Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai, which kicks off in October.
In 100 days, the UAE will be the first country in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region to host the largest global gathering since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.
"100 days to go for Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s largest cultural event. 100 days to go for the gathering of 192 nations in Dubai in the biggest global event since the outset of the pandemic to usher in a new phase of recovery," said Sheikh Mohammed in a tweet.
He revealed that 50,000 employees have set up 192 pavilions and 30,000 volunteers are ready to welcome the world at Expo 2020 Dubai.
"Expo 2020 Dubai will provide the space for the largest and most inclusive cultural and knowledge exchange in the world," he added, noting that "Expo 2020 Dubai will pave the roadmap for key economic, development and cultural trends of the post-COVID-19 era.”
"Our success in hosting the world’s largest cultural event reflects the power of human solidarity in overcoming the pandemic."
The global community is preparing for a new stage of collaboration by harnessing science and technology to combat the pandemic, said Sheikh Mohammed, adding that Expo 2020 Dubai provides the platform for sharing knowledge and innovations.
"Through Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE is bridging cultures and galvanizing efforts and aspirations towards creating a better future for everyone,” said Sheikh Mohammed, inviting people from every corner of the globe to join the inspiring and enlightening experience that pays testament to human creativity.
“We will meet at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first mega-event to be held during the COVID-19 pandemic, where about 90 percent of the UAE population have been vaccinated against COVID-19, positioning the country among the top five nations in the vaccine distribution rate.
Expo 2020 Dubai sets multiple milestones as the first international expo held in the region in 170 years. The first International Expo was hosted in London, in 1851.
Over 190 countries, dozens of companies, multinational institutions, academic institutions, international bodies, UN organizations and global economic and humanitarian initiatives partake in Expo 2020.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be held between October 1 and March 31, 2022, under the slogan “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”
The launch coincides with the UAE’s celebration of its golden jubilee. It is expected to receive more than 25 million visitors from inside and outside the UAE.