The UAE is fully ready to host the Expo 2020 Dubai this year, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said in a brief statement on social media.
Preparations for the six-month event have been gradually building this year, with more than 100,000 visitors getting an early glimpse of Terra - the Sustainability Pavilion during a three-month showcase for residents.
The event itself will open to the public on October 1 and is expected to attract millions of visitors from more than 190 nations over six months.
Sheikh Mohammed said the event is ready to receive visitors.
"As part of the preparations for Expo 2020, 72 working teams from federal and local authorities completed a joint strategic exercise to simulate Expo in October. We can say that the UAE is 100 per cent prepared for the largest cultural event in the world," he wrote on Twitter.
His comments came as Dubai Police General HQ and Expo 2020 Dubai Office carried out a large drill to test their response to emergencies on Monday.
The exercise, which included the participation of 72 teams from various local and federal security sectors, focused on the force’s rapid response capabilities.
It was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Saif bin Zayed, and Reem Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and director-general of the Expo 2020 Dubai Office.
Sheikh Saif thanked the participants for their efforts and said the drills are "aimed at leveraging team performance and boosting their emergency response".
Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, recently visited the site to inspect its progress.
Sheikh Hamdan said Expo 2020 is set to be “the most exceptional edition of the show in the mega global event’s 168-year history".
“Thanks to the directives of our wise leadership and their diligent follow-up on the event with great precision, we aim to dazzle the world through this international platform, displaying the world’s culture, heritage, history and top innovations,” he added.
Sheikh Hamdan tours Expo 2020 site - in pictures
