Expo 2020 Dubai, delayed from 2020 due to the global coronavirus pandemic, will run for six months starting on October 1, 2021. As the first large-scale exhibition in the Middle East, it will host 192 participating nations showcasing pavilions on-site. This Expo also stands as the largest global gathering during the pandemic. The Tokyo Olympics in August 2021 occurred without spectators. Expo 2020, however, aims to welcome millions in a safe, carefully managed environment.
UAE Recovery
The UAE has demonstrated its capability over the past two years, effectively managing the pandemic. The country’s reputation as a safe travel destination has grown, as it reopened Dubai to international travel last summer with strict health and safety protocols. By the end of September 2021, the UAE successfully immunized approximately 93 percent of its population. This achievement was due to an efficient vaccine rollout. These measures have positioned the UAE as a leader in COVID-19 management and have set the stage for Expo 2020 to showcase a safe model for tourism in the post-pandemic era.
As the world returns to travel, Expo 2020 could become a blueprint for safe, large-scale events. Dubai’s hospitality industry anticipates a strong rebound, with forecasts showing main sub-market occupancies between 64% and 73% for 2021. The Expo is expected to attract 25 million visits, revitalizing the UAE’s tourism sector and accelerating the recovery of its hospitality industry.
Private Aviation Industry
Private aviation is also benefiting from Expo 2020, with private airlines already receiving requests for flights. The Private Aviation Federation in the Middle East and North Africa (MEPA) reported early interest from VIP delegates and business delegations. Expo 2020 is a high-profile luxury event. It has spurred increased demand for private flights. This situation mirrors previous Expos in other nations. Companies like Aviation Services Management (ASM) are experiencing strong demand for flight support services. Trip planning companies are preparing for the influx of official delegations. They are also preparing for private companies and business leaders during the six-month event.
Dubai’s infrastructure is ready to accommodate this surge in private aviation. Al Maktoum International Airport, located in Dubai South, has dedicated facilities for private aircraft and a large capacity for various jet types. In 2021, Dubai South reported a 346 percent increase in private flights in the first half of the year, with 8,088 flights compared to just 1,811 in the same period of 2020. The demand for private aviation is expected to remain high. This demand also extends to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. Business leaders will continue to visit Dubai even after Expo 2020 ends.
Expo 2020 and Business Aviation
Expo 2020 represents a crucial moment for the UAE and the region’s business aviation sector. As high-profile visitors and business opportunities come to Dubai, the event promises to drive tourism, business jet movements, and new investments in the region. The continued expansion of Dubai World Central further supports the UAE’s readiness for long-term growth in private and commercial aviation.
The past two years have underscored the unpredictable nature of life and highlighted the importance of adaptability and optimism. As global vaccination rates rise, people feel increasingly positive about travel. Expo 2020 Dubai presents a unique opportunity to experience the UAE, ultimately propelling the nation’s tourism and aviation sectors toward a brighter future.
For further information, please contact:
Aviation Services Management FZE
Suite 217, 8WB, DAFZA, Dubai, UAE
Tel: +971 4 4097755
Email: sales@asm.aero
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