One-stop guide to EXPO 2020 Dubai from exclusive chat with officials

From stunning innovations to riding e-scooters, to concert access, what can visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai expect at the much-anticipated event.

Marjan Faraidooni, Chief Visitor Experience Officer; Nadia Verjee, Chief of Staff, Director General Office; and Tareq Ghosheh, Chief Events and Entertainment Officer; spoke exclusively to Dubai Eye 103.8's Business Breakfast show on Wednesday, and answered some of the most commonly asked queries about the fair.

Can an unvaccinated person enter the EXPO site? Where can I test?

Unvaccinated visitors over the age of 18 must carry a negative PCR test before entering the premises, while vaccinated visitors must present a valid certificate to enter the site.

PCR testing facilities are available near the EXPO site for free, with test results available in four hours and an exclusive air-conditioned waiting area for guests.

Visitors under the age of 18 are not required to show proof of vaccination or a negative PCR test.

What is being done to manage crowds at Expo 2020 site?

As a global event expected to see millions of visitors from over 190 countries, authorities have taken all precautions to ensure health and hygiene. For instance, every pavilion has a queue management system. The smart system will enable visitors to curate a journey within the EXPO 2020 mobile application, which will reduce queuing time at every pavilion.

Despite proactive measures to reduce waiting time, if there are queues, they will be "activated queues", according to the team. This means, waiting time will be spent in curated activities, like quizzes.

Social distancing rules as set by the federal authorities are still applicable and every pavilion will set a limit on the total number of people allowed in a pavilion at any given time. 

Can you use the EXPO entry pass to access concerts and special events within the site?

The EXPO ticket will provide access to all events that happen within the EXPO 2020 site. There is no extra ticketing, confirms Ghosheh.

However, in order to manage crowds, the organisers may implement a smart ticketing system further in the course of the event at no extra cost.

Will people aged 60 and above have to buy tickets? 

People of determination and those older than 60 years of age will get free access to the EXPO site. Tickets will be issued at no cost when relevant documents are provided at the point of entry.

How far is the parking lot from the EXPO site? Will I have to walk all the way?

There are buses available from all three car parks to reduce the walking distance from the lot to the main gate. The team, however, urges the public to use the metro service since it leads to the "most beautiful entrance to EXPO".

How to get around the EXPO site?

Visitors can bring along their cycles and electric scooters to access the EXPO site. The team also clarified that the organisers have arranged for cycles within the site.

Electric buggies and trains will also enable easy access to visitors. 

What are themed journeys and who can benefit from them?

School-going students in the UAE can opt between four curated journeys, each of which will take visitors through the three pavilions - mobility, sustainability, and opportunity - while the fourth path will explore the UAE's legacy.

University students have seven options, including Architecture, Entrepreneurship, Technology, International Media and Relations, and more. These are guided tours, curated specifically for university-goers, and will require signing a form.

Is there WiFi at the EXPO site?

Yes, the panel today confirmed that there is "excellent" WiFi available throughout the EXPO site.

What innovations can be expected from EXPO 2020 Dubai?

"We will see tangible, physical inventions," highlighted Verjee, adding that the value of this EXPO lies in "how we build sustainably" and build partnerships with global enablers. A global community of action for the planet implied that green living will be explored in-depth at the event. More details will be revealed during the course of the show.

One such innovative system being introduced at the event is crowd management tech, which includes smart ticketing and virtual queuing facilities.

The full EXPO panel chat is available below in three parts: