EXPO 2020 DUBAISUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021
CONNECTING MINDS, CREATING THE FUTURE

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI“We pay the utmost care and attention to our environment for it is an
integral part of the country, our history and our heritage. Our forefathers
and our ancestors lived in this land and coexisted with its environment, on
land and sea, and instinctively realised the need to preserve it.”LATE SHEIKH ZAYED BIN SULTAN AL NAHYANFOUNDER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES“Protection of the environment and achievement of sustainable
development in the UAE is a national duty; it has its own institutional
structures, integrated legislature and advanced systems.”

LATE SHEIKH KHALIFA BIN ZAYED AL NAHYANFORMER PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACY“The civilised, advanced nation we seek to build and the sustainable development we are
keen to achieve both require concerted efforts from all sectors of the community and fromall public and private entities and organisations. They require consistent and harmonious
work in order to achieve our goals and promote and underpin our nation’s status with its
distinct role regionally and internationally.”

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MOHAMED BIN ZAYED AL NAHYANPRESIDENT OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESAND RULER OF ABU DHABI

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES“We are building a new reality for our people, a new future for our children,
and a new model of development.”

HIS HIGHNESS SHEIKH MOHAMMED BIN RASHID AL MAKTOUM
VICE-PRESIDENT AND PRIME MINISTER OF THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATESAND RULER OF DUBAIEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYHIS EXCELLENCY SHEIKH NAHAYAN MABARAKAL NAHAYANMINISTER OF TOLERANCE AND COEXISTENCE, UAE AND
COMMISSIONER GENERAL OF EXPO 2020 DUBAI

It is my great privilege to introduce the fourth andconcluding annual Expo 2020 Sustainability Report.
This report details our sustainability performance in
2021 and our continued sustainability commitment toall our stakeholders and interested parties. It reflects
the efforts taken – through our sustainability initiatives– to create a positive impact and inspire the global
community in shaping a sustainable future.
With over 182 days of enriching experiences during
Expo 2020, it has been my great pleasure to havewelcomed people from across the world to the first

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World Expo held in an Arab nation and the Middle
East, Africa, and South Asia (MESA). Expo 2020 is atestament to the rapid strides the UAE has made, invarious spheres of life, and the commitment it has
shown to building global collaboration. We brought
the world together to address global challenges ofOpportunity, Mobility and Sustainability, while honouring
our theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Expo 2020 was a catalyst for exploring global solutions
that drew on the expertise of our stakeholders at the
local, regional, and international levels.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESWe are proud to have delivered an exceptional World
Expo that celebrated the possibilities of humancooperation and endeavoured to leave a long lasting
positive impact on communities across the globe. The
success of Expo 2020 was made possible through thevision of our wise leadership, to whom we owe ourappreciation and gratitude for their support for thishistoric event. We take this opportunity to also extend
our recognition and regard to everyone who came
together to contribute to our vision and be part of Expo
2020.
Coming together amid a global pandemic, both Expo
2020 and the UAE have shown the world that they
overcome challenges by creating new opportunities
for growth and development. The UAE was at theforefront of responding to the pandemic. By observing
strict health and safety measures in line with the
UAE’s efforts, Expo 2020 successfully welcomed anastonishing 24.1 million visits during the six months ofthe event.
Through Expo 2020, we reaffirmed our strong common
belief in the power of human solidarity to shape our
future and to help solve many of the great global
challenges. Millions of visitors and participants came
together, not only to witness and enjoy something truly
remarkable but to also work together to drive positivesocial and environmental impact. Our experience has
been an enriching and unique one where we exchanged
ideas, opinions, and lessons learnt.
Expo 2020 embodied the principles of sustainable
development, respecting ecological limits and natural
resource constraints, encouraging prosperity andwell-being while optimizing conditions for humandevelopment. From recycling to promoting natural
solutions, we inspired others to reaffirm theircommitment to the environment and to protect
Earth for future generations. We developed systems,
processes, and sustainability initiatives to track,
manage and enhance our positive environmental andsocial impact throughout the event. Furthermore,
we continued to implement leading supply chain
management practices that guided our operations,building on the principles for a circular economy.
These examples, alongside many others within thisreport, illustrate the effective implementation of oursustainability agenda and roadmap towards achieving
our vision of hosting one of the most sustainable World
Expos ever held.

the deep-rooted Emirati values of tolerance andpeaceful coexistence throughout its history. Expo
2020 showcased the UAE’s national heritage and key
milestones through world-class cultural performances,meaningful cross-cultural conversations, and engaging
exhibits. As a part of the UAE’s National Festival ofTolerance, Expo 2020 ran a ‘Tolerance and Inclusivity
Week’ uniting 192 nations in promoting the principles
of coexistence, hope and joint action in the UAE andworldwide. We used Expo 2020 as a platform to launch
the Global Tolerance Alliance, a UAE initiative to maketolerance and peaceful coexistence an integral part ofpeople’s lives.
We believe that Expo 2020’s collective efforts andsustainable contributions will serve as a foundation formany more achievements to come. We look forward
to seeing our young generations build a new worldof cooperation, tolerance, coexistence, and peace
to support human progress in our local and global
communities. With the close of Expo 2020, we open
a new chapter together, one of collaboration andpartnership, as Expo 2020 leaves its lasting legacy. It
is my firm belief that the legacy of this Expo 2020 will
be told through the actions we take from this moment
onward.

Our observation of the alarming soil erosion
around the world, and our desire to understandwhat we see, reminds me of the UAE’s mostprominent environmentalist, our Founding Father,
the late Sheikh Zayed, who had a deep love of
nature. After Sheikh Zayed’s passing, our country’s
concern for the environment continued to intensify
so that now the UAE, led by the President His
Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,
has established many environmental initiatives andorganisations.
In the spirit of the love of nature, we must allcontinue to explore ways to improve how we plan,
protect, manage, and use our natural resources. I
also believe there is a strong connection between
our spiritual values and how we care for theenvironment. Our spiritual values provide the moral
imperative to ensure that all people in all countries
can enhance their standard of living without acting
in ways that will leave their future generations
living and working in a barren environment

Coinciding with the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Expo 2020
was an unprecedented opportunity to showcase

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOHER EXCELLENCY REEM AL HASHIMYCABINET MEMBER, UAE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL
COOPERATION AND DIRECTOR GENERAL - EXPO 2020 DUBAI BUREAU

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESIt is a pleasure to introduce you to our fourth and final
Annual Sustainability Report. This report has been
prepared with reference to the GRI Sustainability
Reporting Standards, which demonstrated our efforts
to embed sustainability across Expo 2020 Dubai andour commitment to continuous improvement. This
report details Expo 2020’s sustainability performanceindicators and key milestones across 24 topic areas,
over the six-month period leading up to the event, as
well as the six-months of the event itself.
We were steadfast in our commitment to deliver
one of the most sustainable World Expos ever andcreate a platform for countries to come together
to reshape the way humanity lives. Designed, built,
operated and programmed according to best-in-classsustainable principles, Expo City Dubai, as it is today, isa world-leading example of technology in service ofcommunity and environment. For the first six-monthsof its life, it was a platform for global partnership andcooperation on the UN’s Sustainable Development
Goals, a catalyst for positive and transformative impact
in all sectors and at all levels of society. As the first
World Expo to be hosted in the Middle East, Africa,and South Asia (MEASA) region, we were delighted todeliver an exceptional event in line with our ambitious
commitments to our key stakeholders.
In this report, we highlight the progress made towards
our sustainability objectives and milestones, for the
benefit of Expo 2020 stakeholders. We also firmly
believe that the valuable insights and learnings in
the following pages will continue to contribute toaccelerating Expo City Dubai’s progress towards
achieving net-zero by 2030 while fulfilling its key role inlocal, regional and international cooperation through its
physical, economic, and social mandate.
Developed in line with Expo 2020’s main theme,“Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, ourProgramme for People and Planet aimed to harness theconvening power of World Expos to catalyse collective,
transformative change. Through this programme, thesix-months of Expo 2020 were organised into ten
thematic weeks to educate and entertain our 24.1
million visitors. Through the theme weeks, we exploredhumanity’s most pressing challenges and greatest
opportunities – from climate change to food and water
security, the future of education and work, health andwellness as well as space exploration among manyother significant subjects. We engaged with morethan 16,000 global leaders, from political and businessfigures to academics and grassroots-level activists,
participating nations, and the general public on theseimportant topics. These conversations inspired more
effective individual and collective action to achievesustainable solutions that will shape a better future forall of humanity.
Today, as part of the indelible legacy of Expo 2020
Dubai, Expo City Dubai continues to offer unmatched
opportunities for collaboration between individuals,
governments, businesses, academic institutions, NGOs
and multilateral organizations. Expo City Dubai will
become home to more than 145,000 people, hostto leading global companies, and a sought-after
destination for investment across a range of sectorsthat will shape the future. And in November next year,
we will host the 2023 UN Climate Change Conference,
COP28, at which point the world will once again be
invited to see what we have created, take learnings
from it, and apply those ideas and innovations to usher
in a more optimistic future for humankind.
I would like to take this opportunity to express our
sincerest gratitude to the Bureau International desExpositions (BIE) and all our stakeholders, including theExpo 2020 Dubai leadership and Expo 2020 family,
participants, visitors, volunteers, and partners as well as
contractors, consultants, and the wider Dubai and UAE
community. It has taken a remarkable and collective
effort to ensure the success of Expo 2020 Dubai andachieve its transformative, sustainable World Expolegacy.
On a final note, I invite you to visit Expo City Dubai anddiscover how the legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai is paving
the way to a brighter future for all.

The United Arab Emirates believes in theimportance of global collective action to create afuture where everyone can thrive in peace, dignity
and equality on a healthy planet. By bringing
the world together, Expo 2020 Dubai provides alaunchpad to solve humanity’s greatest challenges,
in the spirit of hope, resilience and optimism.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

10 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESTABLE OF CONTENTS
01

A. ABOUT THIS REPORT

15

B. EXPO 2020: AT A GLANCE

1602

SUSTAINABILITY AT EXPO 2020

26

A. DELIVERING A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

27

INTEGRATE

38

A. STAKEHOLDERS AND MATERIALITY

38

B. SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN

42

IMPACT

58

ABOUT EXPO
2020 DUBAITHE FOUNDATIONS OF ASUSTAINABLE EXPO

03

THE EXPOLECAGY

A. ECONOMIC IMPACT58

B. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT64

C. SOCIAL IMPACT106

INSPIRE

122

A. EXPO 2022’S COMMITMENT TO PEOPLE

122

B. PEOPLE OF EXPO 2020

134

C. LIFE AT EXPO 2020

144

D. HEALTH AND SAFETY

150

E. INNOVATION

163

A. EXPO 2020 LEGACY CONTRIBUTION

189

B. EXPO CITY DUBAI - THE FUTURE OF THE EXPO 2020 SITE 191
C. CORPORATE ARCHIVE

193

04

A. EXPO 2020’S CONTRIBUTION TO THE SDGS

197

B. GLOBAL BEST PRACTICE PROGRAMME

207

05

A. GRI CONTENT INDEX

213

B. TOPIC BOUNDARIES

218

C. ACRONYMS AND ABBREVIATIONS221

EXPO 2020
AND THE SDGSGRI CONTENT INDEX ANDTOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

01

ABOUT EXPO
2020 DUBAIEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYABOUT EXPO
2020 DUBAI
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESAABOUT THISREPORT
Expo 2020 Dubai (“Expo 2020”) is delighted to present its Sustainability Report
2021 – the fourth and closing annual sustainability report demonstrating our continued
commitment to disclosing our sustainability performance with reference to the Global
Reporting Initiative (GRI) Standards.
The GRI Standards are a globally recognised sustainability reporting framework that provides a common
language and platform for organisations and their stakeholders to communicate their economic, environmental,
and social impacts.
This report provides insights into Expo 2020’s sustainability performance within the United Arab Emirates (UAE)from 1 April 2021 until 31 March 2022.

