After a year’s delay owing to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Middle East’s first-ever world fair, Expo 2020, opened in Dubai on October 1. The long-drawn extravaganza is expected to woo visitors in droves and attract the global attention of over 190 countries to this desert-turned-dreamscape and the event will go on until March 2022.
Through this fair, Dubai gets a momentous opportunity to showcase its unique East-meets-West appeal where all are welcome for business. The site was a barren desert, not more than a decade ago. But now it is a buzzing futuristic landscape with innovations like robots, a new metro station, multi-million-dollar pavilions and districts with names such as ‘sustainability’ and ‘opportunity’.
As per the organisers, the US pavilion will present a replica of the Space X Falcon 9 rocket, while the Italy pavilion accommodates a 3D replica of Michelangelo’s biblical hero, the 17-feet tall David.
Visitors can also explore an African food hall, a royal Egyptian mummy, concerts and performances from around the world, and the option to dine on a $500 three-course meal with a glow-in-the-dark cuisine.Apart from several innovations at the site, the host country has arranged a lot of things to enhance the experience of visitors.
Free Bus Rides to Expo 2020
The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has deployed 203 Rider buses from 18 locations across the United Arab Emirates to make up to 358 trips each day. The 77 of 203 buses have been deployed in nine locations, including Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain.
“There will be 287 trips per day during weekdays, rising to 358 trips during the weekends (Thursday and Friday),” said the RTA in a press release.
RTA had previously designated 126 Expo Riders buses to transport visitors for free directly from nine stations like Palm Jumeirah, Al Baraha, Al Ghubaiba, Etisalat, Global Village, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Mall and Dubai International Airport with 455 to 476 daily journeys.
Expo 2020 Riders will start service from 6.30 am and continue service for 90 minutes after the closure of Expo Gates. The rides will also offer commuter service between the parking area to the three Expo Gates (Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability), as well as Expo People Mover to transport visitors between the Expo Gates. Taxi and e-hailing services will also be running round the clock.
Robots to Guide Visitors on site
Over 152 robots at the Expo site have been deployed by Terminus Group to enhance human experiences and increase industrial operating efficiency. These robots will deliver a wide range of smart services like greeting visitors, performing in special displays and providing visitor assistance, as well as helping with food and beverage delivery and hospitality services.
Opti robots by Terminus Technologies are mascot robots specifically designed for Expo 2020. These robots are capable of carrying out crucial tasks of interacting with visitors and entertaining tourists across the globe.
The one-meter-tall Opti is equipped with an 18-degree backward angle to enable easy interaction with people. It can stand upright for nearly 24 hours and operate in a balanced and safe manner, and move freely in all directions. The voice recognition feature allows the robots to answer questions, 24×7 monitoring, and provide emergency announcements.
Another major feature is Opti’s ability to guide people to their specific destination as it is fully equipped with voice interaction with natural language processing, face detection, facial recognition and a multi-touch graphical user interface (GUI). Other than the Falcon 9 rocket ship replica, the Moonrock and other inventions like robot surgeons by the US pavilion will be showcased.
Quarantine-free Destinations by Etihad Airways
Cashing in on Expo 2020 Dubai, Abu-Dhabi-based Etihad Airways has announced three new quarantine-free destinations to attract visitors to the event. It will begin operating flights to Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa from November 25 and the Indian Ocean island from November 26. The UAE’s national airline also announced the launch of discounts on fares to Johannesburg, Cape Town and Zanzibar which will be valid till midnight of October 6, 2021. The sale is available on a first-come, first-served basis. The traveller can book return tickets starting from Dh995 for the Economy class and Dh3,995 for the Business class.
“We are thrilled to offer connectivity for travellers from both countries to visit the UAE over the winter months,” Tony Douglas, Group CEO of Etihad, was quoted as saying by Khaleej Times. “With the world’s greatest show, Expo 2020, opening now there has never been a better time to visit Abu Dhabi and the UAE.” Etihad Airline will be operating flights three times every week to Johannesburg and Cape Town.
