Everyone is welcome! No COVID vaccines, tests needed for millions visiting #Expo2020Dubai

Visitors to Dubai’s World Expo won’t be required to provide COVID-19 vaccination certificates or get tested to enter one of the world’s biggest in-person events since the pandemic began.

The exhibition, expected to attract 25 million visits over six months, will though mostly require people to keep their masks on and respect social distancing rules, an Expo spokesperson told Bloomberg. “While vaccination is encouraged, visitors to Expo are not currently required to provide proof of immunization or a negative PCR test,” the spokesperson said. 

“However, we will continue to monitor and adjust these measures as necessary as the situation evolves.” Across the Expo site, dozens of checkpoints will ensure people provide a pass to enter, while visitors will have to wear masks and abide by stringent social distancing regulations. Sanitizing stations will be scattered in every corner. 

The exhibition is also using robots and wearable technology to assist with visitor-facing interactions including ticketing and queuing. All members of staff around the Expo site have already received both doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Dubai in 2013 beat off competition from countries including Brazil and Turkey to host Expo 2020. 

The world’s tallest tower, Burj Khalifa, was illuminated with fireworks in celebration. 

The emirate spent billions of dollars to prepare infrastructure that now resembles a small town spanning the length of hundreds of football stadiums.