1. SCOPE
The sustainability performance data provided in thisreport covers the 12-month period from 1 April 2021
to 31 March 2022, representing six months of Expo2020’s pre-event phase and the six months ofthe event.
This report’s data collection is segmented between
1 April 2021 - 30 September 2021 (pre-event phase)and 1 October 2021 - 31 March 2022 (event phase).
However, where applicable, data and initiatives fromother years have also been included to illustrate
trends and progress over time.

the six months of the event; and inspire those who
visit to become part of the journey towards a moresustainable future.

3. GRI SERVICESGRI Content Index With Reference Pilot Service: GRI
Services reviewed that the GRI content index is clearlypresented and the references for all disclosures
included align with the appropriate sections in the
body of the report.
The services were performed on the English versionof the report.

2. CONTENTThis report builds on Expo 2020’s continued
commitment to communicate its sustainability
performance to all stakeholders and interested
parties in a transparent and balanced manner,
equipping readers with a comprehensive
understanding of the contributions and impacts
created by Expo 2020. This ensures improved quality
and reliability in the content, ensuring all stakeholders
have timely access to Expo 2020’s sustainability
performance data to support them in making wellinformed decisions.
Expo 2020’s sustainability strategy was designed
to Integrate, Impact and Inspire. The strategy
aimed to integrate sustainability throughout theentire framework of Expo 2020; create a thorough,meaningful impact that extends beyond the site and

4. CONTACT
Expo 2020 engages in a continuous and open
dialogue with its many stakeholders and welcomesand encourages them to share comments, queries,
and recommendations related to this closing report.

These can be initiated via the following email
address: sustainability@expocitydubai.ae
A digital version of this report can be downloaded
at: expo2020dubai.com

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYB
EXPO 2020:
AT A GLANCEThis chapter outlines the history of World Expos and how Expo 2020 added to the
UAE’s historic participation by educating the public, promoting progress, and fostering
global collaboration.

1. THE ROLE OF THE BUREAU INTERNATIONAL DES EXPOSITIONSThe Bureau International
des Expositions (BIE) is anintergovernmental organisationthat has encouraged education,
innovation and cooperation
through the administration
and regulation of World Expos
since 1931.
The BIE’s organisational structure
includes the General Assembly,
Committees, the Secretariat, and
170 member states, dedicatedto education, teamwork, andgrowth. The BIE has organised
more than 50 Expos worldwide
since its founding, including
World Expos, Specialised Expos,
Horticultural Exhibitions, and theMilan Design Triennale.

in history – a festival of wonderand creativity where visitors
experienced, explored anddiscovered, while sharing ideas
and working together.

With BIE’s unwavering support,
Expo 2020 was able to carryon the World Expo heritage,
having delivered one of themost sustainable World Expos

2. EXPO 2020 THEME
On 27 November 2013, following
a record vote by BIE members,
Dubai was selected to host theWorld Expo in 2020 – becoming
the first Arab nation and thefirst country in the Middle East,
Africa, and South Asia (MEASA)
region to do so. Dubai’s winningbid was the result of an inspiring
collaboration between the
UAE’s leadership and Expo 2020

organisers to create an eventthat would have a sustainable
and long-lasting impact for
generations to come.
‘Connecting Minds, Creating
the Future’ was the theme andpurpose of Expo 2020, intended
to foster new connections,collaborations and partnerships
across sectors and geographies,

with the event serving as aplatform to inspire progressivechange to shape the future.
Building on this umbrella
theme, Expo 2020 identified
three interconnected driversof progress – Opportunity,
Mobility and Sustainability – assubthemes.

THE EXPO 2020 GLOBAL PLATFORM
Expo 2020’s theme and subthemes
were developed to capture a vision
for the future from the perspectiveof the UAE leadership (fromVision 2021 through to the 2071
Centennial Plan), linking regional
priorities and global challenges –as reflected in the United Nation’s
2030 Agenda for Sustainable
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Development and the Sustainable
Development Goals.
As the world strives to create asustainable future, and within thecontext of a global pandemic, Expo
2020 integrated sustainability
into all its activities to create ameaningful impact beyond the six

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

months of the event. Through this,Expo 2020 sought to dive deep
into the rising global concerns
around sustainability and thepressing need to drive change tocreate a better future.

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

for every person from every
community – an event that brought
about partnerships and associations,leading to long-term, sustainable
benefits that will continue topermeate people’s lives around theworld and leave a lasting legacy.

Expo 2020 closely engaged with theinternational community and visitorsfrom across the world to embark
on a journey to seek collective
solutions to global challenges, ina culmination of innovation andcollaboration. Expo 2020 was the
UAE’s commitment to building acleaner, safer, and healthier future

3. EXPO 2020 SITE
Expo 2020’s three subthemes were each showcased in dedicated Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability
Thematic Districts converging on Al Wasl Plaza – the beating heart of the Expo 2020 site, which spanned morethan four square kilometres. The site was also home to the Dubai Exhibition Centre, the Route 2020 Metro
Station, Arrival Plazas, parks, permanent buildings, approximately 30,000 car parking spaces, and more.

I.

AL WASL PLAZA
Expo 2020’s spectacular centrepiece, Al Wasl
Plaza served as a gateway to each of the Thematic
Districts. Al Wasl is a historical name for Dubai andalso means “connection” in Arabic, reflecting theplaza’s physical location at theheart of the site. Al Wasl Plaza’s pattern was inspired
by Expo 2020’s logo and the domed trellis formed
the largest 360-degree projection dome in theworld. Within the Al Wasl Plaza, 3 buildings are LEED
Platinum certified and 2 are LEED Gold certified.

II. THEMATIC DISTRICTS
The three petal-shaped Thematic Districts reflected
the mega-event’s three subthemes of Opportunity,
Mobility and Sustainability — and connected to thecentral Al Wasl Plaza, symbolising the over-archingtheme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Their design reflected the region’s traditional urban
developments, with permanent buildings, narrow
walkways and courtyards. Within the Thematic
Districts, 86 buildings are certified to LEED Goldstandard.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

III. TERRA – THE SUSTAINABILITY PAVILION
True to its subtheme, the LEED Platinum-certified
Sustainability Pavilion was designed as a net-zerowater and energy building. Sustainable features
included 4,912 photovoltaic panels arranged on a
130-metre-wide roof canopy which harnessed solar
energy while providing shade and daylighting to thevisitors. The canopy also served as a large collection
area for stormwater and dew that replenished thebuilding’s water system.

IV. ALIF – THE MOBILITY PAVILION
The Mobility Pavilion, which is LEED Gold certified,features a dynamic landscape with undulating tracks
and demonstration areas for the latest innovations
related to the Mobility subtheme.

V. MISSION POSSIBLE –THE OPPORTUNITY PAVILIONThe Opportunity Pavilion encapsulates the conceptthat even small actions can make a big impact.
Floating 32 metres above the ground, the pavilion’smesh canopy represented clouds and the dreams
that we all aspire to achieve to build a better world.
The Opportunity Pavilion built on the rich urban
history of the “plaza” and its universal significance asa place for people to connect.

VI. UAE PAVILIONA LEED Platinum-certified building, the innovative
design was inspired by a flying falcon and features
28 movable ‘wings’ that can spread to harvest solar
energy through integrated photovoltaic panels.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

VII. PAVILIONSAll Expo 2020’s pavilions were constructed in linewith the subthemes of Expo 2020: Opportunity,
Mobility and Sustainability. The 192 country
pavilions were located according to the subthemes,
with every nation having its own pavilion for the firsttime in World Expo history. Expo 2020 had its own
pavilions, including Expo Live, Vision and Women’s
Pavilion – all of which encapsulated the broader
theme of ‘Connecting Minds’. Expo 2020 also had
organisation pavilions, including the Associationof Southeast Asian Nations, Dubai Cares, and Gulf
Cooperation Council, among others.

VIII. PARKS
Two major parks, Al Forsan Park and Jubilee Park,
provided space for large outdoor performanceareas, plus zones for recreational activities. Nearby
facilities included washrooms, prayer rooms, andfood and beverage outlets.

IX. DUBAI EXHIBITION CENTRE (DEC), EXPO
2020 DUBAIA LEED Silver-certified, 45,000sqm state-of-the-art
multipurpose function and event venue. DEC was
made up of two complexes, North and South andwas adjacent to the Expo 2020 Metro link, whichconnected the Expo 2020 site to the entire city.

X. ARRIVAL PLAZASThere were four entrances to Expo 2020 – threeleading to the welcome plazas for each Thematic
District and a fourth entrance concourse running
between the Expo 2020 Metro Station and DEC.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

XI. EXPO 2020 METRO STATIONThe LEED Gold-certified Expo 2020 Metro Station
was the final stop on Route 2020, an extension
created by the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA)
to encourage Expo 2020 visitors to use sustainabletransport. Capable of welcoming up to 29,000
passengers per hour, the station boasted cuttingedge digital screens and a new smart gate system,
while its unique plane-wing design signified thecity’s aspirations to soar into the future.

XII. CAR PARKS
Approximately 30,000 car parking spaces wereavailable during Expo 2020. The car parks werebuilt using recycled tyres as a part of Expo 2020’s
site wide sustainability commitments. To manage
traffic flow, car parks featured intelligent traffic
signs and a smart system to identify vacant slots.
Standard parking shuttles were placed at all car
parks ensuring visitors a smooth and hassle-freejourney during their visit.

XIII. PERMANENT BUILDINGS AND 			INFRASTRUCTURE
A total of 123 permanent buildings across Expo
2020 were certified LEED by the US Green Building
Council. Of these, 7 buildings across Expo 2020 are
certified to the LEED Platinum standard, 105 arecertified to the LEED Gold standard, 9 are certified
to the LEED Silver standard and 2 are certified to the
LEED Certified standard.
Additionally, Expo 2020 was awarded eight
CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ certificates for its numerous
infrastructure projects. CEEQUAL was developedby the Institutions of Civil Engineers (ICE) and is theworld’s first sustainability assessment, rating andcertification scheme for achieving best practice ininfrastructure projects.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

5. CORPORATE GOVERNANCE
As the host of Expo 2020, and pursuant to the Convention Relating to International Exhibitions that was signed in
Paris on 22 November 1928, and the regulations made for its implementation, the UAE was required to implementa series of legislative and financial measures to facilitate the event’s organisation.
To comply with its obligations under the convention, the UAE Government developed the necessary legal, financial,and organisational measures required to organise and host the event successfully. Compliance to laws andregulations were administered by respective departments and monitored by a dedicated internal audit team.
The Dubai Government established the World Expo 2020 Preparatory Committee (the Higher Committee) throughDecree 49 of 2013. The Higher Committee was formed to centralise strategic decisions and oversee the overallplanning and delivery of Expo 2020’s requirements and activities.

THE BUREAUEXPO 2020 DUBAI LLC

The Bureau Expo Dubai 2020 (the Bureau) was set up
under Decree 30 of 2014, issued on 25 June 2014, while
Decree 31 of 2014 appointed Her Excellency Reem
Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International
Cooperation, as Director General of the Bureau. As agovernment entity, the Bureau acquired its legal andfinancial jurisdiction directly from the Government of
Dubai and acted as the executive arm of the Higher
Committee. For more information on the functions andpowers of the Bureau, kindly refer to to
Expo 2020 Dubai’s Sustainability Report 2018.

On 12 December 2015, the Bureau incorporated Expo
Dubai 2020 LLC (“Expo 2020”) in the Department of
Economic Development (DED). Once incorporated, theorganisation set up the Board of Directors to advise
the Director General on operational development andoverseeing Expo 2020, reporting through the Bureau
to the Higher Committee. It also set up various Board
Committees and a management governance structure
to oversee the operational development of the Expo
2020 and provide timely reports through the Bureau to
the Higher Committee.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYHIGHERCOMMITTEE
Members of the Higher
Committee, whocome from a diverse
background of expertiseand experience.

