Coronavirus: UAE contemplates postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai

UAE Monday proposed the postponement to next year of the six-month Expo 2020 Dubai scheduled this year, at the request of participating countries over the global Covid-19 health crisis.

Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, Monday said the organizing committee has consulted participating countries about the impact of COVID-19 on plans and preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai.

The UAE official said the countries set to be part of the event have backed the idea to postpone the global exhibition for one year.

“The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one year postponement at today’s steering committee meeting,” Al Hashemy said.

The final decision will be made in June at Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which awards the event. The final decision requires a two-thirds majority vote from member states of the organization.

BIE’s Secretary General, Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, welcomed the decision, Arabia Business reports. Kerkentzes noted that the organization has full confidence in the Gulf country to host the culture, technology and business showcase expected to gather 192 countries.

“The UAE’s decision to support a one year postponement demonstrates pragmatism, openness, and commitment to delivering an Expo that lives up to our shared ambition,” he said.