Plan your visit to Expo2020

Are you wondering what to expect on your visit to Expo2020?

How to get there? What to expect? Is it family friendly? Which pavilions to visit? When is the best time? Read on as I share my experience to Expo 2020 with my two boys.

Before you get there:

1. Download and keep tickets handy

2. Carry proof of vaccination through app or print or pcr test results.

3. Plan your trip.If you are planning to drive down choose the district parking that’s closest to the Pavilions you would like to explore.

4. Purchase Expo 2020 passport through Amazon.ae

5. Download expo2020 app and check events.

6. Log onto 92.0 official Expo2020 coverage or Expo2020 socials

Getting there:

Expo2020 has been made accessible for all. You can hop on Expo Rider Dubai/ Expo Rider UAE( or metro or drive down.

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With two kids in tow, I decided to drive down. We parked at mobility parking, scanned the QR code at the end of the line that we parked (picture for reference) Screen shot the page as it will tell you which bus to hop on, which stop to hop off and parking row number. I was absolutely amazed with easy and simple it was.

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QR code scan located at each parking line

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QR code screenshot for coming back

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Using Expo parking shuttle

Once you parked you can hop on an Expo parking Shuttle bus that will drop you to Mobility Gate for entrance. The gate is a beauty in itself. We reached there at 10am with lesser crowd and lesser pavilion lines to deal with allowing us to explore and spend less time waiting in line.

As soon as we passed through the gates staff checked our tickets and proof of vaccination before directing us towards baggage scanning.

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Entrance to Expo2020

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Security check point for vaccination and bags

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Eticket and children’s pass

If you are wondering if outside food and drinks are allowed yes, they are and when going with kids you definitely need to have something in hand at all times to avoid meltdowns. This is the time you can let them indulge in sweets, juices coz they are going to burn it off in no time.

I didn’t have a stroller and upon asking was guided towards the nearest visitor centre. There are visitor centres located all over Expo2020 site. These visitor centre have a quiet room to nurse babies, wheelchair/stroller rental, Power Bank rental, washrooms, shower rooms, family washroom equipped with a cute mini toilet pot and changing table, vending machines and a Zoom store.

Renting a stroller was a breeze. They scanned my Emirates Id and that was it. I was amazed by the stroller good for two making it perfect for letting my boys have a seat in-between when they were tired. (picture for reference)

Stroller rented for use

What to expect?

If your planning to visit in the month of October please wear sunscreen, carry sunglasses, umbrella, a battery operated fan if possible, reusable water bottle 1 for each person or more. Phone battery charger, socks just in case. I didn’t use them anywhere.

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Sanitising stations everywhere

Robots moving around one to remind you to wear mask and the other reveals fun facts.

There are performances just around the corners. So stay on the look out.

Waste bins that say thank you after using it

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Bins that say thank you

Interactive exhibits around for kids

Scripted braille along with a thought provoking exhibit

Visiting Pavilions:

The theme for Expo 2020 is “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future” through sustainability, mobility, and opportunity. The pavilions are divided into these 3 elements.

We first stopped at Expo 2020 official shop to purchase our passport to capture the stamps of the Pavilions we have visited.

Moving around Expo2020 site:

You can download the app and hire a cycle (helmets and child seat provided)

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Cycle station

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Usage details

You can use a Free People Mover which stop at Sustainability, Mobility or Opportunity Districts.

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People mover stop

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People mover Route

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Map of Expo 2020 site

Use a Free Expo Explorer train that runs within each district. We caught it at Hope station and dropped off at the same point with no in-between stops. We absolutely enjoyed it. Gave us a break and allowed us to catch a glimpse around Sustainable district. You can fold your stroller and take it along.

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Expo Explorer Train

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View of Pavilions

What to expect at each Pavilion?

Depending on the city each Pavilion has a theme. It’s inspiring to see how they narrate their message. You will find elevators for stroller, stairs and washrooms. You can also find a souvenir shop, cafe and edible delicasies.

Pavilions we visited:

(this will be updated after every visit so do pass by again)

Netherland Pavilion:

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Netherlands Pavilion

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An introduction

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Asked to open our umbrella

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Amazing to watch the projection come alive

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Spring water served

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L’Essence de Mastenbroek is a perfume evoking Mastenbroek, a polder that dates back to the 14th century, making it one of the oldest tracts of reclaimed land.

Food Show that used white individual umbrellas to project the journey of food. (every 3 mins; duration 1.5 min)

It houses live growing Oyster Mushrooms that yield 300 mushrooms every day.

They serve fresh spring water cost 20aed for sparkling/still. You can refill your own bottle or get a bottle from them.

Australia Pavilion:

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Art Tunnel

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Factual information presented through holography

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Anca’s story

Walk into an art tunnel watching holography of people/kids sharing some fun facts about Australia. A 360 screen narrating the stories behind stars and ends with Anca’s Journey underwater.

Stop by their local food cafes to cool off or snack. Make sure you stamp your passport at the boot.

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Stamp your own passport

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Can and bottle crusher

Espana Pavilion:

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Chess playing area outside the pavilion

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Dynamo

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Forest at spain

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Zelerous Hyperloop

It was such a unique experience each exhibit better than the other. We even caught a glimpse of Hyperloop.

Singapore Pavilion:

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Singapore Pavilion

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Ground garden

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Amazing view of vertical garden

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Orchid gallery

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Canopy walk

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Sky market

Singapore Pavilion was filled with lush evergreen plants. A vertical garden consisting of 3 levels. Use an elevator to go down if you have a stroller Unfortunately I had to wait for the entire show to be able to open doors and access the elevator.

I think it’s best to leave your stroller down before entering.

Seychelles Pavilion:

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Seychelles pavilion wasn’t too big making it easy and quick to finish.It displays the various projects put in place to preserve its sea life.

Terra:

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Terra discovery trail

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Amazing structure

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Exhibits that you play with and learn

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Enjoy forest pinball Sustainability Pavilion A pinball game to determine our planet’s future and meet ‘Gnasher’, a giant, sharp-toothed machine representing endless consumption.

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Art by talented Abdullah Lutfi

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The flooding house

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Online learning and communities

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Nature based learning

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Equinox, a three dimensional zoetrope in the form of a lotus

Other Expo2020 attractions:

Al Forsan park:

Has a lovely play area for kids. We didn’t get to visit it on our trip. Definitely on our list.

Jubilee Park:

A small soft play area filled with climbing challenges and slides for kids 6-12. No entry fee.

No strollers allowed. All kids have to be accompanied by an adult at all times. I went with my 2 yr old used the lowest slide and it was fine.

Toilets along with quiet rooms and diaper changing rooms available.

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Rashid’s Park- Humpback Whale

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Jubilee stage:

With lives performances, cartoon shows. Has park benches, lounge chairs and bean bags making it a perfect spot to rest your legs and enjoy some entertainment.

Schedule is available via Expo2020 app.

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Garden in the sky:

It’s an observational deck at a height of 55 metres that offers a 360-degree view of the Expo2020. The viewing deck is accessed through steps (no strollers allowed) decorated with 10 yellow flame trees. These trees can adapt well to the UAE’s climate.

You have to purchase tickets. 30aed for 7yrs and above. Under 6yrs is free. Highly recommended doing it for sunset.

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Al wasl plaza:

It’s has a kids play area. Didn’t get a chance to explore definitely on our list for next time.

Situated between Al Wasl Plaza and Jubilee Park, the Expo 2020 Water Said to feature the elements of water, earth and fire. I didn’t see the fire element.

Waterfall:

Giant sheets of water tumble down 13-metre-high vertical walls in sync with music.

If using a stroller there is an elevator available right by the steps.

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Waterfall during the night

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Feel free to interact and click pictures

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During the day

Sports fitness and well being hub:

Download the app Glofox to explore free fitness events happening. It’s available for kids and adults.

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Dining options:

You can choose to dine from Eat@expo2020 restaurants, Talabat kitchen, Alkebulan African dining hall, Rising Flavours, Iris lounge, Expo Street food.

Talabat kitchen:

You can place your orders through the app choosing Expo2020 site and receive your order delivered by a person or robot.

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I do hope this blog post has given you an insight of what to expect allowing you to be more prepared to have the time of your life.

Remember to stay safe and subscribe to my blog to get an alert when I’ve updated it.

Five done 185 to go!

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