In Pictures: One year to go, the countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai begins

The first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region runs from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022 and will bring together more than 190 countries to explore new ideas, form new connections and collectively tackle some of the greatest global challenges of our time. Above, the Children and Science Centre with Al Wasl Plaza in the background.

The UAE pavilion with Al Wasl Plaza in the background seen from above at the Dubai Expo 2020 site. Progress on the Expo site has continued at pace, with more than 210 million work hours completed to date. Work in 2020 has focused on landscaping and fit-out of Expo-owned buildings, with the construction of Country Pavilions to be finalised by the end of the year.

Inside the Mobility District at the expo site. With 365 days until Expo 2020 Dubai opens its doors to the world, Dubai is ready to bring the world together and the excitement is building.

Opportunity Pavilion at the expo site. In October next year, the UAE will welcome the world to a global mega-event that aims to reconnect people, cultures and society following the COVID-19 pandemic. Featuring a spectacular calendar of daily events and programming, a rich variety of global cuisine, and a once-in-a-lifetime showcase of arts, architecture, entertainment, culture and technology, Expo 2020 will pay tribute to the resilience of humanity, its ability to innovate, and its pursuit of optimism in the face of adversity.

Reviewing progress and preparations toward the major international event, leaders of Dubai and the UAE’s public and private sectors have confirmed the UAE’s and Dubai’s readiness to hosting this mega event and its visitors from all around the world. Above, Al Wasl Plaza, which will host the inaugural and closing ceremonies of the Expo and performances from A-list global performers and other major celebrations, on key international occasions such as New Year’s Eve, Diwali and Chinese New Year. Its name “Al Wasl”, meaning connection, doubles as a reference to the city’s history and the Expo’s theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, Chairman of Dubai Airports, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, said: "In just one year’s time, as the UAE celebrate its Golden Jubilee and we look ahead to the next 50 years of our nation, we will be bringing the world together for an unparalleled World Expo, anchored in the values of solidarity, cooperation and creativity. Above, general view of Sustainability canopy at the Sustainability Pavilion at Expo 2020 site.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "The countdown has begun to an exceptional Expo. It is the intention of the UAE’s leadership to host an event befitting the achievements and ambitions of our nation, which will celebrate its Golden Jubilee, with the world, next year.

General view of the Mare & Foal Statue at Mobility Pavilion during Sunrise at the Expo 2020 Site. Dubai Tourism, through a variety of activities, will play a vital role in attracting tourists, businesses, MICE and other sectors, helping Expo to achieve its goal of 25 million visits.

View of the Canopy and energy trees at the Sustainability Pavilion as part of the Expo 2020 site. Many government bodies have a major role in the preparation for a successful Expo that reflects the UAE’s vision. For example, DEWA will provide Expo with clean energy from the new Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest solar energy park in the world. DEWA will also build three substations and a number of charging stations for electric vehicles. Dubai Municipality has also helped develop Expo’s infrastructure and to enhance the visitor experience by developing nurseries and providing trees.

The Expo Entry Portal at the Sustainability District at Dubai Expo 2020 site.

As Expo marks this key milestone, Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: "Our leadership has spared no effort, guided us, and provided all resources to ensure that our World Expo will be a true expression of the UAE’s values, reflecting its ambition to build a better future for us, the region and the world – a future of which coming generations will be proud." Above, Al Wasl Plaza's dome, where the opening ceremony will be displayed next year.

The Super Pink Moon rises behind the Sustainability portal at the Expo 2020 Site.

Al Wasl Plaza, seen behind new buildings at the expo site. Set to be Dubai’s next most iconic building when the Expo begins in October, Al Wasl Plaza will now see restaurants, fountains, and gardens coming up inside the dome. The design is expected to employ techniques which shall adjust the temperature inside the pavilion with the temperature outside, to achieve thermal comfort.