DUBAI, Sept 20 (Reuters) – The first world fair to be held in the Middle East, Expo 2020 Dubai, opens its doors to exhibitors from almost 200 countries on Oct. 1 after being delayed for a year by the coronavirus pandemic. The 4.3 sq km (1.7 sq mile) site was desert when Dubai was chosen eight years ago to follow the 2015 Expo in Milan, Italy. Before the pandemic, the consultancy EY forecast that the Expo would over the course of its six months contribute 1.5% of the UAE’s gross domestic product. Dubai still officially expects 25 million visitors, more than Milan received and more than twice the population of the United Arab Emirates. “All major trading countries and powers plan to use Expo to refocus and to redefine their position in the world market,” said France’s Expo commissioner-general, Erik Linquier.

Source: Egypt Independent September 20, 2021 11:03 UTC