Representatives from government entities have discussed how they can best contribute to Expo 2020 Dubai during a series of workshops in Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Sharjah, as excitement continues to build for the first World Expo ever staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.

The sessions spread the message of #Hayyakum2020, the national engagement programme drawing on the Emirati word for ‘welcome’, to foster excitement and pride ahead of the largest event ever staged in the Arab world.

The workshops showcased the plentiful opportunities provided by the next World Expo. Attendees also learnt about the progress being made on the 4.38 sq. km site in Dubai South as it grows ever closer to completion, and discussed ways in which government entities can actively and effectively participate in the once-in-a-lifetime celebration.

Expo 2020 expects to welcome 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos. More than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions – will come together during the 173 days of Expo to explore its theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.