Expo 2020 Dubai has reached a milestone of 20 million visits as it nears the finish line.
The achievement will be celebrated on Saturday at 8.30pm with a special projection on Al Wasl dome and a fireworks show.
Visitors have been rushing to the site in Dubai South with 12 days left until the doors close for the last time.
About 70 per cent of the total Expo visitor numbers have been from the UAE. The latest figures also show children under the age of 18 have visited more than 2.8 million times.
Organisers said the Expo hit the milestone of 20 million visits on Saturday, calling it “an amazing achievement” and “bringing the world together in the UAE for the largest global gathering since the start of the pandemic”.
“When we started this journey in 2013, and even before then as we prepared the bid for Expo 2020 Dubai, we had a dream to welcome the world to Dubai and the UAE for an unprecedented global gathering that would live long in hearts and minds,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, Chairman of the Expo’s Higher Committee.
“That we have fulfilled this dream is already beyond doubt, but to achieve such a landmark number of visits is true testament to how the world has responded to what we have worked so long and hard to create.
“We trust that those millions of people will take their memories back to their families and friends, wherever they are from in the world, to continue the impressive work we have set in motion at Expo 2020 Dubai,” Sheikh Ahmed said.
Since opening its doors to travellers from all over the world, the Expo has provided cultural, educational and entertainment experiences, including 192 country pavilions that are showing the best of what their nations offer.
There have been about 32,000 events and attractions so far that have involved world leaders, great innovations, sporting heroes, Grammy-award winning artists, ground-breaking architecture and Arab superstars.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said that organisers and participants were thrilled the Expo has proved so popular.
“In the spirit of optimism, millions of visitors and participants have come together, not only to witness and enjoy something truly remarkable, but to also work together to drive positive social and environmental impact,” he said.
“Expo 2020 Dubai has demonstrated exceptional capability and agility in achieving a consistently high turnout amid continuing global challenges, and, as we begin our bittersweet countdown to the final curtain, we are proud of the collective efforts of all those involved.”
During the remaining days, a host of countries will celebrate their Expo 2020 Dubai national days.
Canada will celebrate on March 19, Pakistan on March 23, and South Africa and India on March 28.
The Honour Day of the Bureau International des Expositions, the governing body of World Expos, will take place on March 30.
From March 20 to March 26, Water Week will be held, focusing on how people can protect the most precious resource of the planet.
Expo 2020 Dubai is open until March 31.
Behind the scenes of Expo 2020 Dubai's Al Wasl Plaza - in pictures
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A view of Al Wasl dome after midnight at Expo 2020 Dubai when the site shuts down to visitors. Pawan Singh / The National -
Visitors watch an immersive show at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
People leave Expo 2020 Dubai after watching the final audiovisual shows at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
When the Expo site closes to visitors, rehearsals begin under Al Wasl dome, also called the Expo's crown jewel. Pawan Singh / The National -
Crews prepare for the next day show during the night shift at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Technical and maintenance crews check the 30,000 lights that change colour in synch to the music in the sunken garden of Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National -
The view from one of two control rooms that manage the content beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Inside the main control room, programmers work through the night to check audio and light effects for Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National -
The technical crew work with the spotlights during night rehearsals at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
A view of the control room that oversees the stunning effects beamed across Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
The revolving stage inside Al Wasl dome is being readied at night ahead of a musical performance the next day. Pawan Singh / The National -
Content is curated in virtual reality and in audio studios that overlook Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
Technical teams run through the sequence of light and sound that lend an element of theatre to performances at Al Wasl dome. Pawan Singh / The National -
William Ainley, vice president, technical, for events and entertainment at Expo 2020 Dubai, says the night-time hours are precious for rehearsals. Pawan Singh / The National -
Al Wasl dome is quiet minutes before night rehearsals make it come alive. Pawan Singh / The National -
Coldplay perform beneath Al Wasl dome to a packed crowd. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Thousands watch the Coldplay performance at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters -
Alicia Keys commands the stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Amna Abulhoul, creative director, ceremonies, at Expo 2020 Dubai says the immersive dome has made a lasting impression on top music groups. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Singer Alicia Keys performs at Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai. AP -
The Black Eyed Peas perform at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters -
The Black Eyed Peas perform as the circular designs within Al Wasl dome take on a life of their own at Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters
