In sweltering heat, Dubai Expo begins to welcome visitors on Friday

The gates to Expo 2020 opened today (1), at 9:00 AM (Dubai time), giving visitors access to the largest international event with public attendance since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. The world fair began with the characteristic climate of the United Arab Emirates: very hot.

Early in the morning, thermometers indicated more than 30°C (°C). In the afternoon, with the appearance of the noon sun, the temperature was about 40 ° C, with a higher thermal sensation. Since the event is held outdoors, the warm weather is something visitors need to get used to.

Expo 2020 Dubai Friday morning – Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency

The fabric covers that cover most of the fairways provide some protection from the sun, but in no way reduce the heat. Filipino Anne Pedraza, who lives in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates, said she was “sweaty”.

“It’s fun to walk around,” said the young woman, “but all the time we have to stop at a marquee and stay for 10 minutes to calm down a bit.”

Brazilian Fabio Lucas Rizzo, who lives in Laimera, stopped in Dubai with his family after a trip to the Maldives. “The structure of the gallery is great. I had no idea what it would be like here. Two years ago, I was in Dubai and I saw the ads, but I had no idea it would be that big. We got used to the heat. And the umbrellas on the road help a little,” he said.

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It’s the world’s biggest event with the public since the 2020 pandemic – Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency

COVID-19

One of the exhibition’s interests is COVID-19, a disease that has caused the event to be postponed for one year. Visitors must provide a certificate of vaccination or a negative disease screening test result.

“Since we are going back to Brazil tomorrow, we have already taken a test for the virus. But we are also vaccinated and all vaccines are accepted from Brazil here,” the Brazilian said.

Despite the heat and restrictions due to the pandemic, many locals and tourists were excited to visit the fair. Since the space is large, at over 4 square kilometers (square kilometres), it is possible to visit the event without attracting crowds.

Brazil is one of the 190 countries that have an exhibition stand at the fair. Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency

Expo 2020

The event opened to the public on Friday. Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency

Expo 2020 is a global exhibition to promote and discuss technological alternatives and innovations, presented by the participating countries to the world through the pavilions. The UK pavilion, for example, showcases innovations in artificial intelligence and space exploration.

Companies, such as the Dubai national airline, Emirates Airlines, are also represented, which display in their pavilion visions about the future of aviation, such as aircraft cabins that will provide more comfort for passengers and engines that will consume less fuel.

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The event lasts for six months. Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency

This event has occurred since 1851, and for the past twenty years, the frequency has been every five years. The last edition was held in 2015 in Milan, and the next one will be in 2025 in Japan. The Expo in Dubai was an exception in the five-year calendar precisely because of the coronavirus.

More than 190 countries, as well as international companies and organizations, are represented on the pavilions of the exhibition, including Brazil. Located with its heart in the 67-meter-high Al-Wasl dome, the gallery is divided into three sections, forming three petals around the middle globe.

Each sector is dedicated to a theme: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. The Brazilian Pavilion is located in the Sustainability Sector.

Aerial view of Expo 2020 headquarters – Reuters/Alexander Cornwell/Rights reserved

In addition to the pavilions, discussions are planned on topics relevant to the future of the planet, such as climate and biodiversity, urban and rural development, tolerance and inclusion, among others.

Cultural attractions are also planned outside the pavilions, such as a colorful carnival-style parade, with people dressed up, dancers and even a small float.

* The reporter traveled at the invitation of Apex-Brasil

The event was scheduled for 2020, but the pandemic has been postponed until 2021 Marcelo Camargo / Brazil Agency