With mere months until the official opening, EXPO 2020 Dubai promises to be one of the world's most inclusive events, and expected to attract over 25 million visitors during the course of its 178-day run. More than 190 countries have pledged to take part on a site that covers 4.3sq km and even houses two metro stations. This marks the first time an EXPO will take place in the Middle East, and organisers are keen to establish an atmosphere that's like no other.
While restrictions remain a reality in many parts of the world, the UAE is banking on their successful vaccination programme as well as their convenient destination appeal to bring in as close to the original projected visitors as possible. One of the UAE's most strategic advantages remains its location, situated within a four-hour flight from a third of the world's population and an eight-hour flight from the remaining two-thirds.
Back in April 2021, Director-General of EXPO 2020, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy told the BBC that she was hopeful that the targets set would be met.
"The world has gone through these galactical shifts over the last year but now with vaccines being rolled out, we believe that situation will settle by October. We believe the situation will be far more positive by then," commented Ms Al Hashimy.
The inclusiveness organisers continue to promote is being infused into all aspects of the event and is integral to the UAE's bigger plans to diversify and expand their economy. In May, Minister of Economy His Excellency Abdulla Bin Touq announced the country's target to double the size of its economy within the next decade, stating that the Ministry of Economy and other government entities are "working according to an ambitious vision to double our national economy over the next 10 years to reach Dh3 trillion by 2031."
According to the World Bank, while growth in the UAE contracted by 6.3 percent due to COVID-19 as well as lower oil production in 2020, the region is expected to reach a 2.5 percent increase by 2022. This will be made possible by many government-backed initiatives, including an expansion of the UAE's golden visa system and agreements like the Abraham Accords.
"We are keen to raise the level of coordination with our partners and local government, and private sector, to develop several specific initiatives that would enhance government efforts in moving towards a sustainable economy in the next 50 years," Abdulla Bin Touq told the Khaleej Times back in April.
While the government is keen to attract new company headquarters to the region and is now allowing 100 percent ownership in businesses registered by foreign nationals, tourism still remains a lucrative source of revenue for the UAE.
Chief economist at Oxford Economics, Scott Livermore recently stated, "the surge in travel to Dubai [at the end of 2020] illustrates the willingness of travellers to spring back. This also bodes well for the success of the delayed EXPO 2020, which creates an opportunity for a faster recovery in Dubai."
In terms of culture, the event will be key to not only welcoming tourists from around the globe but will also emphasize the over 200 nationalities currently living and working in the UAE. The global feel of the UAE is something organisers are excited to highlight and in December the Dubai EXPO is set to host The World Conference on Creative Economy.
Noura Al Kaabi, the Minister of Culture and Youth confirmed the news earlier this year at the Abu Dhabi Cultural Summit stating, "We are working on implementing several measures aimed at stimulating growth in the cultural sector, with the core objectives to set up the foundations to aggregate, measure and nurture the sector, and to ensure the provision of required policies and frameworks for a thriving cultural sector."
With a focus on culture and stimulating the economy in the current climate, Dubai EXPO 2020 has an opportunity that no EXPO has had before and that's the ability to be digitally inclusive. Leveraging technology in a way that promotes growth and depth is something Noura Al Kaabi is already pushing for.
"We are living in uncertain times, yet the digital world has enabled us to continue to experience culture and creativity even during a global pandemic. Here in the UAE, we have the advanced technology, the networks and connectivity to do so. The arts - music, dance, theatre and poetry - predate modern technology, and right now we need to be looking at how our digital tools can complement this industry by ensuring not only its continuity, but also its growth," she explained to a virtual audience at the 2021 edition of the Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations in March.
Event organisers around the globe are continuing to leverage technology to help ensure experiences remain accessible to both virtual and in-person attendees. While the pandemic saw the necessity for all areas of life, including work and play, to swiftly change to remote setups, the lessons learned during this time look poised to carry into the future.
Hybrid events, using the latest in virtual reality technologies are being pioneered by companies ready to tackle post-pandemic life. Niall Carroll, chairman of CG Tech, an investment holding company with interests in a variety of fields, including virtual reality, explains how advances in remote work and technology will be key to powering events like EXPO 2020 Dubai in the future.
"Virtual reality will be a vital component for companies moving forward. The ability to reach larger groups of people in a meaningful and fun way is what will set global events apart," explains Carroll.
The Virtulab, CG Tech's own digital skunkworks, has launched their proprietary platform, known as Virtuworx, to the public. What originally started as an in-house productivity solution is now being used by organisations around the world to provide a multitude of experiences. From hands-on training to trade shows, events and full-fledged virtual campuses, Virtuworx is proving virtual avatar-based reality is the best way to ensure business and event success.
"Were EXPO 2020 Dubai to adopt a fully virtual, digital annex, they would far surpass the 25 million visitor target," explains Niall Carroll. "Anyone with an internet connection would be able to participate. You're talking about the ability of four billion people to join the experience."
So how exactly would it work and what would be the added benefits of going digital for the EXPO?
With Virtuworx clients are able to custom build their virtual environment. In terms of the EXPO, a virtual replica of the entire site would be possible. Giving virtual attendees the opportunity to move freely between the vast space, much as they would in real life. Digital avatars allow for connections to be made and value to be added. Other key takeaways include a more inclusive experience for all attendees as well as a decrease in the event's carbon footprint, a definite plus for organisers.
"Virtual reality has really come into its own over the last 18 months. What was once seen as an extravagance is now being touted as a necessity for many to remain connected and engaged. Businesses and even governments are recognising the absolute need to embrace digital technology," says Carroll.
As the UAE gears up for the opening of Dubai EXPO 2020, digital technology and its influence on culture and the economy will remain hot topics as the world adapts to a new way of living. Just how this technology will transform the events of the future is anyone's guess, but it seems we are only at the precipice of exciting times ahead.