Expo Dubai 2020

Applications are open for the Expo 2020 Dubai edition of the BIE-Cosmos Prize, open to citizen projects that respond to the Expo theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

The BIE-Cosmos Prize Expo 2020 Dubai promotes and rewards not-for-profit projects from individuals or groups exemplifying the Expo’s overall theme and working in fields relating to one or more of its sub-themes - Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Applications for eligible projects may be submitted by completing the application form, in English or in French, before 30 September 2021. Shortlisted candidates will present their work and achievements at Expo 2020 Dubai, and an international jury will then select the winning project, to be announced on BIE Day on 30 March 2022. A donation of 20,000 euros will be granted to the recipient of the BIE-Cosmos Prize.

The BIE-Cosmos Prize is a collaboration between the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) and the Expo ’90 Foundation of Japan, which commemorates Horticultural Expo 1990 Osaka and its value of “Harmonious Coexistence between Nature and Humankind”. The BIE-Cosmos Prize has been awarded at all World and Specialised Expos since 2008, with the aim of giving visibility and support to citizen projects that promote the theme of the Expo and the values of the Expo ’90 Foundation.

At World Expo 2015 Milan, which was organised under the theme “Feeding the Planet: Energy for Life”, the BIE-Cosmos Prize was awarded to the “Nutritious Diet and Sustainable future for Haiti’s Children” project, submitted by non-governmental organisation CESAL. At Specialised Expo 2017 Asana, held under the theme “Future Energy”, the prize was awarded to the National University of Lesotho for its initiative to design and produce low-cost solar collectors.

As the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome visitors from every corner of the globe to join the making of a new world, as it brings together more than 190 countries in one place to reimagine tomorrow. Through its theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, and its three subthemes – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – Expo 2020 Dubai will be the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas.

Click here to download the Prize outline and the Application form for the BIE-Cosmos Prize Expo 2020 Dubai.

Please note that the deadline for the submission of applications, initially 31 August 2021, has been extended to 30 September 2021.

On 29 June 2021, Manal Al Bayat, Chief Engagement Officer of Expo 2020 Dubai, presented the 168th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) with an overview of the preparations for the next World Expo, themed “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

With Expo 2020 Dubai opening in 93 days, Ms Al Bayat told BIE Member States that the Organiser is “primed to deliver an exceptional World Expo from 1 October”. As the world deals with the challenges of the past 18 months, Expo 2020 Dubai is “more relevant than ever”, sending a message to the world about overcoming adversity “as we open our doors to a brighter future”, indicated the Chief Engagement Officer.

In terms of physical preparations, the General Assembly was informed that the construction of country pavilions will be finished by next month, and that the “final touches” are being added to the site. Trains are now running on the new ‘Route 2020’ metro extension connecting Expo 2020 with Dubai’s metro network. Additionally, the Dubai Exhibition Centre, adjacent to the Expo site, is fully operational and already booked for 150 events during the course of the Expo.

In early 2021, during the Pavilions Premiere - which welcomed over 100,000 visitors from across the UAE - the Expo Organiser demonstrated its operational readiness and the robust measures that are implemented. Further protocols, operational and technical exercises are being carried out in partnership with local stakeholders, indicated Ms Al Bayat, so that Dubai and the whole of the UAE is ready to welcome the world from 1 October.

Regarding the measures in place, Ms Al Bayat reiterated the fact that Expo 2020 Dubai’s number one priority is the health, safety and well-being of everyone visiting and working at the Expo. In addition to all Expo teams being fully vaccinated, precautionary measures when the Expo opens will include mandatory mask-wearing and social distancing, sanitation stations, and an intelligent Smart Queue system for pavilions. Besides, Expo 2020 Dubai is leveraging all available technologies to enhance the Expo’s virtual offering in order to expand the reach of the Expo’s content and messaging to those who cannot visit.

As the public opening approaches, Member States were also given a taste of the “breathtaking” opening ceremony, for which rehearsals are underway. The ceremony will be the ignition for six months of the collective and bespoke Events and Entertainment programme that will offer a “beautiful mosaic of global experiences” ranging from music and dance performances, to art displays and participatory sports.

Concluding her report to BIE Member States, Ms Al Bayat emphasised that in less than three months, she told BIE Member States, “Expo 2020 will bring us together to celebrate our spirit, our resilience and our togetherness, and to look to the future with hope and optimism”.

Expo 2020 Dubai has kick-started its sixth and final International Participants’ Meeting (IPM), gathering more than 370 representatives from countries, international organisations and key stakeholders in Dubai ahead of the World Expo’s opening on 1 October.

With the final touches being made to the Expo 2020 Dubai site and pavilions, the two-day meeting is an opportunity for the Expo 2020 Dubai Organisers, International Participants and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) to review the latest progress and ongoing preparations for the event. Participants will exchange and work together with the Expo Organisers and BIE officials on a range of subjects concerning the six-month event, which will open in exactly 150 days under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. The topics addressed include operational and logistical matters such as event programming, communications and city readiness, as well as the protocols put in place to ensure the health and well-being of employees, participants and visitors.

