Participants
Connecting Minds, Creating the Future is far more than a theme; it is a mandate, a promise that the UAE has made to the world. In this world of shared destinies, our theme is a promise for partnerships that will foster cross-national and cross disciplinary cooperation and innovation.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General, Bureau Expo 2020 Dubai
As a national project, Expo 2020 Dubai is an exercise in the UAE’s international cooperation and the UAE is looking forward to strengthening its bilateral relations with countries through hosting the event. The sub themes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability provide a unique platform to do so, in a way that merges innovation and national priorities for governments and the private sector. Over 180 countries are expected to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai, in addition to multilateral organisations, corporate entities, non-governmental organisations and universities.
Following the formal invitation extended by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to the International Participants of Expo 2020 Dubai, we held the first International Planning Meeting (IPM) in May 2016. The event attracted representatives from 132
counties, who were briefed on plans and developments for the event and given the opportunity to interact with members of the Expo 2020 Dubai team.
The second IPM will be held in October 2017 and is expected to provide the opportunity for deeper discussion with countries that have already confirmed their participation, as well as with those in the process of doing so.
Corporate Participation
Over the course of six months from October 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai expects to bring together millions of visitors from hundreds of countries. The event will therefore offer corporate participants a powerful platform for global exposure and engagement. We will also need to work with organisations of all shapes and sizes, across a range of industries and from all over the world, to deliver an event of such proportions.