he world ’ s Expo has been turning extra global attention on Dubai since it opened 1 October 2021 . The so-called ‘ greatest show on earth ’ continues until 31 March 2022 and is not only a global showcase of 192 countries ’ achievements in the fields of innovation , opportunity and sustainability – the three big themes of the show – but a six-month standing advertisement for all that is good and effective about the event format .

Dubai Expo2020 had attracted over 11m visitors in person ( including a third of those from abroad ), as of 1 February and over 100m virtually .

I was privileged to visit the dazzling array of pavilions brimming with technology and innovative concepts for myself before the New Year and see just how well our events industry is positioned to make full use of the legacy of Expo2020 , with a new Dubai Exhibition Centre ( DEC ) at the centre of the experience . The DEC , when fully developed over the next decade , will ultimately cover 180,000sqm and be the heart of a new District 2020 events and convention hub . District 2020 will re-purpose 80 % of the Expo ’ s build environment into an integrated mixed-use community .

The DEC built the Expo Village and currently offers a 45,000sqm venue with 14 halls and 24 meeting rooms . It sits next to the Dubai Metro Route 2020 , connecting visitors directly to a host of hotels .

As well as showcasing innovation , Expo2020 has been putting some important themes to the fore , including

during its recent Global Goals Week in January .

Issues surrounding gender equality have been under discussion in the Women ’ s Pavilion as part of Expo2020 ’ s Programme for People and Planet , which has been connecting leaders from around the world to discuss also issues around achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs ).

Global Goals Week was the seventh of 10 Theme Weeks at Expo2020 .

National Days celebrations have been another big part of Expo2020 and K-Pop made its mark during the Republic of Korea ’ s National Day , 16 January . Just one example , but many countries have used the stages to make inspiring presentations .

Dubai is the world ’ s fourth most visited city in the world with 132,000 hotel bedrooms . RevPAR across Dubai ’ s

Above : A panel session at the Women ’ s World Majlis , Expo2020

Below : Coldstream Guards at the UK National Day ceremony at Al Wasl , Expo2020

726 hotels was , at the turn of the year , around AED175 ( US $ 47 ) with 51 % occupancy .

Dubai World Trade Center ( DWTC ) is at the centre of a busines district and offers full turn-key solutions and nearly half of all business travellers to Dubai come to DWTC .

Amway Europe brought 2,500 representatives for a sales incentive for two days in December 2021 , a year that was also strong for oil and gas events , including . GASTEC and the SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition ( ATCE ) at DWTC , which was moved to Dubai from Singapore in September .

Africa Oil Week also relocated to Dubai , with the Madinat Jumeirah