Delegates from 173 countries and 24 international organisations are attending the meeting in person, held at Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Expo 2020 Dubai, with a number of country representatives also participating virtually. This 6th IPM is the first physical gathering of international participants since August 2019 and is also the very first event to take place in the Dubai Exhibition Centre, a 45,000m2 multipurpose venue that will play host to many of Expo 2020 Dubai’s largest events.

In opening remarks, the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes declared: “World Expos provide us with a global platform for modern multilateralism, bringing together countries, international organisations, businesses, NGOs, researchers and citizens, so that everyone can play a role in creating solutions and overcoming challenges.

“For tens of millions of people, here in the UAE, in the Middle East and across the world, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the occasion, to reconnect with the whole world, to truly engage with questions of universal importance and to develop innovative solutions to our global problems. In Dubai, by connecting minds, we will create a better future.”

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said: “Today, the world has come to Expo 2020 Dubai, travelling from every corner of the planet to join us here, to share our excitement and to see first-hand our advanced state of readiness. As we approach the climax of our journey to deliver an Expo that inspires, enlightens and astonishes, our message is clear: We are ready to welcome the world.”

Organised under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, Expo 2020 Dubai will take place between 1 October 2021 and 31 March 2022. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia (MEASA) region and will gather more than 200 International Participants.

The Steering Committee of the College of Commissioners-General of Expo 2020 Dubai held its sixth meeting on 21 January, with participants reviewing progress on the event ahead of its opening on 1 October.

The virtual meeting gathered representatives of countries participating in the Expo, as well as the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, and representatives of the Expo Organiser including the Director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy.

Members of the Steering Committee discussed a range of points regarding the preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai, including the advancement of pavilions, logistical matters, content programming, and health and safety measures that are being taken during the preparation phase as well as those planned for the Expo period. Regarding the latter, the BIE and its Member States continue to monitor and assess the sanitary situation as it evolves to develop guidelines, anticipate measures and support preparedness accordingly.

Furthermore, with the Pavilions Premiere – the public opening of the Thematic Pavilions – beginning with Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion, on 22 January, Members of the Steering Committee reviewed the measures and practices being put in place to ensure meaningful, safe and exceptional experiences for all visitors.

All participating countries and partners will have the opportunity to exchange on the advancement of Expo preparations during the next International Participants Meeting, which the Organiser is aiming to hold in a physical format in early May.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the BIE, indicated: “The UAE, Expo 2020 Dubai and all International Participants continue to make progress in preparing for an exceptional and safe World Expo that will inspire visitors and instil optimism in creating a better future. The smooth progress of preparations moving towards the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai on October 1 this year is the result of continual and positive dialogue between the BIE, its Member States and the Expo Organiser.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai said: “The UAE’s commitment to delivering a safe, responsible and exceptional Expo continues to be inspired by our partners, the BIE and the International Participants who are preparing for opening day, at pace. We are witnessing not only their pavilions taking shape but also their programme plans which we aspire will be a turning point for the international collaboration on issues of global priority.”

Organisers and participants of World Expo 2020 Dubai are fully engaged in the successful delivery of the mega-event, which was the subject of a four-day International Participants Meeting (IPM) on 24-27 August. The meeting, held virtually, was the fifth IPM held ahead of Expo 2020 Dubai and the first to take place since the BIE General Assembly approved the change in the event’s dates to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022.

More than 190 countries participating in the next World Expo took part in the virtual meeting, which gave the opportunity for country representatives to engage and exchange directly with Expo 2020 Dubai Organisers, representatives of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and officials from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

The meeting notably provided the opportunity to discuss updated timelines for pavilion construction and preparation, and allowed all parties to work together in the development of the thematic, cultural and communications programming.

Preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai have continued in recent months in adherence to the precautionary measures taken by UAE authorities. All participating country pavilion construction is set to be completed by the end of 2020, with the BIE and its Member States, the UAE Government and the Expo Organiser jointly developing guidelines to ensure a safe and Covid-free Expo site.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, declared: “Preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai are continuing on site and in countries around the world. While Covid-19 has affected us in many different ways, the Organiser and participating countries are finding new and creative means to interpret the theme and plan their pavilions. With bold ideas and innovations, quality content and memorable experiences, Expo 2020 Dubai will be marker of our era, and a milestone event for visitors and participants alike.

“During these past months when many of us have been physically separated, we have not lost focus of the goal of Expo 2020 Dubai: to connect minds and to create a better future. As we consider the current challenges and look towards to the opening of the next World Expo next year, we are reminded of the unlimited opportunities that are made possible when we come together as one.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: "Expo 2020 Dubai's core purpose - to bring the world together to develop solutions to challenges that affect us all - will be even more relevant when the Expo begins on 1 October 2021. I am proud of the continued efforts of all our participants and their unwavering commitment to delivering an exceptional World Expo in Dubai during the Golden Jubilee Year of the United Arab Emirates."

