Huge Expo 2020 Dubai countdown event coming to JBR

Time Out -- An absolutely huge event is coming to The Beach at JBR this weekend – and you absolutely need to be there.

On Friday October 20 it will be exactly three years until Expo 2020 opens its doors in Dubai. So, to mark the three-year countdown until the event arrives, this free celebration will share an early glimpse of what the Expo has in store.

If you’re been wondering what you can expect from Expo 2020 when it rolls into town, this free event will share a sneak peek of plans for the show. Not only will you gain a first-look insight into what you’ll find at the event, but the whole countdown event will be inspired by some of the biggest announcements ever to have come out of previous World Expos.

Among a range of attractions, fitness challenges, live music from local and international bands, a variety of food and drink, and the sneak peek of Expo 2020 plans, the event will present some Expo-themed activities, many of which will be based around innovations first showcased at World Expos, including the zip line, gramophone, telephones and ice cream cones.

Fun fact: the ice cream cone was first invented at the 1904 World Expo in St. Louis in the US – and was spontaneously born out of necessity, when an ice cream vendor ran out of paper cups, and a Syrian waffle vendor in the neighbouring stand rolled out a zalabia into a cone. It was such a popular invention that it became the edible ice cream cone we all know and love today.

Other sights at the celebration on Friday October 20 will include the TV set – with a huge TV set being constructed to broadcast casual talks with social media influencers focusing on, and inspired by, the themes of Expo 2020 (including opportunity, mobility and sustainability). Also expect more attractions inspired by instant coffee, the zip and even the Ferris wheel – the Ain Dubai will provide the backdrop to the whole event.

Expo 2020 is expected to attract more than 25 million visitors, 70 percent of which are thought to come from outside the country. Plans for Expo’s legacy and use of the event site were recently revealed, with District 2020 set to transform into a thriving commercial, residential and entertainment hub.

All will be revealed on the night, which will also launch the official volunteer registration portal for Expo 2020 (www.volunteers.ae/expo2020), which will be going live on Friday October 20.

So head down on Friday October 20 from 4.30pm until 10pm. It’s totally free, and is bound to get you excited for the arrival of Expo 2020.