Expo 2020 Dubai organizers confirmed their commitment on October 1 to push through the global event, exactly one year ahead of the scheduled opening. New images of the site were released on the Expo’s official website: these include pavilions that are near completion and thoroughfares in preparation for the estimated number of 25 million visitors. The event’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” centers around the idea of opportunity, mobility, and sustainability in hopes of resolving real world problems and improving innovation all over the world. Dubai is the first Middle Eastern country to have the opportunity in hosting the event, and more than 190 countries are expected to participate. Expo 2020 was originally scheduled to open on October 20, 2020, but has been moved next year, October 1, 2021, due to the coronavirus pandemic. The event is set to last for 6 months and will formally end on March 31, 2022.

It has taken 210 million hours of work to the pavilions’ and buildings’ initiatives, and according to a press release, they are scheduled to be finalized by the end of December this year. A large amount of money has been invested to develop the transport and 1,000-acre infrastructure across Dubai. The city also plans to reuse 80% of the Expo infrastructure as a combined commercial and residential site called District 2020. Moreover, Dubai hopes to diversify its economy and promote itself as a center for world innovation. Expo 2020 Dubai and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Director General Reem Al Hashimy said, “We hope that people will join us to achieve our objectives to bring the world together and put humanity and the planet on the right path towards dignity for all.