The General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has approved the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai. As a result, the dates of Expo 2020 Dubai have officially changed to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022. The event will keep the name “Expo 2020 Dubai”.

The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) requested a change in dates of Expo 2020 Dubai following a meeting of the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee in which participating countries expressed their need to postpone the Expo’s opening in order to overcome the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic. In line with BIE regulations, the request was examined by the Executive Committee of the BIE, which on 21 April proposed the postponement to the General Assembly of the BIE. In accordance with the BIE Convention, the change in dates required a two-thirds majority vote of Member States for the change of dates to take effect.

Since 24 April, voting on the postponement has been carried out remotely by the government-appointed delegates of the BIE’s 170 Member States. A majority of two-thirds was reached as early as 4 May, with voting remaining open in accordance with the Executive Committee’s recommendation until 29 May at 6pm (Paris time).

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), stated: “I welcome this resounding expression of support shown by the international community to postpone Expo 2020 Dubai. While this situation is unprecedented, the response by the Government of the UAE and by our Member States demonstrates the strong bonds that tie us and the shared commitment we have to delivering a truly inclusive World Expo.

“The difficulties raised by the Covid-19 pandemic illustrate the importance of sharing solutions and co-ordinating our actions. The time we spend apart leads us to reflect on the importance of being together, and reminds us that even in the digital age, shared experiences are the essence of our humanity. The world is now more than ever looking forward to Expo 2020 Dubai to connect, reflect and celebrate the future.”

The postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022 is set to be approved by the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), with the change of dates having already surpassed the required two-thirds threshold. On the proposal of the Executive Committee, the General Assembly of the BIE began voting remotely on 24 April and will continue until 29 May. BIE regulations stipulate that a two-thirds majority of Member States holding the right to vote is required for the dates of an Expo to be changed.

The Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has unanimously agreed to propose the postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022. As changing the dates of an Expo requires the support of a two-thirds majority of Member States of the BIE (Article 28 of the Paris Convention of 1928), the General Assembly will now be called upon to vote on the Executive Committee’s recommendation. Voting will be carried out remotely between Friday 24 April and Friday 29 May.

Members of the Committee – delegates of 12 Member States elected by the BIE’s General Assembly - met virtually today to examine the change in dates requested by the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This request was made after a meeting of the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee on 30 March, in which participating countries expressed their need to postpone the Expo’s opening in order to overcome the challenges posed by the Covid-19 pandemic.

Assessing the unforeseen impact of the Covid-19 on public health, economic activity and global restrictions on movement, the Executive Committee unanimously recommended approving the UAE’s request to postpone the Expo, and to maintain the name “Expo 2020 Dubai”.

Considering the practical impossibility of holding a General Assembly, Member States will be asked to cast their vote remotely by Friday 29 May.

Should the motion receive a two-thirds majority of eligible and voting Member States, the dates of Expo 2020 Dubai will be officially changed to 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, the Secretary General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), stated: “World Expos are collective endeavours that express the shared international goal of progress for all humankind. I am confident that when the time is right, Expo 2020 Dubai will constitute the best platform to build, with renewed optimism and hope, a better and brighter future for all."

Alain Berger, delegate of France and the Chairman of the Executive Committee of the BIE indicated: “The UAE’s willingness to listen to participating countries and its pragmatism to take the necessary steps towards postponement demonstrate yet again its strong commitment to hosting a truly inclusive and inspirational World Expo. The Executive Committee of the BIE fully supports the UAE's request for postponement and recommends that countries around the world reach the same consensus.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We welcome today’s recommendation of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) Executive Committee to support a request by the UAE Government and Expo 2020’s Steering Committee to postpone Expo 2020 for a year.

“Now the official process for agreeing a delay begins, and we look forward to working constructively with BIE Member States, our friends, and partners to confirm the new date of 1 October 2021 when the Expo will open its doors, and the UAE will welcome the world.”

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes added: “Solidarity and unity have defined the work of the BIE since the birth of our Organisation. Expos are expressions of a collective engagement, bringing humanity together in a spirit of peace and cooperation. It is now for our Member States to make a decision about when we will reconvene in Dubai to celebrate innovation and cooperation for humankind.”

The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) has convened a meeting of its Executive Committee to discuss options for a change of dates for World Expo 2020 Dubai. The meeting will take place virtually on 21 April 2020, with the participation of members of the Committee – delegates of 12 elected Member States – as well as the Secretary General of the BIE, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes.

Members of the Committee will discuss the request of the Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to postpone the Expo. After consulting with the BIE, participating countries and key stakeholders, the UAE has proposed changing the dates to 1 October 2021 – 31 March 2022.

The request of the UAE Government has been sent following in-depth discussions by the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee with the Organiser and the BIE on the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

A final decision on a change of dates can only be made by a two-thirds majority vote of BIE Member States, as stipulated by Article 28 of the 1928 Paris Convention.