A recent report from EY has revealed that Expo 2020 Dubai and its legacy are projected to add AED 154.9 billion (USD 42.2 billion) to the UAE’s economy from 2013 to 2042. The World Expo welcomed 24.1 million visits during its six-month run. It is expected to support over 1 million job years, equal to more than 35,000 full-time equivalent jobs per annum in the UAE over the same period.

The sectors contributing most to economic productivity are events organisation and business services, construction, restaurants, and hotels. The pre-event phase contributed around one-quarter of gross value added (GVA), and the event added almost 13 per cent. At the same time, the lion’s share of economic benefits – 62 percent – will be felt in the legacy phase through to 2042.

Expo 2020 Dubai was committed to hosting a World Expo that would achieve long-lasting economic, social, and environmental benefits for the UAE, the region, and the world, with positive impacts extending well beyond the six months of the event. Despite the challenges of a global pandemic, the report confirms that Expo 2020 Dubai was a milestone event that substantially boosted the nation’s economy and whose ripple effects continue to enhance the city’s international profile, driving new business growth and attracting globally significant events.

Expo City Dubai, which forms an integral part of the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate’s continued growth, takes forward Expo 2020 Dubai’s spirit of collective action through the ongoing delivery of programs, initiatives, and events that will draw visitors, businesses, and tenants to add further impact and economic value.

Since opening in October 2022, Expo City Dubai has drawn hundreds of thousands of visitors to enjoy the ongoing festivities and spectacular events, including the Dubai Marathon, the Dubai UAE Tour road cycle race, and the world-famous Gumball 3000 sportscar rally. With many landmark attractions from Expo 2020 Dubai remaining open, the AED 120 one-day Attractions Pass is also proving popular.

Expo 2020 Dubai sparked progress on a global scale, with the 192 participating countries reporting benefits in terms of trade and business partnerships, nation branding and cultural understanding, as well as international diplomacy and cooperation.

Expo City Dubai will also bring on board its projects and recently revealed exciting plans for residential developments, heralding the next phase on its journey to becoming an innovative, sustainable, people-centric city of the future.

Expo 2020 Dubai was the first World Expo held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. It represented a commitment to build a brighter future for all humanity, catalysing international cooperation and cementing the UAE’s global reputation. A complete Expo 2020 Dubai closing report – covering the decision to bid to host the event through to its design, construction and operations, as well as its highlights, achievements, impact and legacy – was submitted to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) earlier this month, marking the final milestone in this historic national project.

In conclusion, the long-term economic, social, and environmental benefits of Expo 2020 Dubai and its legacy are substantial and wide-ranging, making it a milestone event that will continue to drive new business growth, enhance the city’s international profile, and contribute to the UAE’s continued growth and development for many years to come.

Written by: Stephen Morton

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