Expo 2020 Dubai launched on 1 October 2021 – a year later than originally planned, due to disruption caused by the pandemic. The first-ever Expo to be held in an Arab country, it features around 200 exhibitors in an exhibition ground covering more than 4sq km (1.5sq m) and is part of Dubai’s mission to reinvent its future in a more equitable and sustainable way.

Located between the city-states of Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the masterplan for Expo Dubai 2020 was designed by architects HOK – in partnership with Populous and Arup – and is organised around a central plaza, entitled Al Wasl.

This in turn is enclosed by three large thematic districts, each dedicated to one of the sub-themes of Expo Dubai 2020 – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability.

Running for six months, the event features pavilions representing 191 nations.

Country pavilions are accompanied by three other types of pavilions – partner, organisation and special pavilions.

The partner pavilions are occupied by commercial companies showcasing their innovations and products, while international organisations are using their presence to show how they’re working to address the global challenges of our time.

The special pavilions feature a mix of ‘education, entertainment and excitement,’ offering learnings and interactive experiences on topics such as sustainability and ‘opportunities’.

Many of the pavilions have been designed by renowned architects and are destinations in their own right. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion, for example, was designed by Grimshaw Architects and aims to present visitors with “real-life solutions to real-world problems”, while the Foster + Partners-designed Alif – The Mobility Pavilion looks to break down the divide between physical and digital worlds. The Expo also features the Programme for People and Planet – a platform for a free and open exchange of new ideas and innovations.

Designed to help reimagine the global economy and place equality, universal respect and human dignity at the centre of human progress, the programme has five tracks. These are Build Bridges, Leave No One Behind, Live in Balance, Thrive Together and UAE Vision 2071.

Describing the programme, the Dubai Expo organisers said: “We will explore humanity’s most pressing challenges through a cultural, social, environmental and economic lens.

“We will build a global community of action. Together, we’ll unlock the potential for individuals and communities to shape the future as we engage in conversations that matter and deliver real-life solutions to real-life challenges.”