We continue to face a global situation that is both fast moving and unpredictable.
Over the last several weeks, we have been working hard, both internally and in consultation with key UAE and international stakeholders, to review the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our plans and preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai.
These are extraordinary times and we, in common with our other stakeholders, expect to experience many challenges over the months to come.
We remain firm in our collective aim to deliver an Expo that is true to its time and to our shared, urgent priorities. But it is clear that this is not the right time.
While everyone involved in Expo 2020 Dubai remains firmly committed, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have expressed a need to postpone Expo’s opening by one year, while they focus on overcoming this challenge.
In a spirit of solidarity and unity, we support the proposal to explore a one-year postponement made by the Steering Committee meeting. We will follow the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) processes on making the decision to delay Expo 2020 Dubai. The BIE will now work with its Member States and Expo 2020 Dubai to establish a change in dates.
A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE's General Assembly. Article 28 of the BIE Convention stipulates that a change of dates requires a two-thirds majority vote from the BIE Member States.
We have always aimed to host a World Expo that inspires people by showcasing the best examples of collaboration, innovation and cooperation from around the world. We believe that now, more than ever, humanity needs to come together to remember what unites us.
That remains the shared ambition of all of us involved in this Expo. This is not a cancellation, but we must also play our part in keeping everybody involved healthy and well.
Stay home. Stay safe.
And we will share further updates with you when we are able to.
Visit expo2020dubai.com/en/expo-covid-19 to learn more.
Arabian Business.Com wrote:
Expo 2020 Dubai organizers are expected to discuss a possible opening delay of up to a year due to the global coronavirus pandemic, according to officials from several of the countries involved.
A year-long postponement is one of several options to be discussed on a conference call next week, and organizers haven’t ruled out the scheduled late-October start, they said. Any final decision would have to be made by member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which awards the event.
Government officials and business leaders in Dubai have for years touted the showcase event as a potential bonanza for the emirate, and have spent billions of dollars building hotels and facilities in expectation of millions of visitors.
But with the spread of the virus, the United Arab Emirates, of which Dubai is a part, has shut airports to passenger traffic and urged residents to stay at home after reporting 333 cases, including two fatalities.Members of the Expo steering committee, representing UAE officials and foreign countries set to exhibit, will hold a virtual meeting on Monday. Four foreign officials from countries involved said options on the table will range from maintaining the current opening date to a delay of several months or even a year, as has happened with the Tokyo Olympics.
A spokesman for Expo 2020 Dubai reiterated that organizers continue to closely monitor the global pandemic and are regularly reviewing plans and preparations in line with guidance from U.A.E and international stakeholders.
A spokesman for the BIE said the steering committee meeting would “reassess and adjust planned preparations,” adding that a change of date requires a two-thirds majority vote from its members.
We trusting them to make the best decision
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