Expo 2020 passes halfway mark with close to 9 million visits
From October to December 2021, Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded 8,958,132 visits with repeat visits at 3.5 million. Almost half of all visits (47 per cent) have been generated by Expo’s Seasons Passes, a reflection of the myriad of experiences that require more than one visit. In the first three months, almost one third (30 per cent) of all visitors came from outside the UAE, with the top international visitor countries including India, Germany, France, the UK, the USA, Russia and Saudi Arabia.
The visits are boosted by a slate of spectacular events across the festive season and with more world-class sport, music and cultural performances expected in the second half of its six-month run.
Expo hosted a total of 8,902 government leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state – all speaking at numerous official events, including Expo National Days, which provide a unique opportunity to spotlight a nation’s culture, achievements, pavilion and event-time programming.
Many people continued to travel to the site using RTA transport, honouring Expo 2020’s sustainability subtheme. Between 1 October and end-December, almost 675,000 rides were made to and from the site using taxis, more than a million trips were made on the free Expo Rider bus service, and more than 3.4 million users entered and exited Expo via the Dubai Metro.
Expo 2020’s Live@Expo virtual visitation crossed the 50 million mark, driven by live virtual tours through the site, as well as headline acts which have seen millions of viewers tune in from around the globe.
The Expo School Programme attracted 334,110 visits from private and public schools over 41 school days, representing around a third of the total student population in the UAE. The programme’s virtual series, Expo Adventures, saw visits soar to 3.9 million up to 31 December with students attending from more than 60 countries.
Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Our latest figures are testament to the determination and hard work of everyone involved in Expo as we pass our half-way mark. And with the health, safety and wellbeing of everyone continuing to be of the highest priority, the numbers also reflect the strength of our ongoing stringent COVID-19 safety measures, which continue to protect visitors, staff and Expo participants alike.”
With just 87 days left, more amazing experiences are planned including a visit from British boxing star, Anthony Joshua, and the first ever Global Goals Week to be held outside New York later this month.