HIS HIGHNESSSHEIKH AHMED BIN
SAEED AL MAKTOUM

HIS EXCELLENCYSHEIKH SULTAN BIN
TAHNOON AL NAHYANHIS EXCELLENCY
MOHAMMED IBRAHIM
AL SHAIBANI

President of the Dubai Civil
Aviation Authority

Member of the Abu Dhabi
Executive Council

Chairman of Dubai Airports

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Director General of
HH The Ruler’s Court,
Government of Dubai

Chairman and CEO of
Emirates Group

Vice Chairman of theExpo 2020 Dubai Higher
Committee

Chairman of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

HER EXCELLENCYREEM AL HASHIMYHIS EXCELLENCY
DR. SULTAN AHMED
AL JABER

HIS EXCELLENCY
LIEUTENANT GENERALABDULLAH KHALIFA AL MARRIHIS EXCELLENCY
MATTAR MOHAMMEDAL TAYER

UAE Minister of State forInternational Cooperation

UAE Minister of Industry andAdvanced Technology

Commander-in-Chief ofDubai Police

Director General
Expo 2020 Dubai

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Chairman of the Board andExecutive Director of Roads
and Transport Authority (RTA)HIS EXCELLENCYHELAL SAEED ALMARRIHIS EXCELLENCY
ENG. DAWOODABDULRAHMAN AL-HAJRIHIS EXCELLENCYKHALIFA AL ZAFFINHIS EXCELLENCY
MOHAMED ALABBAR

Director General of the
Department of Economy andTourism (DET)

Director General of Dubai
Municipality

Executive Chairman of Dubai
Aviation City Corporation
and Dubai SouthFounder and Managing
Director of Emaar Properties
PJSC

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Director General of Dubai World
Trade Centre Authority

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

Member of the Expo 2020 Dubai
Higher Committee
22 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

Member of the Expo 2020
Dubai Higher Committee

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

24 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

02

THE FOUNDATIONS
OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYSUSTAINABILITY
AT EXPO 202026 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESADELIVERING ASUSTAINABLE EXPO
The principles ofsustainability have been a
key consideration across allphases of Expo 2020; fromsite design and constructionin the pre-event phase tosustainable site operations
during the event phase and,
finally, urban planning andinfrastructural developmentin the legacy phase. Expo
2020 defined four key
sustainability objectives
and successfully delivered
one of the most sustainable
World Expos in history. The
sustainability objectives arefurther supported by Key
Performance Indicators(KPIs) that are addressed in
the latter part of this section.

1. EXPO 2020’S FOUR KEY SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES

1
Leave a legacy ofsustainable infrastructureand future-oriented
sustainable practices

2
Catalyse sustainability
efforts in Dubai andthe UAE

3
Increasing publicawareness byengaging society on
sustainability principles
and sustainable living

4
Developing
sustainability
solutions that arescalable, extending theirbenefits to the wider economy
EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

2. EXPO 2020 ALIGNMENT WITH NATIONAL AND GLOBAL ASPIRATIONS
Expo 2020 implemented a well-integrated and strategically consistent approach to achieve its key
sustainability objectives and targets in line with the UAE’s national agenda and relevant international drivers.

UAE VISION 2021

DUBAI PLAN 2021

DUBAI’S VISION 2040

UAE CENTENNIAL 2071

UAE GREEN GROWTH STRATEGYDUBAI GREEN ECONOMYPARTNERSHIP

2030 DUBAI INTEGRATEDENERGY STRATEGYUAE ENERGY STRATEGY 2050

SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENTGOALS (SDGS)DUBAI GREEN BUILDINGREGULATIONS AND
SPECIFICATIONS

28 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

UNITED NATIONS ENVIRONMENT PROGRAMME (UNEP)SUSTAINABLE PUBLIC PROCUREMENT PROGRAMME

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

3. SUSTAINABILITY POLICY
Expo 2020’s Sustainability Policy set thefoundation for ensuring that it respected andprotected the environment, society and culture,and engaged the global community, participantsand visitors on sustainability issues.

TO ACHIEVE THIS POLICY, EXPO 2020
TOOK THE FOLLOWING ACTIONS:

4. SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
Ensuring Expo 2020 Dubai’s four key
sustainability objectives are met.

Advancing, aligning and promoting the
UAE’s sustainability commitments to
the Paris Climate Accord and the United
Nations Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs).

Providing visible leadership byimplementing sustainable standards, bestpractices and innovations, before, during
and after the event.

Effectively communicated this policy toall personnel involved with Expo 2020,
ensuring adequate sustainability-related
information, guidelines and training were
provided

Advocated for sustainably throughan internally focused culture, where
sustainable practices were embraced by
employees, stakeholders and visitors alike.

Ensured stakeholders were accountable formeasuring and maintaining Expo 2020’s
sustainability standards.

During the World Expo bid, the UAE made a numberof commitments to the BIE, including a pledge to‘deliver one of the most sustainable World Expos inhistory’. This pledge was the cornerstone of Expo2020’s sustainable strategy and drive for integrating
sustainability principles across all activities.
The sustainability strategy provided guidance anddirection during pre-event activities and laid thefoundation for delivering a sustainable event. Afterthe conclusion of the pre-event activities, Expo
2020 refreshed the strategy to build on the previous
version, reflecting the need for a closer focus on
the sustainability-related impacts of the event andlegacy phases.
The strategy considered Expo 2020’s holistic
approach for managing performance and impacts
across all aspects of environmental, social andeconomic sustainability. It also ensured theintegration of key sustainability plans, processes
and methodologies across pre-event, event andlegacy activities. The strategy further outlined thesustainability management approach adopted byExpo 2020 and the requirements for monitoring
performance against the established targets foreach sustainability focus area. The sustainability
focus areas considered relevant KPIs for theapplicable activities with regards to the planning,
design, construction, and operations.
Expo 2020 also established its event Sustainability
Management System (ESMS) by aligning tothe objectives and requirements set out in thesustainability strategy. The ESMS provided astructured framework for Expo 2020 to ensure thekey sustainability objectives were met, while also
addressing the requirements of the International
Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) 20121:2012
standard for a sustainable event.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

5. CERTIFICATIONS

ISO 20121

GENDER EQUALITYLEEDCEEQUAL

CERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATIONCERTIFICATION

In 2021, Expo 2020
received the ISO
20121:2012 Event
Sustainability
Management System
certification for its
site-wide sustainable
event management
processes. A thirdparty certification, it
focuses on improving
sustainability
management
throughout theentirety of an event
management cycle.
The standard defines
the management
system componentsthat an organisation
should have in place
to deliver eventrelated activities,
products, andservices. As part of theprocess for achieving
the certification, Expo
2020 was required
to demonstrate thatits management
system addressed
all key financial,economic, social, andenvironmental issues
that were relevant to
its operations.

In 2021, Expo 2020
was awarded theGender Equality
European andInternational Standard(GEEIS) certificate,after successfully
undergoing an
independent audit
by Bureau Veritas.
The GEEIS is a global
standard aiming topromote genderequality and support
organisations in
structuring andmanaging theirprofessional equalityand diversity policies,
both locally andinternationally.
The standard isdesigned for all typesof organisations,regardless of size,
configuration, or
activity, in all countries
and continents.
The certification
recognised Expo2020’s continued
efforts to support
and promote genderequality throughout
its operations,pavilions, andprogramming.

Leadership in Energy
and Environmental
Design (LEED) is
one of the world’s
most extensively
utilised green building
rating systems. It
offers a framework
for constructing
eco-friendly andcost-effective green
buildings. In line with
its sustainability
strategy, Expo
2020 committed
to obtaining LEED
certifications for all
permanent structureson the Expo 2020
site.

Civil Engineering
Environmental
Quality Assessment
and Award Scheme(CEEQUAL) is
an international
evidence-based
framework
for assessing
sustainability
in construction,
infrastructure,landscaping andworks in public
spaces. Expo 2020
committed toachieving CEEQUAL
certifications for all
permanent buildingson the site.

30 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESLEEDCEEQUAL

Obtaining a LEED certificate for abuilding typically means that it was
built using environmentally sensitive
materials and designed to reducegreenhouse gas emissions andwater consumption over its lifetime.
Occupants of a LEED-certified
building experience good indoor air
and have better access to amenities
within the local community. A totalof 123 permanent buildings acrossExpo 2020 are certified LEED by
the US Green Building Council. Of
these, 7 buildings across Expo 2020are certified to the LEED Platinum
standard, 105 are certified to the
LEED Gold standard, 9 are certified
to the LEED Silver standard and 2
are certified to the LEED Certified
standard.

CEEQUAL was developed by theInstitutions of Civil Engineers (ICE)and is the world’s first sustainability
assessment, rating, and certification
scheme for achieving best practicein infrastructure projects. For Expo2020’s civil engineering projects
that fall under its public realm andinfrastructure, CEEQUAL assesses
a wide range of sustainability issues
such as:Management

Landscape and Historic
environment

Communities &Stakeholders

Pollution

Resilience

Resources (including
materials, energy/carbon
and waste)

Land Use and Ecology

Transport

In 2021, Expo 2020 was awarded 8 CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ certificates for its
numerous infrastructure projects. These awards span Expo 2020’s public
realm, Al Wasl Plaza, parks, shading and other infrastructure across the 4.38
sqkm site.
ACHIEVEMENTS

CEEQUAL CERTIFIED

8 CEEQUAL
certificates1

st project in the Middle East
to receive an ‘Excellent’
CEEQUAL certificate

highest score
93.6% theachieved on a

LEED CERTIFIED
in total that123 buildings
are LEED-certified

Platinum certified
7 LEEDbuildings

Gold certified
105 LEED
buildings

certificate

Achieved an ‘Excellent’ rating
in all certificates

Silver certified
9 LEEDbuildings

certified
2 LEEDbuildings

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021
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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

6. EXPO 2020 SUSTAINABILITY FOCUS AREAS, KPIS AND 2021 PERFORMANCE*TRANSPORTSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Sustainable, lower carbon public transport
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Encourage significant shift from private
vehicles to alternative transport options

51%

reduction from private vehicles to alternativetransport options

EVENT PERFORMANCE
reduction from private vehicles to alternativetransport options

67%
PUBLIC REALMSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVESCreate people-centric, comfortable, and walkable spaces
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Provide shading for 75% of primary
walkways in Thematic Districts at the
midday peakprovided for primary walkways in
80% shading
thematic districts at the midday peak

Provide shading for 60% of hardlandscaping areas and public open
spaces at the midday peakprovided for hard landscaping
60% shading
areas and public open spaces at the

KPIs

EVENT PERFORMANCE

Achieve the International Board of
Sensory Accessibility (IBSA) certification

Achieved IBSA certification

midday peak

* Pre-event refers to the period from April 2021 to September 2021 and the event phase refers to the period from October 2021 to March 2022. This applies to all the data tables included in this section.

32 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESECOLOGY1

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Enhance the ecological value of the site and promote local species

1.

KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Ensure 50% of landscape plants arenative and adaptive

93%

of landscape plants planted (during Expo2020) were native and adaptive species

95% of landscape area managedwithout the use of chemical pesticides,
herbicides, and fertilisers

90%

of landscape area was managed without
the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides,
or fertilisers

During the event phase, Expo 2020 maintained all ecological and biological conservation measures that have been put in place during construction.

MATERIALSSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Promote use of sustainable materials in terms of environmental, social, and economic impact
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

90% of selected materials to be
procured in accordance with Sustainable
Materials Guidelines

98%

KPIs

EVENT PERFORMANCE

Compliance with RISE Guidelines fromall the event phase suppliers

Selected materials procured were in accordance with RISE
Guidelines

of selected materials procured were inaccordance with Sustainable Materials
Guidelines

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Minimise depletion of natural resources through design for reuse and legacy
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

90% of materials used in permanent
construction to be retained for thelegacy phaseused in permanent construction
98% ofwasmaterials
retained for the legacy phase

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYENERGYSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Demand reduction
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Reduce energy demand in buildings
by 20% in comparison to international
standards

33%

reduction in energy demand within buildings
when compared to international standards

WATER

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVESReduce water consumption
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Reduce water demand in buildings by
40% in comparison to local standards

water demand in buildings as
53% reduced
compared to local standards

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Minimise potable water consumption through use of recycled water
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

100% of non-potable exterior wateruses (e.g., irrigation, cooling) to be met
by treated sewage effluent (TSE)

non-potable exterior water used (e.g.,
94%2 ofirrigation,
cooling) was met by TSE

Collect and use 80% of condensate
water recovered from buildings

81%

of condensate water recovered frombuildings was collected and reused

2. Expo 2020 was unable to fully achieve this target due to some buildings on the Expo 2020 site not having access to TSE connections in the proximity of their buildings.

34 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESWASTESUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Minimise the quantity of waste sent to landfill
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCEA minimum of 85% (by weight) ofwaste segregated into different waste
streams during construction, operationand decommissioning to allow fordiversion from landfill

87.9% of waste was diverted from landfill
EVENT PERFORMANCE

88% of cumulative waste was diverted from landfill
CARBONSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Minimise carbon emissions in Expo 2020
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Implement Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
mitigation and off-setting strategy

reduction in total emissions as a result
15% overallof implementation completion of the GHG
mitigation and offsetting strategy

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYSUSTAINABILITY AWARENESSSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Enable participants and facility managers to understand and contribute to responsible use of resources
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

100% of pavilions and buildings tohave smart metering with digital
feedback for energy and water
consumption

pavilions and buildings to have smart
100% ofmeteringwith digital feedback for energy

KPIs

EVENT PERFORMANCE

Implement sustainability awarenesscampaigns

Implemented sustainability awarenesscampaigns through the publishing of 7 videos

75% of sustainability features witheducational awareness, collaterals, or
activities

77%

and water consumption

sustainability features included in educationalawareness, collaterals, or activities

SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS, EVENT MANAGEMENT AND REPORTINGSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Communicate progress and achievements in respect of sustainability in a transparent and stakeholder
responsive way
KPIs

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE

Sustainability reporting based oninternationally recognised guidelines

Completed the publication of Sustainability Report 2020

36 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSUSTAINABILITY CERTIFICATIONSUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Demonstrate global leadership, innovation, environmental stewardship, and social responsibility byachieving high levels of third-party green building and site certification

KPIs
Achieve CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ certification
for permanent Expo infrastructure

PRE-EVENT PERFORMANCE
infrastructure and public realm projects achieved
CEEQUAL Excellent.

KPIs

EVENT PERFORMANCE

Achieve ‘LEED Gold’ certification for all
permanent buildings at Expo 2020

A total of 123 buildings were LEED certified:Achieve Gender Equality European andInternational Standard (GEEIS) certificate

8

7 Platinum
9 Silver105 Gold
2 Certified

Achieved Gender Equality European and International
Standard (GEEIS) certificate

SUSTAINABILITY OBJECTIVES
Promote sustainable event management and operations
KPIs

EVENT PERFORMANCE

Achieve ISO 20121 Sustainable EventManagement certification

Achieved ISO 20121 Sustainable
Event Management certification

NOTE:
Expo 2020 tracked its KPIs listed in the table for the pre-event phase as it pertained to construction (as of
September 2021). The event-time phase reflects operational KPIs.
EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYINTEGRATEASTAKEHOLDERS AND
MATERIALITY
A key element of effective
sustainability reporting is
conducting a materiality
assessment based on open
dialogue and engagementwith stakeholders. A
materiality assessment is
the process of identifying anorganisation’s most material
and impactful economic,
environmental, and social
topics.

38 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

In 2022, Expo 2020 conducted a materiality refresh exercise, where it
engaged its internal and external stakeholder groups, to identify thesustainability topics most important and relevant to them. The definitionof a successful materiality assessment is robust stakeholder mapping andengagement to ensure representation across different stakeholder groups.
Stakeholders are identified as individuals or organisations that influence, areinfluenced by, Expo 2020’s actions or decisions. They play an important rolein assessing the material topics on which Expo 2020 reports. Expo 2020
sought to engage in continual dialogue with its stakeholders to address,
understand and respond to their needs and expectations effectively.
Expo 2020 liaised with Heads of Departments and other members ofmanagement to identify and map Expo 2020’s vast stakeholder ecosystem.
In 2022, Expo 2020 included an additional stakeholder group, namely the
Expo 2020 visitors. All local and international visitors who attended Expo
2020 fall into this category. It was essential to engage with Expo 2020
visitors to gather feedback on their Expo 2020 experience and obtainfurther input identifying Expo 2020’s material topics.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Based on the stakeholder mapping exercise, Expo 2020’s key internal and external stakeholders
were categorised into the following nine stakeholder groups:

1

2

3

Expo 2020
employees

Expo 2020
Visitors

International
Participants

4

5

6

Vendors andSuppliers

Local Community
and Volunteers

Civil Society and
Non-Governmental
Organisations(NGOs)

78

9Constructions
Consultants,
Contractors andWorkers

Partners

Government
Authorities andEntities

The stakeholder categories
were adopted largely
under the ISO 20121:2012
framework. Workers’ tradeunion organisations were notincluded in the materiality
exercise as, under UAE law,
expatriate workers are
directed to take recoursewith the Ministry of Labour
for all work-related
grievances. However, toprevent the exclusion of thiscategory, all employee levels
were included within thematerial topic discussions
with internal and external
stakeholders.

1. METHODOLOGY
Expo 2020 conducted themateriality assessment througha bespoke survey on Mentimeter;an anonymous online voting
application that allows users tocomplete the survey via theirsmartphones or laptops. The
survey was developed based on
36 grouped GRI disclosures andnon-GRI topics relevant to Expo2020’s activities. Participants
were asked to vote on each
topic using a standard 10-point
grading scale (1 representing ‘Not
Significant’ and 10 representing‘Very Significant’). Each topic
was broken down into specificdisclosures with clear definitions
to ensure that the stakeholders
were educated on the topics
prior to casting their votes. The
survey results were not presented
to the survey participants inreal-time to avoid influencing
survey responses.
Expo 2020 shared the survey
with the stakeholders and voting
commenced on 4 April 2022 andclosed on 12 April 2022.

2. RESULTS AND
FINDINGS
Of the 36 topics identified, 24 ofthem were ranked as material
to Expo 2020. The top fivematerial topics were identified
as Occupational Health & Safety,
Employment, Anti-Corruption,
Human Rights Assessment, andDiversity and Equal Opportunity.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOBELOW IS THE COMBINED RANKING OF EXPO 2020’S
MATERIAL TOPICS BASED ON THE INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL
MATERIALITY SURVEY RESULTS:GRI STANDARD

TOPIC

RANK

GRI 403

Occupational Health & Safety1

GRI 401

Employment

2

GRI 205

Anti-Corruption3

Non-GRI

Human Rights Assessment

4

GRI 405

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

5

Non-GRI

Environmental Compliance6

GRI 306

Waste

7

GRI 408

Child Labour

8

GRI 303

Water and Effluents9

GRI 302

Energy10

GRI 410

Security Practices

11

GRI 406

Non-Discrimination

12

Non-GRICOVID-19

13

GRI 414

Supplier Environmental Assessment

14

GRI 201

Economic Performance15

GRI 409

Forced or Compulsory Labour

16

Non-GRI

Innovation

17

GRI 301

Materials

18

GRI 404

Training & Education

19

Non-GRI

Business Resilience20

Non-GRI

Accessibility

21

GRI 305

Emissions22

GRI 413

Local Communities

23

GRI 416

Customer Health and Safety

24

40 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

3. MATERIALITY MATRIXThe results of the materiality assessment are presented in the following materiality matrix. The vertical axis
represents results from Expo 2020’s external stakeholder materiality survey, while the horizontal axis depicts
findings from the internal stakeholder survey. The 24 topics identified as material and high priority are marked in
red and have been addressed within this sustainability report.

9.50
1

EXTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

9.00

4

5
14

25

3

8

15

2

6
7

32

20
24 23

30

8.50

16

19
22

28

9

11
13

12

10

17
21
31

18

29
26

35 34

8.00

33

27

36

7.50
7.50

8.00

8.50

9.00

9.50

INTERNAL STAKEHOLDERS

HIGH PRIORTIYLOW PRIORITY

Occupational Health & Safety

1Training & Education

19

Employment

2

Business Resilience20

Anti-Corruption

3

Accessibility

21

Human Rights Assessment

4

Emissions22

Diversity & Equal Opportunity

5

Local Communities

23

Environmental Compliance

6

Customer Health and Safety

24

Waste

7

Socioeconomic Compliance25Child Labour

8

Labour/Management Relations

26

Water and Effluents

9

Biodiversity

27

Energy10Market Presence

28

Security Practices

11

Indirect Economic Impact

29

Non-Discrimination

12

Alignment with National and Local Mandates

30

COVID-19

13

Procurement Practices

31

Supplier Environmental Assessment

14

Supplier Social Assessment

32

Economic Performance15

GRI sector supplement: Event Economics

33

Forced or Compulsory Labour

16Marketing and Labeling

34

Innovation

17

GRI sector supplement: Event Sourcing

35

Materials

18

GRI sector supplement: Event Product Responsibility

36

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYB
SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY
CHAIN
Expo 2020 is committed
to extend its sustainability
vision across its supply
chain. As a result, Expo
2020 established astreamlined supply chainthat is transparent, as wellas geographically anddemographically inclusive.
Expo 2020’s RISE guidelines
lay out all sustainablesupply chain requirementsthat suppliers needed tofulfil to engage with Expo
2020. These guidelines
served to enable Expo
2020 suppliers to comply
with its Sustainability Policy
commitments and align withleading practices.

As a part of the procurement andtendering process, Expo 2020’s
tender review teams screened andevaluated tenderers in line withthe established criteria. Tenderers
were evaluated based on theirtechnical and commercial aspects
alongside their alignment withthe sustainability requirements
disclosed in the RISE guidelines.
Abiding by an agreed timescale anda predetermined scoring matrix, thetender review team consulted withbidders for further clarifications
to base awarding decisions oncomplete and accurate information.
The tender review process was
supported by detailed procedures toensure that only approved tenderers
were part of the evaluation andselection process.

EXPO 2020’S SUSTAINABLE SUPPLY CHAIN NUMBERS
Total number ofawards to SMEs

12,377 (50% OF ALL AWARDS)
Total direct SME
spend to date

AED 3.61 BILLION
Total indirect SME
spend to date

AED 3.07 BILLION
Total spread ofawards101 COUNTRIES
Total RFx (Requestof x) published>1,850Total number ofsupplier registered

30,000+42 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

Data as of 31 March 2022 (End of the Event)04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

1. RISE GUIDELINES: AN
OVERVIEW
In line with Expo 2020’s
commitment to deliver one of themost sustainable World Expos, itembedded sustainability into its
activities and operations acrossall phases of the event. Expo2020’s RISE Guidelines are a setof operational guidelines thatprovide suppliers with guidanceon integrating sustainability
elements into the products andservices they provide to Expo
2020. These guidelines weredeveloped in line with ISO 20121
Sustainable Event Management
System requirements and thecommitments stipulated to
the Bureau International desExpositions (BIE).
Expo 2020 developed theguidance provided by the
RISE Guidelines in accordancewith leading standards andlegislations. Some examples
include the European Commission
legislations, The Sustainability
Consortium (TSC) benchmarks,
and the Gulf Cooperation Council(GCC) and the UAE environmental
and social policies. Expo 2020
then proceeded to tailor therequirements of the RISE
Guidelines to the Middle East andNorthern Africa (MENA) region.

RISE STANDS FOR:RESPECTFOR THE WORKFORCEIMPACT

FOR COMMUNITIESSAFETYFOR ALLENVIRONMENTAL
STEWARDSHIP

2. OBJECTIVES OF THE RISE GUIDELINESFOR SUSTAINABLE OPERATIONS
The three core objectives of the RISE Guidelines for Sustainable
Operations are detailed below:
3.

Enable and drive Expo 2020’s sustainability commitment throughmandatory and voluntary requirements and guidelines. Expo 2020
established two criteria for compliance with the guidelines: Controls
and Guides. ‘Controls’ addressed Expo 2020’s requirements to be
met by suppliers. ‘Guides’ were recommendations and optional
requirements for suppliers to follow, where possible, to support Expo
2020 and its stakeholders to maximise their positive impact.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

2.

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

Use the RISE methodology to challenge and motivate the market,
driving positive change locally, regionally, and globally. Each criterion
was defined as follows:

RESPECT
Expo 2020 committed to providing
conditions that protect and support thewelfare, security, rights, and dignity of
all workers associated with Expo 2020.
Accordingly, it expected all suppliers toadhere to Expo 2020 Worker Welfare
Policy and guidelines.

SAFETY
Expo 2020 committed to providing
safe working conditions. It followed thehighest health and safety standards
and mandated all suppliers to adhere
to the Expo 2020 Health and Safety
Policies and Standards.

IMPACT
Expo 2020 committed to ensuring a
positive impact on the communities
associated with the event. Expo 2020
expected all suppliers to positively
impact and add value to the surrounding
communities through their supply chains.

3.

03. THE EXPO LEGACYENVIRONMENT
Expo 2020 committed to developing
and implementing innovative solutions
to protect and sustain the environment.
In line with this commitment, Expo
2020 set environmental standards forthe following key areas: Energy, Water,
Waste, Materials, Carbon, Air Quality,
Impact on Natural Resources andToxicity.

Provide a detailed description of the standards using the RISE
methodology for Expo 2020’s sustainability operations requirements.
Each chapter was dedicated to a specific category of supply:

CORN

FLAKES

FOOD, BEVERAGE AND
CATERING REQUIREMENTS
Encouraged suppliers to question the sourcingof their products, eliminating any risks tounsustainable environmental practices. Supported
suppliers to source local and organic foodproducts with an emphasis on reduced waste.

44 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

LANDSCAPING
Supported the reduction of chemical pesticides,
herbicides, and fertilisers, and encouraged theuse of eco-friendly cleaning products. The RISE
Guidelines also supported the use of green waste
for composting to divert waste away from landfills
and sought to reduce the use of peat-based
compost.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESFURNITURE, FITTINGS,AND EQUIPMENT

3. LEGACY OF EXPO 2020 RISEGUIDELINES FOR SUSTAINABLE
OPERATIONSSupported suppliers in ensuring all furniture,
fittings and equipment used within the Expo
2020 site are designed, procured, and installed toperform sustainably.

Spread bestpractices and leavea sustainable legacy

RETAIL
Supported suppliers in ensuring health, safety andenvironmental caution is integrated throughout the
product supply chain and life cycle with a particularemphasis on ethical sourcing.

PACKAGINGREQUIREMENTS
Support suppliers to consider ways that they, andtheir supply chains, can adopt strategies to reducepackaging and single-use materials.

LOGISTICS
REQUIREMENTS
Advocated minimising vehicle fuel consumption,
greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption,
vehicle journeys, packaging, waste, air pollution
and logistical operations.

CLEANING AND
WASTE MANAGEMENTREQUIREMENTS
Encouraged cleaning products/services suppliers
to opt for environment-friendly products that
met recognised global environmental and healthstandards.

By championing new behaviours and showcasingsustainable innovations within Expo 2020,
stakeholders played a major role in disseminating
best practices both locally and regionally.

Provide a positive
reputational
advantage to
stakeholders

Stakeholders within Expo 2020’s supply chain
benefitted from greater visibility as champions ofpositive change and responsible decision-making. It
not only benefitted the positive influencing power ofthe stakeholders regionally, but also provided themwith increased global visibility through the Expo
2020 platform.

Make Expo 2020a catalyst of thesustainable supply
chain practices in theregionThe Expo 2020 RISE Guidelines for Sustainable
Operations have the potential to be a future model
for advancing sustainability across the region.
It provided suppliers and stakeholders with aframework for sustainable supply chain practices
long after Expo 2020 ends. Thus, establishing a longlasting key performance indicator that will benefit
society for generations.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

4. EXPO 2020 PLASTIC PLEDGE: PLANET OVER PLASTIC
Expo 2020’s Plastic Pledge encourages participants
not to use or supply single-use plastics. To support
Expo’s waste diversion commitments, Expo 2020’s
stakeholders supported in reducing its waste andachieving its 85 per cent waste diversion target. The

target was achieved with the support of Dulsco, Expo2020’s Official Waste Management Partner, which
established waste management facilities to reduce,reuse, repurpose and recycle the waste generated
from the event.

The Plastic Pledge covered single-use plastics for packaging and single-use disposables at Expo 2020 andspanned the following three actions:

Encourage recyclable
packaging for pre-packaged
front-of-house products.

46 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

No single-use disposable plastic
packaging for post-packaged
front-of-house products.

At least 90 per cent of any
packaging for back-of-house
operations must be recyclable.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

5. SUSTAINABLE MATERIALS
Expo 2020 established a dedicated Contracts and Tender Committee responsible for supervising the procurement
and tendering process in relation to work undertaken during the pre-event phase. The Committee worked
extensively with all contractors and participants to increase their awareness of sustainability issues. It was also
responsible for embedding critical sustainability Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) into all procurement contracts.

Expo 2020 committed to vetting its sustainable
materials selection by implementing measures such as:
Guidelines that account forembedded carbon:
Calculated emissions for key
construction materials bybalancing performance-basedand compliance-based carbon
footprints.

Policies to promote reused materials,
those with a high recycled content:
Assessments considered thepossibility and desirability ofusing a mixture of materials that
supports sustainable procurement.

Strategies to encourage responsible
and regional sourcing of materials:
As a minimum, responsible
sourcing practices wererequired to align with Expo2020’s Supplier Code of
Conduct.

Selecting materials that do not harmindoor environmental quality:
Lists were developed to highlight
construction materials of
unacceptable risk and promote theselection of lower-risk materials.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYOVERVIEW OF COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS FOR KEY MATERIALSPRODUCT

CERTIFICATIONSUBMISSION REQUIREMENT•World Steel Association Climate Action
Programme (CAP) membership•

Environmental ProductDeclaration (EPD)•

CARES Sustainability Standard, BES 6001
or equivalent•

Evidence of membership•••

EPD to EN 15804•

Environmental ProductDeclaration (EPD)••

Certificate•

Chain of Custody (CoC)
certificate with codes or serial
numbers•

Copy of certificate••

Copy of certificate

STEEL
Certified to the WBCSD
Cement Sustainability Initiative Responsible
Sourcing Scheme•

Replacement of Portland Cement with Fly Ash,
Silica Fume and/or GGBS•Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)
certification•

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC)

Evidence of membership

CONCRETE

TIMBER••

BES 6001 certification•

ACI 555R in conjunction with corresponding
ASTM standards•

Reuse based on ASTM and AASHTO standards•

ECVM Industry Charter for the Productionof VCM and PVC••

Certificate

For suppliers with more than 250 employees:

•

•
•
•

BS EN ISO 14001 accreditation

Copy of certificate and/or
management system•

Document demonstratingcompliance••

BS EN ISO 9001 accreditation

Crushed Concrete Aggregate (CCA) in concrete
production conforms to BS 8500 requirements

Lab test results

AGGREGATE
Product data sheet

PVC

EMAS accreditation
Employer Approved Environmental
Management System

BS OHAS 18001 accreditation

ALL MATERIALS

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

6. PROMOTING LOCAL PROCUREMENT
In line with the UAE’s vision to enhance in-country
value through investing in local products and services,
Expo 2020 is committed to promoting local andsustainable procurement throughout its supply chain.
Expo 2020’s procurement platforms were madeaccessible and user-friendly for a variety ofbusinesses to ensure fairness and transparency inthe selection of suppliers. Expo 2020’s procurement
portal, the eSourcing platform, was digitallydesigned to accommodate all potential vendors andcollaborators. The fully-automated platform enabled
improved efficiency and oversight of the tendering
process while enforcing thorough governance andfair competition.
Expo 2020 has been committed to supporting andinvesting in small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

within its supply chain. The official procurement portal
offered an SME-friendly registration process that
ensured seamless onboarding of all SME members. In
2021, of all the contracts awarded to suppliers, 56 percent comprised SMEs and 81 per cent were awarded
to UAE-based suppliers.

AWARDS
Total awards

10,806% award to SMEs

56%

% award to UAE companies

81%

For the period of 1 April 2021 – 31 March 2022

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

7. SUSTAINABLE PARTNERSHIPS
A robust network of partners was essential for the successful delivery of Expo 2020. At the heart of Expo 2020 is abelief in the power of connections, embedded in its main theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’. Expo 2020
recognised its 13 Premier Partners, nine Official Partners, and eight Official Providers for their invaluable support.
COMPANY NAMEACCENTURE

COMPANY NAMECISCOPARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Digital Services
Partner (jointly with Etisalat
Digital)

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Digital Network
Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Alongside Etisalat Digital, Accenture ensured worldclass integration of various Information Communication
Technology (ICT) systems and innovative solutions
to meet the digital needs of visitors, organisers, andparticipants. Accenture also designed, built, and ran
solutions in areas such as: virtual assistance, businessintelligence, analytics, mobile applications, and guest
relations.

Cisco is the worldwide leader in technology that powers
the internet. As the Official Digital Network Partner
for Expo 2020, Cisco provided a secure and intelligent
foundation for connectivity through its intent-based
networking solution. Its network helped enable visitors,
exhibitors and organisers connect securely andseamlessly anywhere on any device. Cisco inspires new
possibilities by reimagining applications, securing data,transforming infrastructure, and empowering teams fora global and inclusive future.

COMPANY NAME

EMIRATESCOMPANY NAME

EMIRATES NBDPARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Airline Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Banking Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONWith a global footprint across six continents, Emirates
played a key role in helping to attract visitors to Expo
2020. The Emirates Pavilion offered visitors a glimpse
into the future of commercial aviation, exploring theboundaries of innovation and emerging aviation
technologies. The Cleaner Skies installation at theEmirates Pavilion highlighted key sustainability issues
in the context of passenger growth, technologicaladvancements, and promising innovations to ensurecleaner and quieter skies.

The Emirates NBD Group’s partnership with Expo
2020, including Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic, and Liv,
brought a unique opportunity to showcase innovations
in smart technology, digital banking and global bestpractice through Emirates NBD’s site-wide presence
and its Bank of the Future.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCOMPANY NAMEETISALATCOMPANY NAME

G42

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Telecommunication
and Digital Services Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official AI Enablement
Premier Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Etisalat Group, one of the world’s leading telecom
groups, provides innovative solutions and services to
154 million subscribers in 16 countries across the Middle
East, North Africa, and South Asia (MENASA) region.
Ranked the strongest brand across all categories in
the Middle East and Africa (MEA) by Brand Finance,
Etisalat was also recognised as the fastest mobile
network globally by Ooklas Speedtest in 2020. As the
Official Telecommunications Partner and Official Digital
Services Partner of Expo 2020, the latter jointly withAccenture, Etisalat empowered Expo 2020 as oneof the fastest, smartest, and most connected sites –offering visitors advanced digital and telecom services
to create unforgettable memories.

G42 was empowered with bringing AI-enabled solutions
to Expo 2020. G42 sees technology as the next frontierof humanity and is committed to solving complex
challenges across multiple industries to move theworld forward. As Expo 2020’s Official AI Enablement
Partner, G42 partnered with Expo 2020 and leveraged
AI capabilities to bring the world together in this time ofchange.

COMPANY NAMEMASTERCARDCOMPANY NAMENISSANPARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Payment
Technology Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Automotive Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONAs the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo
2020, Mastercard harnessed the power of innovation
to demonstrate how it can create a seamless,borderless world and connect people in simple, secure,and smart ways. Mastercard was committed to making
Expo 2020 truly priceless, offering unforgettable
experiences, surprises and exclusive access to visitors
and residents throughout their journey.

Nissan showcased the future of mobility at Expo 2020
with next-generation cars and advanced technologies
powered by Nissan Intelligent Mobility. In addition to theregional debut of Ariya, Nissan’s revolutionary crossover
Electric Vehicle (EV), Nissan also provided a fleet of
more than 600 operational vehicles for Expo 2020.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCOMPANY NAMEPEPSICOCOMPANY NAMESAP

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Beverage andSnack Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Innovative
Enterprise Software Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Expo 2020 and PepsiCo joined forces with a sharedvision to work together towards a healthier and moresustainable future. Expo 2020 and PepsiCo worked
together to inspire and educate millions on areasof critical importance, including water stewardship,sustainable packaging, agriculture, and nutrition.
PepsiCo also brought its portfolio of brands, activation,and entertainment expertise to Expo 2020.

SAP envisions unprecedented opportunities by putting
purpose and sustainability at the core of its business,making sustainability profitable and profitability
sustainable. SAP’s expanding portfolio leverages
a green cloud, business networks, and businesstechnology platform to enable business transformation
while embedding sustainability as a critical measure of
success.
As the Official Innovative Enterprise Software Partnerof Expo 2020, SAP provided real-time solutions to
help optimise processes for organisers, pavilions andretailers while reducing the environmental footprintand delivering personalised experiences for millions ofvisitors from around the world.

