The Steering Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai met today to discuss the implications of COVID-19 on the event and possible postponement of the event to next year.

The Steering Committee held a virtual meeting with representatives of the countries taking part in the event where they deliberated on the global precautionary measures that have to be taken to ensure the health and safety of all those involved in the preparation of this mega event.

Furthermore, the committee will be working together with Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) – the World Expo governing body, to see if the event can be postponed to next year with the final decision to be taken by BIE in consultation with member states and Expo 2020 Dubai organisers to find a suitable date.

A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE’s Executive Committee and the General Assembly. Article 28 of the BIE Convention stipulates that a change of dates requires a two-thirds majority vote from the Member States of the Organisation, according to WAM.

Elaborating on the decision, Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai said: “The global situation is fast-moving, and remains unpredictable. Over the last several weeks, we have been consulting with key UAE and international stakeholders to review the ongoing impact of COVID-19 on our plans and preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai.

“While they remain firmly committed to Expo 2020, many countries have been significantly impacted by COVID-19 and they have therefore expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge. The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one-year postponement at today’s Steering Committee meeting. We look forward to welcoming the world, which we are certain will only come out of this pressing challenge stronger, and more resilient than it ever was.”