The organizers of Expo 2020 Dubai revealed, on Wednesday, enhanced measures to ensure a safe and exceptional experience for all visitors, as the event prepares to receive millions of visitors in the largest international event that brings together the peoples of the world since the beginning of the Corona pandemic.

According to the Emirates News Agency, WAM, visitors over the age of 18 will have to provide proof of any vaccination approved by the governments of their countries or a negative PCR test result, provided that the examination was conducted 72 hours before the visit date at the most.

Non-vaccinated Expo 2020 Dubai ticket holders who have not undergone a COVID-19 test within the specified period will have to use the screening center located near the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

This will also be available at a later time in a number of examination centers spread across the city of Dubai, and it will be announced on the Expo website, and upon presentation of a valid Expo 2020 Dubai ticket, single-day ticket or multiple entry, the examination will be free.

Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The UAE continues to lead the recovery of the tourism sector in the world, and Expo 2020 Dubai will be the only international event of this size and cultural diversity since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic.”

“By updating vaccination and screening requirements, we are offering all visitors from around the world a world of exploration and learning opportunities, enabling them to enjoy a great experience in a safe and secure environment,” she added.

She said, “As we prepare to receive tourists in the UAE and welcome visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai, we need to build on the successes we have achieved in combating Covid-19, as we have witnessed a significant decline in the number of recorded injuries, reaching 84 percent over the past eight months.”

She emphasized: “Our commitment to the health and safety of visitors, participants and staff will always remain at the forefront of our priorities. These enhanced and responsible procedures have been carefully put in place as we prepare to open our doors to the world, and we will continue to follow the guidance issued by experts and medical and health professionals and update our procedures as appropriate to maintain our commitment to hosting an event Exceptional that dazzles and inspires the world.”

The measures are consistent with broader strategies in the UAE, including measures related to COVID-19 and screening programs implemented by the UAE’s world-class airports and ports.

By September 2021, the number of doses of Covid-19 vaccines given in the UAE reached 19 million, at a time when the proportion of fully immunized people reached 80 percent of the country’s population.

Visitors flock to Dubai steadily since it resumed receiving tourists in July 2020; The emirate received 2.85 million visitors in the first half of 2021, and it is expected that the pace of increase in the number of visitors will accelerate in the last quarter of the year, supported by the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai and the celebration of the golden jubilee of the UAE.

“Dubai’s effective strategy in controlling the COVID-19 pandemic has allowed work on Expo preparations to proceed smoothly, and the enhanced measures announced by Expo 2020 Dubai today will ensure that its objective of Bringing people and countries together to create a new world together. We were determined to stand together in the face of the pandemic, and we strengthened the determination of the UAE and the international participants to achieve their commitment to organizing a safe and meaningful World Expo.”

Expo 2020 Dubai’s comprehensive plans include mandatory vaccination of all its employees, employees of international participants, contractors and service providers, and Expo 2020 Dubai will continue to implement safety measures at the site, which include providing sterilization units, obligating the wearing of masks and maintaining social distances.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be held from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, and invites everyone to join the international event, which will contribute to creating a new world and achieving communication between peoples over a period of six months that represents a celebration of creativity, innovation, human progress and culture.