COMPANY NAMESIEMENSCOMPANY NAMETERMINUS GROUPPARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Infrastructure
Digitalisation Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Robotics Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Siemens is a global technology powerhouse that has
stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality,
reliability, and internationality for more than 170 years.
Active worldwide, the company focuses on intelligent
infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy
systems and automation and digitalisation in theprocess and manufacturing industries. Siemens brings
together the digital and physical worlds to benefit
customers and society.

As one of the leading smart service providers to shape
the next-generation technology, Terminus Group
deployed more than 150 programmable robots tointeract with visitors during Expo 2020. These robots,with features such as 5G network capability, AI-driven
object mapping and object detection, welcomed
visitors and provided hospitality services. These
robots included Opti, one of Expo 2020’s three Official
Mascots.

As the Official Infrastructure Digitalisation Partner
for Expo 2020, Siemens utilised technology to cocreate interconnected environments to develop a
blueprint for future smart cities at Expo 2020 – a citythat is safe, secure, comfortable, and ready for future
generations.
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCOMPANY NAMEDP WORLDPARTNERSHIP TIER

Premier Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Global Trade Partner

DESCRIPTION
DP World is the leading provider of worldwide smart end-to-end supply chain logistics, enabling the flow of tradeacross the globe. Its comprehensive range of products and services covers every link of the integrated supply chain– from maritime and inland terminals to marine services and industrial parks, as well as technology-driven customer
solutions.
DP World provides these services through an interconnected global network of 295 business units in 78 countries
across six continents, with a significant presence in high-growth and mature markets. Wherever it operates, DP World
integrates sustainability and responsible corporate citizenship into its activities, striving for a positive contribution to
the economies and communities. Its dedicated, diverse and professional team of more than 97,000 made up of 158
nationalities is committed to delivering unrivalled value to customers and partners.
DP World played a vital role in the supply chain of Expo 2020, providing logistical support for the participating
countries, while DP World’s FLOW Pavilion demonstrated the connectivity and movement of cargo across the worldand highlighted the vital role of smarter trade in the global economy.

COMPANY NAMECHRISTIECOMPANY NAME

DETTOLPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Projection Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Hygiene Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

A global leader in visual technologies, Christie
showcased its state-of-the-art digital solutions that
help create the world’s best-shared experiences andenabled Expo 2020 to realise its objective of being oneof the most technologically memorable World Expos.
Christie exhibited its breakthrough RGB (red, green, andblue) pure laser projection technology, designed andbuilt using the highest environmental standards andprocesses. More than 250 of its D4K40-RGB projectors
created life-evolving scenes on the Al Wasl dome’s giant
130-metre-wide projection surface.

With 87 years of trust and more than two billion uses
per day, Dettol strives to protect, heal, and nurture in
its relentless pursuit of a cleaner and healthier world.
Dettol is the brand leader in surface and personal
hygiene across the Middle East. Dettol offeredprotection to all the visitors at the Expo 2020 eventwith their products, cleaning protocols, sanitiser
dispensers and hygiene messaging.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCOMPANY NAMEDUBAI CHAMBERCOMPANY NAMEEMAAR HOSPITALITY GROUPPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Business
Integration Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Hotel, Hospitality
and Catering Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONAs the Official Business Integration Partner ofExpo 2020, Dubai Chamber played a pivotal role increating new connections and fostering cross-bordercollaboration. The Chamber provided an ideal platformfor UAE companies and their international counterparts
to network at its dedicated on-site facility at Expo 2020.
In addition, it hosted and supported several high-profile
events during the mega event, including the Global
Business Forum Africa (GBF Africa), GBF Latin America,
GBF ASEAN, the 12th World Chambers Congress and the
5th edition of the Global Islamic Economy Summit.

Emaar Hospitality Group, the homegrown hospitality
brand, managed 2020 Club by Emaar had a dedicatedhospitality tower located at the very heart of the Expo
2020 site. With direct views of the stunning Al Wasl
Plaza and the UAE Pavilion, it featured several floorsof premium lounges, event spaces, a rooftop bar, andEmaar Hospitality catering. Emaar Hospitality Group iscommitted to offering the highest standards of service
and hospitality, from award-winning cuisine to worldclass events. 2020 Club by Emaar proved to be thedestination for distinctive hospitality experiences atExpo 2020.

COMPANY NAMEENOC

COMPANY NAMEL’ORÉALPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Integrated
Energy Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Beauty Products
and Services Partner

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONAs the Official Integrated Energy Partner for Expo
2020, ENOC’s participation comprised a state-ofthe-art ENOC Pavilion, designed to challenge theconventional understanding of energy; the Service
Station of the Future, the world’s first LEED platinumcertified service station; ZOOM convenience stores
located in prime locations across Expo 2020 site; andan array of services and offerings for visitors. ENOC
was also an Official Ticket Reseller for Expo 2020
through ZOOM convenience stores across the UAE.

L’Oréal has devoted itself to beauty for more than
100 years. As the world’s leading beauty company, it
employs 88,000 people worldwide. It is present acrossall distribution networks: mass market, department
stores, pharmacies, hair salons, travel retail, branded
retail, and e-commerce. With research and innovation
at the core of its group strategy, L’Oréal has set
ambitious sustainable development goals for 2030
and aims to empower its ecosystem to create amore inclusive and sustainable society. By partneringwith Expo 2020, L’Oréal aspired to share its vision ofsustainable beauty, tailor-made and powered by newtechnologies – to make beauty products and services
even more accessible, adapted, and inspiring to all.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCOMPANY NAMEDULSCOCOMPANY NAMETALABATPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Waste
Management Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Online Food
Delivery Provider

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Expo 2020 has been recognised as one of the mostsustainable Expos in the history of World Expos. This
was accomplished partly due to Dulsco’s partnershipand participation in Expo 2020 as the Official Waste
Management Partner, whose core ethos has always
been sustainability and circular economy. Dulsco
worked with Expo 2020’s teams in diverting waste
away from landfills. Dulsco achieved this through its
various on and off-site waste treatment facilities,
educational programs, three-stream segregation
methodology and adopting sustainable operating
models and measures to reduce carbon footprint.
Waste generated throughout Expo 2020’s grounds
was efficiently reduced, reused, repurposed andrecycled into end products and memorabilia.

As the leading food delivery and q-commerce
platform in the region, talabat was the Official
Online Food Delivery Provider for Expo 2020. For
the last 17 years, talabat has redefined food, andnow grocery delivery in the region, and during theevent showcased sustainable state-of-the-art cloud
kitchens, innovation robotics, and delivery as part ofits vision for the future of food.

COMPANY NAME

DEWA

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Sustainable
Energy Partner

DESCRIPTIONAs the Official Sustainable Energy Partner of Expo 2020, DEWA delivered renewable energy, electricity, and waterprojects in collaboration with Expo 2020. DEWA developed the main electricity and water infrastructure of the siteequipped with the latest smart systems. It also built three main 132/11kV substations with 45 kilometres of high voltage
132kV cables named Sustainability, Opportunity, and Mobility in accordance with the EXPO districts they serve. The Exposite was also provided with electric vehicle charging stations from the Green Charger initiative to support the growing
electric vehicle industry in Dubai.
A collaboration between DEWA, Siemens Energy and Expo 2020, the Green Hydrogen Project – the first of its kindin the MENA region – at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park aimed to demonstrate the production ofgreen hydrogen from solar power, as well as the storage and re-electrification of hydrogen, turning hydrogen back into
electricity.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCOMPANY NAMEUPSCOMPANY NAMECANONPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Partner

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Logistics Partner

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Printing andImaging Provider

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Global logistics leader, UPS, provides a broad range of
integrated logistics solutions for customers in morethan 220 countries and territories. With 543,000
employees executing its strategy (Customer first,
People-led, Innovation-driven), UPS moves three percent of the world’s GDP daily, connecting the planet witha commitment to quality service and environmental
sustainability. As the Official Logistics Partner of Expo
2020, UPS delivered what matters to Expo 2020’s
mission, helping to continue moving the world forward.

As the first company to support a World Expo’s entire
printing and imaging needs, Canon leveraged its 80
years of expertise to support on-site activities tocapture Expo 2020. This included printing services for
all participants, businesses, and visitors, accreditation
services, and back-office operations. Canon
Professional Services also offered their expertise withcamera and lens loads and maintenance for the media
on-site.

COMPANY NAMEDIGITAL14

COMPANY NAMEDOMINO’S PIZZAPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Cyber
Security Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Pizza Provider

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTIONAs Expo 2020’s Official Cyber Security Provider,
Digital14 safeguarded the digital experience of millionsof visitors using Expo 2020’s digital platform, as wellas the data and applications that run on it. This UAEbased trusted advisor in cyber resilience provided a
range of cutting-edge cyber security services before,
during and after the event, including cyber security
management, monitoring, risk assessment, incident
response and technical forensics.

Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizzacompany in the world, with a significant business inboth delivery and carryout pizza. It ranks among theworld’s top public restaurant brands with a global
enterprise of more than 18,700 stores in over 90
markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of nearly
USD 17.8 billion in 2021, with over USD 8.6 billion in the
U.S. and over USD 9.1 billion internationally. Emphasison technology innovation helped Domino’s achievehalf of all global retail sales in 2021 from digitalchannels.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCOMPANY NAMEESHARAH ETISALATSECURITY SOLUTIONS LLC

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Secure
Systems Provider

COMPANY NAMEJACOBS MACE

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Programme Delivery
Management Provider

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Esharah Etisalat Security Solutions was established in2015 as a system integrator, providing state-of-the-art
smart solutions. The group offers technology solutions
that help its clients overcome practical challenges
and achieve the highest aspirations by facilitating
reliable, sustained communications. As the Official
Secure Systems Provider, Esharah provided a secure
mobile telecommunications network for all handheld
communications devices used at Expo 2020. Esharah
ensured the safety of millions of Expo 2020 visitors byproviding secure communications for security staff andfirst responders at Expo 2020.

Jacobs Mace is a joint venture between Jacobs, a
global professional services and technical solutions
provider, and Mace, an international consultancy andconstruction company shaping the built environment.
Jacobs Mace was the official Programme Delivery
Management Partner for Expo 2020, supporting thedelivery of the entire infrastructure on the Expo site.
Working together since 2014, Jacobs Mace and Expo
2020 have transformed the 4.38 sqkm site in Dubai
South. Bringing international and local expertise inprogramme and project management, Jacobs Mace
led the delivery programme for more than 30 individual
projects at Expo 2020.

COMPANY NAMEORIENT

COMPANY NAMESWATCHPARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

PARTNERSHIP TIER

Official Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Insurance Provider

CATEGORY/DESIGNATION

Official Timing Provider

DESCRIPTIONDESCRIPTION

Orient Insurance provided property insurance for Expo2020’s iconic architecture and liability coverage for
operations. It also offered services to participants,
including businesses, multilateral organisations, nongovernment organisations, educational institutions and
192 participating nations.

Swatch is a leading Swiss watchmaker and the proud
Official Timing Provider of Expo 2020. The brand’s
four on-site stores invited visitors to learn more about
its journey of innovation with purpose – exploring
the responsible mindset of Swatch, ranging from theinnovative headquarters – designed by award-winningarchitect Shigeru Ban – to its bio-innovative materials.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYIMPACTA
ECONOMIC IMPACT
Expo 2020 marked asignificant economic
milestone for the UAE.
The six-month event
represented an opportunity
to create meaningful impact
through international
cooperation and shape amore resilient and diversified
global economy. As the first
World Expo held in the UAE
and the MEASA region, Expo
2020 served as a long-term
investment in the socioeconomic development of
the UAE.

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Expo 2020 played a pivotal role in facilitating partnerships between
individuals, businesses of all sizes, international organisations andgovernment entities. Its positive economic impact will continue beyond theevent through its legacy phase. The legacy phase was designed to support
the UAE’s vision of sustainable economic development by moving toward
an innovation-driven economy. It aims to create a business environment
for key growth industries such as logistics and transport, travel and tourism,
construction, real estate, and education.
In 2021, Expo 2020 recorded a revenue of more than AED 2.9 billion during
the event phase and AED 281 million during the six months prior to theevent, as shown in the breakdown below. Additionally, Dubai registeredstrong business growth during Expo 2020. According to Dubai Chamber ofCommerce, nearly 73.5 per cent of companies built new business relations
during the six-month event phase.

