Expo 2020 Dubai organisers seek one-year delay due to coronavirus
A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE, the World Expo governing body
Expo 2020 Dubai, slated to begin in October this year, is likely to be delayed by one year due to the coronavirus situation.
During a virtual meeting of its steering committee, with representatives of the countries taking part in the event, Expo organisers collectively agreed to explore the delay with BIE, the World Expo governing body, official news agency WAM reported.
The BIE will now work with its member states and Expo 2020 Dubai organisers to establish a change in dates.
A final decision on postponement can only be made by the BIE's executive committee and the general assembly, the report stated. A change of dates requires a two-thirds majority vote from the member states of the organisation.
Reem Al Hashemy, UAE minister of State for International Cooperation and director general, Expo 2020 Dubai said: "The global situation is fast moving, and remains unpredictable. Over the last several weeks, we have been consulting with key UAE and international stakeholders to review the ongoing impact of Covid-19 on our plans and preparations for Expo 2020 Dubai.
"While they remain firmly committed to Expo 2020, many countries have been significantly impacted by Covid-19 and they have therefore expressed a need to postpone the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai by one year, to enable them to overcome this challenge. The UAE and Expo 2020 Dubai have listened. And in the spirit of solidarity and unity, we supported the proposal to explore a one year postponement at today's steering committee meeting."
