Expo 2020 Dubai: A guide to the monthly events

Dubai: While we wait at the edge of our seats for its commencement, Expo 2020 Dubai is inching slowly towards us with a giant catalogue of events, performances and activities. Among spots to keep an eye on are Al Wasl Plaza, Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), Jubilee Stage and Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre

Here's a list of some of the most interesting programmes happening from October to March in sports, music, entertainment and special events. Mark your calendars now for a fun time.

Sports

In the effort to advocate for physical well-being, Expo 2020 Dubai has set in motion an array of sports events running throughout the upcoming six months. Ranging from the largest jiu-jitsu lesson to netball, country pavilions are gearing up to host friendly, high-spirited competitions and games.

You can sit by the sidelines and enjoy netball and cricket exhibition matches or participate in rigorous Track and Field exercises. An exciting hybrid sport innovation of table tennis and football called 'teqball' will be introduced by Hungary this December. The icing on the cake this Expo, however, is the World Chess Championship to be hosted at the DEC in November. Don’t miss out on the chance to witness the exhilarating sport events planned for this Expo.

Key sport events and their start dates:

October

November

December

February

March

Music and Entertainment

Reviving the spirits of all those who come to watch, musical performances and other entertainment events will be conducted by different countries across Expo. Performers across the globe take centre stage as they showcase their creative and artistic talents at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Jubilee Stage and many more.

The festivities are unending. There are concerts by an all-women orchestra led by AR Rahman, for instance, and New Zealand band Six60. For those who prefer visual entertainment, street theatre, film and dance performances will be right up your alley. There’s a recreational show for everyone; from toddlers and pre-teens to adults and grandparents.

Events and their start dates:

October

November

December

January

February

March

International Days and special events

The Expo calendar is set to recognise noteworthy dates celebrated and acknowledged worldwide. International days serve to remind us of the global issues such as the inclusion of minority groups and climate change. During these six months, issues will be explored, discussed and dissected under a global platform that connects us all.

Visitors will also have the opportunity to celebrate special holidays namely the UAE's Golden Jubilee, Christmas, Chinese New year, Diwali, International Women’s Day and Valentine’s Day. 

Events and their start dates:

October

November

December

February

March

National and honour Days

To honour the 191 countries participating in this year’s Expo, each country will receive a special ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza to appreciate their contributions towards Expo 2020. While country participants celebrate their allocated national days, certain intergovermental bodies will be spotlighted on Honour Days as well. The National and Honour Days will include a flag ceremony with the country’s national anthem playing alongside it.

Post this, a spectacle of the country’s cultural performances including dance, music and other festivities will be in the limelight at the Stage of Nations. Dedicating a day to each of the countries present at this year’s Expo aligns with one of the Expo’s core principles to be ‘Multinational, Multicultural and Inclusive.’ The Expo 2020 is a great way to expose and emerge yourself in the abundance of cultures coming together from around the world.

List of National and Honour Days sorted chronologically:

October

November

December

January

February

March

- The writer is an intern with Gulf News.