Overall, Expo 2020 achieved a total revenue of

AED 3,186,359,073

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Furthermore, Expo 2020 contributed to the UAE Vision 2021’s economic diversification agenda by stimulating
Dubai’s travel and tourism industry. As a result, the hotel industry in the emirate saw its highest occupancy rateof hotel bookings in 15 years. Additionally, there was an increase in MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences andExhibitions) travel, as venues at Expo 2020, and around the city, became key destinations for business events andconferences.

BUSINESS RESILIENCE
contingencies. The BusinessResilience Plan built on Expo 2020’s
pre-event Business Resilience Plan,
which provided instructions for
Expo 2020 to manage incidents,
emergencies and crises during thepre-event (construction) phase.
As Expo 2020transitioned to theevent phase operations, it wasnecessary to update the plan tomake it relevant to the event phaseand ensure continuity between
pre-event and event phasemanagement practices.

1.

2.

3.

In accordance with the Director General’s
approval, the ‘Gold’ level plan for Expo
2020 was developed to manage
strategic-level crisis situations during theevent phase.

The plan comprised critical information
for the Expo 2020 Operations to continue
operating during an unplanned event. It
covered the essential functions involved
and the processes to address unforeseen
events, and ensure the continuation of
Expo 2020 site operations.

The plan was devised for an eventthat may lead to a disruption orloss of operations managed at thetactical/’Bronze’ level within the Expo
2020 site. These are incidents, as definedby Dubai Police, that has a high potential tobe escalated into larger incidents. They canlead to further harm to Expo 2020 visitors
and the wider public, and therefore if nothandled appropriately, these incidents may
result in the declaration of a crisis.

Expo 2020 established a strong
Business Resilience Plan which
detailed the measures employed
by Expo 2020 to ensure businessresilience during the event phase.
The plan was developed to be
implemented in an incident,
emergency or certain foreseeable

CRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN

BUSINESS CONTINUITY PLAN

INCIDENT AND EMERGENCY
MANAGEMENT PLAN

BUSINESS RESILENCE
PLAN VOLUMES

A series of 14 risk-based ‘Silver’ level plans
were devised for specific unforeseen
scenarios that could unfold during theevent phase. Ranging from adverse
weather conditions, workforce shortfalls,
to the loss of systems/power. The planscovered decision support, checklists
and response procedures which werecommunicated and shared beforehand.

These plans were written, stipulated, andapproved for every venue on Expo 2020
site and complied with the UAE Fire andLife Safety Code. They provided criticalinformation on the appropriate measures
to respond to a localised emergency e.g.,trained personnel nominated, fire exits,
layouts/routes etc.

Specific plans for the range of safety
risks on Expo 2020 site. They covered
crowd management, COVID-19, and risk
assessments and were applied acrossall stakeholders on Expo 2020 site. They
ensured that sufficient guidance was inplace for site-wide safety risks.

4.

5.

6.

CONTINGENCY PLANS

EMERGENCY ACTION PLANS

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCRISIS MANAGEMENT PLAN
Expo 2020 developed a thorough Crisis Management Plan with a sound control structure for a range of scenarios,
including business disruptions. It provided a framework for serious disruptive events concerned with people, property,
output, and stakeholders/reputation. It was designed to be applied across the Expo 2020 site to address serious
disruptive events by:• Advising Expo 2020 functions on the appropriate framework for managing their response• Directing Expo 2020 critical functions on their roles and responsibilities with respect to the response activities• Enabling Expo 2020 senior leadership team to manage serious disruptive events

The command, control, communication, and escalation protocols of the plan were observed by all relevant Expo
2020 stakeholders. The stakeholders included Expo 2020 staff, contractors and vendors, third party developers,
landlords and International Participants (IPs). Irrespective of the nature of the disruptive event, Expo 2020’s priorities
during a crisis response focused on the below key priorities:

PRIORITY 1

PRIORITY 2PRIORITY 3

PRIORITY 4PEOPLEPROPERTYOUTPUTSTAKEHOLDERS /REPUTATION• Save life
• Evacuate casualties• Evacuate staff tosafety• Minimise immediate
impact of damage• Assess response
priorities• Invoke Crisis
Communication Plan

• Prevent further
damage (fire systems,
security, etc.)• Invoke recovery plans• Craft communication
strategy• Account for people

The Crisis Management Plan was
regularly reviewed and updated inline with Expo 2020’s organisational
structure changes and theintegration of different businessprocesses. Expo 2020 tested its
operations’ resilience througha series of simulation exercises
during the pre-event phase. In
addition, Expo 2020 tested its
resilience plans during the event ina live environment for a number of
specific events prior to their eventdays. This included events at the Al
Wasl Plaza, school visits and the UAE
National Day celebrations.
However, during the event phase, ahybrid model was adopted where
various teams contributed tomeeting the objectives of the plan.
The teams included Operations,
Health, Safety and Environment(HSE), Real Estate, Security,
Communications and Human
Resources (HR).
60 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

• Allocate resources• External stakeholders

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESRESPONSE TEAM STRUCTURECRISIS MANAGEMENT TEAM (CMT)CRISIS COMMUNICATIONSTEAM (CCT)CRISIS MANAGEMENT SUPPORT TEAM (CMST)EXPO OPERATIONS (BRONZE)EXPO OPERATIONS (SILVER)

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPARTMENT (HRD)

Expo 2020 crisis management response structure comprised two teams that were ready for activation in response
to a crisis – the Crisis Management Team and Crisis Management Support Team. In addition, there were the Crisis
Communications Team and other departments/teams that were established for the event phase and ready tosupport the crisis response. This included Expo Operations, Site Operations, and the Human Resources department.

STAGES OF RESPONSE
Expo 2020 planned to manage crises during the event phase using the following three stages:

RESPOND

The ‘Respond’ stagecomprised the immediate
actions to be taken once acrisis was declared. The main
activity of this stage wasplanned to include organisingand conducting the CMT’s
first meeting during a crisis.
At this meeting, control of thesituation would be established,
while direction and guidance
would be given for the nextstages.

CONTINUE

The ‘Continue’ stage comprised
the mitigating actions thatwould ensure continuity ofservices to Expo 2020’s guest
groups as well as inter/intra
function activities.

RECOVERThe ‘Recover’ stage comprised
the steps required to returnto ‘business as usual’. The
Crisis Management Support
Team would be maintained
until all decisions madewere implemented and alessons learned process wasconcluded.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

Expo 2020 developed a number of additional response plans to cater to disruptive events for both pre-event andevent phases. These are explained in the table below.
PLAN

DESCRIPTIONOWNERPre-event Crisis
Management Plan

The plan contained instructions for how Expo 2020 managed
incidents, emergencies, and crisis during pre-event (construction)phase.

Director General

Expo 2020
Resilience Plan

The plan builds on the Pre-event Crisis Management Plan and was
specifically designed for the event phase. It included multiple planssuch as Crisis Management Plan, Business Continuity Plan, Incident
and Emergency Management Plan, Contingency Plans, Emergency
Action Plans, and Safety Plans.

Director General

CrisisCommunications
Plan

The plan laid out clear direction to all members of the Crisis
Director General
Communications Team on the roles and responsibilities to be adopted
when responding to a hostile issue or crisis. It set down a clear andefficient process for Crisis Press Office handling and rapid response.

Silver Team Actions
Cards

The action cards defined the requirements to generate a Silver Team
Health, Safety. Quality
level of command. It guided the Silver Teams on actions to be taken to and Environment,
coordinate disruptive events.
Security
The Silver Teams effectively utilised these action cards along withother plans such as contractors’ emergency plans, site security plans,Campus emergency plans and awareness campaigns.

Campus Emergency
Response Plan

The plan generated Bronze level commands based on the support
from business support services. It was linked with Silver Teams andemergency services to provide clear and concise actions to staff for
managing emergencies.

Health, Safety, Quality
and Environment,
Business Support andHR

Innovation and
Future Technology
Plans

The plans ensured that the response framework was supported froma data connectivity perspective. They generated a suitable response
against a loss of IT capability or capacity.

Innovation and Future
Technology

2020 Campus
Security Operations
Control Centre
Action Card

The action card defined the requirement for the Security Operations
Control Centre to act as the ‘resilient spine’ for communicating key
information during a disruptive event. It clearly defined the actions tomobilise the Silver Team and coordinate with the emergency services.

Security

Construction Siteand Emergency
Response Plans

The plans generated Bronze level commands along with the capability
to link the Silver Team and emergency services. They provided concise,clear actions to staff for managing emergencies on the construction
site. They also ensured adequate staff awareness through consistentcommunication using flyers and notices.

Contractors, third
party developers,
Landlord, International
Participants (IPs)Expo 2020 developed and implemented a business resilience plan dedicated to the COVID-19 pandemic. During
the event phase, there was a dedicated COVID-19 Taskforce to manage Expo 2020’s COVID-19 response in a
responsible manner. The COVID-19 Taskforce collaborated closely with Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Dubai
Police to observe the highest safety standards across the Expo 2020 site and operations.
To read more about Expo 2020’s response to COVID-19, please refer to “Overcoming the Pandemic Together” withinthe “Inspire” section of this chapter.

62 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDYEXPO 2020 DUBAI FOOD RESCUE PROGRAMMEIN PARTNERSHIP WITH CISCO

According to the United
Nations Food andAgriculture Organisation(FAO), around 1.3 billion
tonnes of food is wasted
annually, costing nearly
USD 1 trillion. In the UAE,
approximately 197 kg offood is wasted per person
per year, costing morethan USD 3.5 billion. Foodwastage has significant
financial and environmental
implications. As food breaks
down, it produces methane,
which is a greenhouse gasthat is over 28 times morepotent than carbon dioxide.
Expo 2020 launched a Food Rescue
Programme in partnership with its
Digital Network Partner, Cisco, onWorld Food Day. As a part of theinitiative, food surplus from Expo2020’s restaurants, food halls, andworkforce catering was repurposedand distributed to local charities withthe logistical support of the UAE
Food Bank.

enabled UAE Food Bank drivers to
distribute food to those in need. All
surplus food sourced from Expo2020’s premises was in accordancewith the Dubai Municipality’s Food
Code and guidelines.
Since its launch in October
2021, Expo 2020’s Food Rescue
Programme has seen a plethoraof caterers, cafes, restaurants, andfood trucks sign up to it. Through thisprogramme, Expo 2020 successfully
donated 44,065 kg of food whichtranslates to 93,153 meals served.
Additionally, it preserved 93
million litres of water and diverted
approximately 90.3 kg of carbon
dioxide. The programme directly
contributed to the UAE’s goal toreduce food loss and waste by 50
per cent by 2030 in alignment with
Sustainable Development Goal
12: Sustainable Consumption and
Production.

In response to the successful
implementation of the Food
Rescue Programme at Expo 2020,
the Ministry of Climate Change
and Environment (MOCCAE) and
Emirates Foundation launcheda nationwide initiative. The
programme will be maintained under
Ne’ma, the UAE Food Loss andWaste Initiative, as a collaborative
initiative by the UAE Ministry of
Climate Change and Environment,
Emirates Foundation and the Abu
Dhabi Crown Prince Court, among
others. Ne’ma is a translation of
His Highness Mohamed bin Zayed
Al Nahyan’s vision to reduce foodloss and waste, encourage social
responsibility, and promote theprinciples of sustainability.
Expo 2020 served as an impactfulplatform and a catalyst for bringing
together a powerful collaboration
to improve food security and foster
future sustainable economic growthin the UAE.

