Dubai’s Expo opens, bringing first world’s fair to Mideast

By AYA BATRAWY and ISABEL DEBRE
Associated Press

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP) — The Middle East’s first world’s fair has opened in Dubai, after eight years of planning and billions of dollars spent. The emirate hopes the months-long extravaganza that opened to the public on Friday will draw both visitors and global attention, and stimulate its tourism-driven economy. Organizers say 192 nations are represented at the fair. This year’s Expo 2020 is happening amid a global pandemic and it’s unclear how many tourists will visit after the exhibition was delayed a year due to the coronavirus. Attractions include a replica of the U.S.-made Falcon X rocket, a real royal Egyptian mummy and a towering 3-D replica of Michelangelo’s David.