The first recognized Worlds Fair was held in London back in 1851 in a massive Crystal Palace that had been constructed in Hyde Park. In 1889 the "Exposition Universelle" was the reason for the building of the Eiffel Tower.
Fast forward a century and a bit, and today's version of this event, World Expo, is held every 5 years and dare I say it, is even grander in scale than the building of the iconic Eiffel Tower. For 2020 expect incredible sights and experiences, because Dubai (below) has their hand on the wheel and the United Arab Emirates does not commit to something half-heartedly.
The Expo will be open between October 20th 2020 and April 10th 2021, making Dubai an amazing and completely different destination for your Thanksgiving/Christmas/New Year/Spring Break trips and it's going to be real value compared with the premium Caribbean pricing we see every holiday season. Helen and I will be personally checking out the World Expo in Dubai in the middle of November.
Here 's the top 5 reasons why.
Top 5 - World Expo, Dubai
1. The Numbers
192 countries represented, each with their own pavilion. It doesn't get more global than that.
60+ live events, shows and parades every day.
200+ different dining experiences showcasing the world's gastronomy.
3 massive Pavilions - Mobility (Below), Opportunity and Sustainability
$32 - the price of a one-day ticket. $70 for 3 days.
2. UAE Pavilion (above)
Designed in the shape of a falcon in flight (the wing-like structures will move), the UAE Pavilion will be a major attraction at Expo 2020 Dubai. The pavilion will tell the history of the nation as a connected global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future.
3. Tall Buildings
At 2,716 feet, the Burj Khalifa (above) in Dubai has reigned as the world's tallest building since 2010. Skip the line tickets are essential to smoothly enjoy your experience at the famous outdoor observatory and the lounge with panoramic views from the 125th and 148th floors respectively.
Next up (pun intended), is the Dubai Creek Tower, an Observation Tower currently under construction and expected to top out at around 2,900 feet at a cost of $1 billion. At the top will be an oval-shaped bud, housing ten observation decks, including The Pinnacle Room, which will offer 360-degree views of the city. Anyone with the faintest interest in architecture should visit Dubai at some point.
4. The hotels
Dubai boasts 7-star hotels and resorts and we can't really argue with them. There are at least 30 properties where we could confidently send clients to have perhaps their most luxurious stay ever. Just one example...the Armani Hotel Dubai (above and below), located in the aforementioned iconic Burj Khalifa Tower.
Our tip: Reserve an Armani Fountain Suite on a lower floor so you can watch the entire panorama of The Dubai Fountain water show.
Our complimentary amenities:
- Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Buffet breakfast daily for two guests per bedroom
- A lunch or dinner at Armani/Mediterraneo for two people, once per stay
- $35 Spa credit for any treatments during the stay
- Free WIFI throughout the entire stay
- Early check-in/late check-out, subject to availability
Oh, and for any fans of Atlantis in the Bahamas, just wait until you see the latest Dubai version, Atlantis The Royal Dubai opening late 2020, a second Atlantis-themed Dubai resort at The Palm.
5. The Experiences
It's a long list, that includes indoor skiing, extreme shopping, insane water-parks, glorious beaches, camel safaris, sandboarding, speedboat tours, day tripping to Abu Dhabi, quad bike or 4x4 off-road dune adventures (below), and ziplining. Alternatively, you can go more cultural and visit some of the best art museums on the planet such as Louvre Abu Dhabi, or inhale the history of Al Fahidi Fort and the famous textile, spice, and gold souks (markets).
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