid-19. It also allows the World Expo to focus on a collective desire for new thinking to identify solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time.”
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, explained: “We welcome the decision of BIE Member States to support the delay of 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.
“We have sought to build over the last 50 years, 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.”
Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary-General of the BIE, added: “In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021 when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that strengthen us. With its theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will offer the world a unique platform to share the lessons, solutions and ideas for a better tomorrow.”
Ambassador Hossam Zaki, Assistant Secretary-General and Commissioner-General of the League of Arab States at Expo 2020 Dubai, stated: “At this critical period of human history the need to strengthen international and regional cooperation is bigger than ever. The League of Arab States is supportive of Expo 2020 Dubai and commends it for its commitment to bringing its vision to life despite any possible postponement. We remain committed to working closely with Expo 2020 Dubai as a platform that will bring the world together and advocate for collective action towards a better future for humanity.”