Vaccines not mandatory for Expo 2020 Dubai visitors

Organisers are encouraging but not enforcing Covid-19 vaccinations for tourists and visitors

As vaccination campaigns continue to roll out across the world, Expo 2020 Dubai organisers said they are confident about welcoming visitors to the highly anticipated event in October.

Speaking to CNBC, Reem Al Hashimy, Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau director-general and UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation, said: “We are hopeful that in the next five months we are going to see a better and stronger overall picture.” 

Al Hashimy stated that she would encourage everyone to get vaccinated and that the entire Expo 2020 workforce would be vaccinated, but vaccinations will not be mandatory for visitors.

Al Hashimy went on to say that all the necessary measures would be in place to ensure the safety of everyone on site: “Testing is an important measure but it’s not foolproof. And that’s why we’re being very conscious of social distancing and also of wearing masks.”

Last month, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, Crown Prince of Dubai, said all foreign country representatives and pavilion staff, many of whom will live in Dubai for nine months or more, will be offered a Covid-19 vaccine.

Expo 2020 Dubai begins on 1 October 2021 and 190 countries have confirmed their participation. Organisers expect 25 million visits during the six-month world fair. 

For more information, visit www.expo2020dubai.com