It’s official – the Dubai Expo 2020 has been postponed due to the global coronavirus pandemic.
The decision was made after was confirmed in a statement after a meeting occurred with the steering committee of the event which includes the foreign countries that were due to participate and event officials.
In a heartfelt video posted to the official Expo 2020 Instagram page, some would feel a sense of nostalgia watching it.
Reflecting upon winning the bid for Expo 2020 seven years ago, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai thanked those who came forward to help organise and partake in the event.
However, she noted the difficult turn of events that have taken place as of late.
“As we worked towards October 2020, however something terrible happened to our world,” she said. “And so our journey must take a different turn.
“We must adjust our opening dates for Expo 2020 Dubai, and spend our time now with our friends across the globe, banding together, working together to emerge stronger than ever before.”
Ending her poignant and emotional statement, Her Excellency added, “When we come together as one, humanity knows no limits. Our promise still stands – connecting minds, creating the future.”
The announcement comes after the Tokyo Olympics was postponed due to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The Expo was set to take place from October 20 to April 10, 2021, expecting to bring 11 million visitors from all over the world to Dubai and bringing together 192 countries. No new dates for Expo 2020 Dubai have been confirmed.
In the UAE, there have been 664 confirmed coronavirus cases – 61 have recovered and six have been fatal.
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Images: Instagram
