How to Plan Your Expo 2020 Dubai Trip
Are you one of the millions planning to descend upon Dubai pavements for the much-anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai? If you are, then you should seriously take meticulous care to plan your trip. Doing so will give you more time to choose the best Dubai hotels, create an exciting itinerary, and find out how to best enjoy the modern world’s City of Gold.
An Exhibition of Epic Proportions
Dubai holds the distinction of being the first-ever country to hold the world expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region. For six months, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) will open its doors to millions of visitors. This includes 190 countries that have confirmed their participation in the events that will take place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021. Along with these nations, other businesses, educational institutions, and multilateral organizations will also be joining this momentous event.
Dubai is already the fourth most visited city in 2018 as reported by Mastercard and the numbers are expected to shoot up even more as preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai ramps up. Around 25 million visitors are expected to visit the world fair where seventy percent of the guests will be coming from outside of the UAE. It is said that this will be the largest number of international visitors since the first World Expo was held 168 years ago.
With the theme Creating Minds, Creating the Future, Expo 2020 Dubai aims to inspire ideas and build partnerships that will build the future. Subthemes on mobility, opportunity, and sustainability will also be featured in this culmination of minds and talents.
With the aim to leave a lasting legacy in mind, eighty percent of the buildings and structures built for Expo 2020 will be used as part of the new thriving development – District 2020.
If you’re getting excited, here are some top tips for planning your Expo 2020 Dubai Trip:
1. Getting In
If you are a citizen of any of the Gulf Cooperation Countries (GCC), then you won’t need a visa to visit the UAE.
However, if you are a foreigner or GCC expatriate resident, then you must present one upon entry. Depending on your nationality, duration, and purpose of visit, there are different types of visas that you may need to enter Dubai.
You can check out more details here.
The expo venue lies in the midst of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is within easy reach from Al Maktoum International Airport. Guests can also fly in from Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai International Airport. Those who prefer to sail in can make use of both Abu Dhabi and Dubai Cruise Terminals.
2. Book Early
Once you get your visa, it would do you well if you can book your plane and accommodations as early as possible. Remember that there will be millions of people who will be entering the country around that period, so it is best to be proactive.
Take advantage of exclusive offers for hotel booking in the UAE to guarantee the best rates, discounts, or other freebies.
3. Moving Around
If you will be coming from neighboring emirates and want to drive into Dubai, there is a fine network of roads that are conducive for driving. You need an international driver’s license, a passport, credit cards, and third-party insurance should you want to rent a car. Dubai’s roads are famous for their sleek sports cars and opulent rides and you’d be happy to know that some rental companies offer these flashy brands.
The bus is a more inexpensive option. There are a few bus stations near the Expo 2020 site. From the station, it will take around 10-12 minutes on foot. Purchase a Nol card so you can easily pay for public transportation like the bus or the metro.
Each participating country will have its own unique pavilion inside the 438-hectare area that was specially prepared for this global event. To get around, you can use the expo’s own metro that is capable of ferrying 36,000 passengers every hour.
The extensive development for Expo 2020 Dubai includes several road and transportation improvement projects. Know more from the official UAE site about transportation for Expo 2020.
4. What’s the Weather Like and What to Wear
Dubai enjoys sunny weather all year round.
Expo 2020 Dubai will take place in the winter months of October to May. Temperatures average from the 20s to the mid-30s in the daytime but it can get cooler when the sun goes down. It is best to be ready with a light jacket or sweater for use during the evenings or when staying in air-conditioned areas.
Warmer months are from June to September when the temperature rises up to the mid-40s. This is the time when summer activities and attractions all come to life.
While Dubai is normally a more tolerant cosmopolitan, visitors are still encouraged to observe local customs and manners of dressing. Modest attire is best, especially when going to family-friendly spots, religious sites, and government buildings. Tight and revealing clothing is generally frowned upon.
Expect that there will be a good amount of walking as you take in the sights of the expo. Remember to wear comfortable footwear.
5. Events and Activities
With Expo 2020, you can see the world in 173 days. Expect a lot of fun-filled events and activities while touring around the expo site.
The expo is open from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on weekdays and until 2 a.m. on weekends. There are 60 live shows a day that feature world-class artists and performers. You can also look forward to daily parades and futuristic technologies as well as seasonal celebrations like Christmas and Diwali. Look up ticket information here.
Satisfy Sate your hunger and quench your thirst with cuisines from all over the world. With over 200 food and beverage outlets around, you can be sure that your tastebuds will surely be tickled.
A World to Experience
With the convergence of countries in one site, visiting Expo 2020 Dubai is akin to going around the world in just a number of days. It’s all up to you to decide how long you plan to stay. The most important thing to remember is to prepare well.
Plan your trip in advance so you can be ready for any eventualities. Find out more about Dubai and Expo 2020 Dubai so you can be well informed when you get there. Knowledge is key to experiencing maximum enjoyment in this whole new world that is full of promise.
References:
https://www.timeoutdubai.com/travel/415029-dubai-confirmed-as-the-worlds-fourth-most-visited-city
https://www.district2020.ae/
