Expo 2020 Dubai makes 'remarkable progress' despite pandemic

Dubai Expo 2020’s resilient response to the global pandemic has enabled progress towards next year's event to continue unabated.

That's the message from the first day of the virtual Fifth Expo 2020 International Participants Meeting.

Organisers are discussing site operations, facilities management and marketing with representatives from the nations taking part in the rescheduled world fair.

Addressing the talks, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said, "I trust that we will reach our destination together, inspired by the resilience and courage of our frontline heroes, who have set the finest examples in combating one of humanity’s greatest challenges."

1/2 Day one of the fifth International Participants Meeting wraps up following updates from government officials, members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, and BIE representatives. pic.twitter.com/pqSopuqVSi

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) August 24, 2020

Sheikh Abdullah's comments were echoed by the Secretary-General of the Bureau of International des Expositions, the governing body of World Expos.

Dimitri Kerkentzes told the meeting that "remarkable progress" is being made towards the Dubai Expo 2020 despite the pandemic.

Kerkentzes said unlimited opportunities are possible when everyone works together.

He also praised Dubai, the UAE and all of the countries taking part.

Expo 2020 has been delayed by the impact of the coronavirus.

The event will now run for six months from October 2021 until March 2022, coinciding with the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the UAE.