Expo 2020 Dubai concludes with good economic prospects for the future
After six months of celebration, with more than 30,000 events held, Expo 2020 Dubai finally closes its doors. Under an impressive closing ceremony, the event concludes with some good data and expectations for the world's economic future. The end of the exhibition has brought to an end a period marked by the passage of the coronavirus, which has seen the promotion of opportunities, cooperation and the shaping of a future based on the principles of solidarity and tolerance.
Since 30 September 2021, the event coordinators have organised a roadmap that has stimulated economic growth and succeeded in strengthening partnerships and global trade. This has led to the exploration of opportunities to find innovative solutions to future problems, as in the case of COVID-19.
"The health crisis has made us realise that we need to focus more on the value of solidarity and international cooperation," said Manuel Saltschale, Commissioner General of the Swiss Pavilion and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Steering Committee.
The exhibition has made the world look to the United Arab Emirates as a place for investment and opportunity. Economic experts predict a good economic future for the country, as the hosting of the fair has boosted tourism in the country. In addition, Expo 2020 has also positioned the UAE as a land of economic, cultural and scientific growth, opening the door for other Arab nations to begin to take notice of what the Western powers have to offer
"The exhibition has helped revive the global economy and the UAE has led other nations to global economic recovery," said Osmar Shahfa, president of the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.
Thanks to the reception of the world's fair, many companies have settled in Dubai to open new businesses as the UAE has shown the country as a good place to invest, especially in key sectors such as tourism.
Other countries have also thanked the Emirates for its interest in allowing them to set up shop at the event, which they say has generated great investment opportunities. For example, Paraguay's pavilion has registered more than 150,000 visitors, reflecting the clear attention of investors to what the country has to offer. Another case is that of the Angolan pavilion, where Kahina Ferrerira, its director, has stated that her country is seeing an increase in the number of tourists and in the creation of new commercial projects.
The data confirms that the UAE has benefited greatly from hosting Expo 2020. A study by Ernst & Young shows that, thanks to the fair's success, the country has been able to secure long-term investment. The Gulf States' economy has raised a total value of more than 122 billion dirhams between 2013 and 2031, and the fair has seen this figure rise considerably. In addition, employment opportunities have been numerous and unemployment has been greatly reduced.
Expo 2020 Dubai culminated with an impressive closing ceremony in Al-Wasl Square. Spectators were treated to a series of performances and fireworks to end a good year for the Emirates. Among them, Christina Aguilera capped off the ceremony, where she was the highlight of the event. There were also performances by singer-songwriter Norah Jones and cellist Yo.Yo Ma, among others. The baton was then passed to the Japanese city of Osaka, which will host the world expo in 2025.
The Emirati government has announced that, after the closure of the fair, the new city that has hosted the event for the last six months will be used again for other purposes. 80% of its infrastructure will be used to form a smart, integrated and human-centred community. Within it, the focus will continue to be on innovation with the creation of new projects that will drive the economic sectors and technologies of the future. The centre is also expected to become a new tourist attraction for the city of Dubai.
