DUBAI Stakeholders in Expo 2020, a multi-billion-dollar global trade fair set to launch in Dubai in October, are to hold talks Monday on a possible postponement over the coronavirus pandemic. Dubai, the glitzy citystate which is part of the United Arab Emirates, had hoped to attract some 25 million visitors to the six-month event and many of its economic forecasts are pinned to the mammoth gathering. Dubai has little of the oil riches of neighbouring emirates like Abu Dhabi, and its vital property, tourism and trade sectors had already been badly weakened in recent years. Expectations that the Expo will deliver a muchneeded economic shot in the arm could be dashed by a postponement. “We are regularly reviewing plans and preparations in line with guidance from UAE and international stakeholders,” an Expo 2020 Dubai spokesman told AFP.