Expo 2020’s Food Rescue
Programme utilised Replate, aCisco grantee and state-of-the-art
technology platform, to automate
the food rescue process. Replateconnected donors to charities andcommunities in need and tracked
the environmental impact of all
donations. Replate was also used toalert the UAE Food Bank about pickups at the Expo 2020 site and

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYB
ENVIORNMENTAL IMPACT
1. MANAGEMENT APPROACH
Expo 2020 embodied principles
of sustainable development
by encouraging responsible
practices throughout thepre-event, event and legacy
phases. Expo 2020 was firm inincorporating sustainable designprinciples into its buildings,
infrastructure, and landscapeacross the entire Expo 2020
site. It strived to make the site
as sustainable as possible
through various initiatives
such as resource efficiency,
renewable energy and thesourcing of sustainable materials.
Sustainability was ingrained in
all aspects of Expo 2020 frombuildings and construction toestablishing a lasting legacy longafter Expo 2020’s gates closed.
Following Dubai’s successful
World Expo bid in 2013, Expo
2020 conducted a thoroughEnvironmental Impact
Assessment (EIA), which shaped
the organisation’s environmental
approach. At the outset, Expo
2020 developed Environment
Assurance Standards detailingthe minimum environmental
requirements to be met by thirdparty delivery agents, developers,
participants, consultants, andcontractors for the pre-event andevent phase. The standards wereintended to determine excellent
environmental management for
all activities, in order to minimise
environmental impacts.
All parties involved in thedelivery of Expo 2020 worked
towards complying with theenvironmental requirements
set out in the Environmental
Assurance Standards. It enabled64 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

Expo 2020 to effectively manage
construction and event-related
environmental risks and ensurethat all its activities were incompliance with applicable
environmental laws andregulations. Expo 2020 audited
the internal and external parties’
adherence to the standards inaccordance with set performancemeasurement procedures.
The Environment AssuranceStandards were developed during
the pre-event phase and later
tailored to meet the needs of theevent phase.
For the pre-event phase, Expo
2020 also developed andimplemented a strategic level
Construction Environmental
Management Plan (CEMP)
which provided an overarchingframework to manage potential
environmental impacts during theconstruction activities. The plan
outlined roles and responsibilities
for relevant personnel, creating
a common awareness ofenvironmental issues. It also
included a monitoring regime
to guarantee Expo 2020’s
adherence to the plan. The CEMP
was regularly revised to ensure
environmental performance
protocols were updated basedon the EIAs conducted by Expo
2020 in line with applicablelegislation and guidelines.
As a part of the supplier selection
process, all contractors tenderingfor projects were obliged tosubmit an outline project-specific
Environmental Plan (EP), which
took account of Expo 2020’s
CEMP requirements. Expo 2020’s
contractors and consultants

submitted monthly
environmental and sustainability
data logs during the pre-event
phase. These were recorded
and reported by designatedConstruction Supervision
Consultants (CSCs) and thenreviewed against a range of
relevant KPIs. Expo 2020’s
environmental team measured
performance and complianceevery quarter, where the CSCs
undertook surveillance audits
and identified corrective actions,as required. Through thisprocess, Expo 2020 verified andcommunicated its performance
to applicable regulatory
authorities.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESAll suppliers operating on the Expo 2020 site were subjected to environmental screening according to therequirements specified in the Environmental Assurance Standards and the CEMP. Supporting the CEMP and
related internal documents, the Environmental Assurance Standards provided guidance on the following:

ENVIRONMENT
CLEARANCE
Programme-wide
Environment
Clearance (EC)
granted by Dubai
Municipality (DM).

RESOURCES
Adequate
environment
staff allocatedto ensure proper
implementation of
the CEMP and CWMP.

ECOLOGY
PROTECTION
Fauna and flora
protection to avoid
any damage to trees
or sensitive habitats.

AIR POLLUTION
PREVENTION
Prevention of air
pollution throughproper managementof plants andequipment.

ENVIRONMENT
PLANS
Programmewide CEMPs andConstruction Waste
Management Plans(CWMPs) to standardise
the requirements andachieve satisfactory
performance.

COMPLIANCEMONITORING
Regular inspections
and audits tomonitor the
implementation of
the plans and theireffectiveness.

WASTE
MANAGEMENT
Waste management
best practices toensure reduction andrecycling of waste.

DUST CONTROL
Dust control byapplying bestpractices (such as
paved access roads
and dust suppression,
as needed).

DATA
MONITORING
Programme-wide
data monitoring andrecording to feed into
the programme’s
quarterly performance
report to Dubai
Municipality (DM).

TRAINING
Environmental
training provided
across the
supply chain toensure proper
understanding of
the requirements.

SPILL
PREVENTION
Spill prevention andresponse throughproper managementof materials, plants,
and equipment.

INCIDENTREPORTING
Environment
incident reporting toauthorities as andwhen required.

Expo 2020 also established a Sustainability Policy to support the objectives outlined in its Sustainability Strategy.
The strategy set out the methodology which integrated sustainability into the planning, design, construction,and operational processes. Moreover, Expo 2020 received the ISO14001 - Environmental Management System
and ISO 20121:2012 Event Sustainability Management System certifications as a testament to the integration ofsustainability principles across Expo 2020’s management processes.
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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

2. CLIMATE CHANGE
The UAE has an established Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) to enact measures toaddress climate change risks and promote the nation’s sustainability and growth as per the Paris Accord and the
SDGs. This entity is supported by the UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment, which fosters international
partnerships and cooperation towards climate solutions. The UAE leadership prioritises international cooperationand the global effort to achieve sustainable economic and social development.
Expo 2020 recognised the important role it played as a sustainable mega-event to build a stronger, more resilient,and sustainable global economy. It committed to reducing its negative climate impacts through various efforts
such as:Passive design of buildings and the useof efficient mechanical and electricalbuilding systems and equipment to
reduce energy demand;
Reduction of the embodied carbon
in materials including the emissions
associated with transporting materials
to the Expo
2020 site;
Securing on-site renewable energy
generation to reduce the dependency on
fossil fuels;
Procurement of high-quality carbon
offset credits;
Encouraging alternative transport
methods and practices to reduce vehicle
use and associated carbon emissions.

EXPO 2020’S CARBON MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME
Expo 2020 implemented a carbon management programme to minimise its Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions.
Hosting Expo 2020 demanded significant planning, integration, and construction or modification of venues toensure a successful event. These efforts produced GHG emissions that primarily involved sources related totransport, personnel, construction, and energy use. As a result, Expo 2020 adopted a design-based approachto mitigate its emissions as well as an offsetting strategy to offset unavoidable emissions based on theorganisation’s sustainability strategy and commitments to the BIE.

A. Approach:A primary objective of the Expo 2020 Carbon
Management Programme was to monitor the
progress towards reducing Expo 2020’s carbon
emissions. The fundamental basis for assessing
Expo 2020’s carbon footprint followed a typical66 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

project-based and policy-based accounting
approach. Where possible, all sources of GHGs
potentially impacted by Expo 2020 were identified(regardless of ownership or control by Expo 2020).
For each source, Expo 2020 determined its impact

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

by comparing estimated emissions that would
occur with or without Expo 2020. Thus, the sumof net increases to each was the estimatedfootprint. The approach followed was in line with
GHG accounting standards and best practicecovering five principles of relevance, completeness,consistency, transparency, and accuracy.
Although there are several leading GHG accounting
standards for carbon management, none were
the right fit for the assessment of limited-duration
events that involve emission sources owned andcontrolled by other parties. While some references
exist, such as the carbon footprint assessmentsfrom the 2012 London Olympics, Milan Expo 2015,2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ and the 2020 Tokyo
Olympics, there are substantial differences in theapproaches taken by those events with respect toemission sources and calculation methodologies.
Therefore, Expo 2020 developed a standardised
methodology to estimate its carbon footprint byadapting the relevant guidance from the standards
and guidelines included in the following list:• The GHG Protocol initiative, led by the World

Resources Institute (WRI) and World BusinessCouncil for Sustainable Development (WBCSD)• The International Organisation forStandardisation (ISO)• International Olympic Committee (IOC)• The Climate Registry• Clean Development Mechanism• The British Standards Institution (PAS 2080

Carbon Management standard for infrastructure
construction and operation)• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors

Standards (standards for consideration of GHG
from various aspects of infrastructure)

GHG PROTOCOLPROJECT ACCOUNTING

GHG PROTOCOLCORPORATE ACCOUNTING• Fundamental basis of the• Calculation approach:inventory• Compare Expo emissions tobaseline:– Independent of ownership– Baseline may be zero forsome projects– Impacts from electricity andpassenger travel• Emission Factors (EF) from agallon of diesel• Aspects not used: Boundaries
and Scope 1, 2, and 3

PRODUCT LIFE CYCLE ACCOUNTING ANDREPORTING STANDARD

INFRASTRUCTURE PROTOCOLS:
PAS 2080 AND RICS

• Embodied carbon in materials• BAU and reduced cases• Scope– Which building materials
to account for• Legacy use– How to account for
re-use of buildings andinfrastructure

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

Expo 2020 developed its GHG emission inventory
to monitor and report on changes in emissions fromall sources irrespective of ownership or control.
However, in order to retain validity and relevanceof the data recorded, the scope excluded sourcesand emissions that were only distantly connected
to Expo 2020’s operations and where it was notpossible to determine if there was an emission
change. Unlike corporate, municipal, or national
GHG emission inventories, which involve annual
assessments of total emissions of the entity for theprior year, Expo 2020’s assessment accounts for thefollowing multi-year impacts:• Construction of Expo 2020 venues andassociated infrastructure• Hosting of Expo 2020
• Movement of people and goods to and from theExpo 2020 site

• Legacy impacts directly attributable to Expo
2020

Expo 2020 performed periodic updates of theinventory to track progress toward Expo 2020’s
carbon reduction commitments and to refine thecarbon inventory as new information became
available.
B. Boundaries
Expo 2020’s emission sources (e.g., activities that
consumed energy and, thus, emitted GHGs or
activities that otherwise caused emissions of GHGs)
were screened according to the following rationale
which describes the general approach for the
inclusion of activities within the boundary:• Understand the concept and content of venues
required for hosting Expo 2020.

• Integrate the understanding of Expo 2020’s
required venues with Dubai’s Emirate-wide
development plans.

• Understand the roles and responsibilities of thehuman resources associated with hosting Expo
2020 and determine their requirements (i.e.,transport, housing, and other related items).

• Include emission source categories that are
relevant to Expo 2020’s commitments.

• Validate the resultant boundary against past

Expos and major sporting events, as well as the
Expo 2020 Bid Book, Registration Document
commitments, and Sustainability Strategy.

68 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

Furthermore, Expo 2020’s GHG emission inventory
sources were organised into distinct categories forconsistency:• Expo 2020 site
• Accommodations• Transport• WasteC. Temporal Boundary
The temporal boundaries of the Expo 2020
inventory considered emissions from 2013 to2022. Expo 2020 was a six-month-long event,
however, the pre-event activities started in 2013.
Therefore, the GHG emitting activities that occurred
within these periods are different from the GHG
emitting activities that took place during the event
phase. Thus, the temporal boundary was intended
to capture all impacts prior to, during, and after
the event. It captured construction and all major
planning activities, preparation and delivery of Expo
2020, as well as certain post‑event emissions as thesite transitions into the legacy phase.
D. Scenario Analysis
Expo 2020’s footprint was quantified as thedifference between the total GHG emissions oremission increases from sources within the Expo
2020 boundary and the benefits created by thoseexternal offsets and investments.
More specifically, the three Expo 2020 carbon
footprints that were quantified include:• BAU Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint – this was theestimated GHG emission increase from sourcesof concern with the preparations for, and hostingof, Expo 2020, assuming efforts to minimise
energy consumption, construction materials,
and other sustainability programmes were not
implemented.

• Sustainable Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint – thiswas the estimated GHG emission increase (withthe estimate eventually being based in part on
actual measured parameters) from sources ofconcern with preparations for, and hosting of,the event under the umbrella of a world-classenergy and sustainability programme. Thiswas underpinned by a range of mandatory
sustainability standards such as CEEQUAL andLEED.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES• Net Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint – this was

the Net Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint was not
estimated in Phase 1 of the GHG programme
because the scope of work to set GHG reduction
targets and develop and implement offset
projects was included in subsequent phases ofwork.

the estimated GHG emission increase (with theestimate eventually being based in part on actual
measured parameters) from the Sustainable
Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint and included the
GHG emission reductions resulting from external
projects and carbon offset purchases. Note thatSCENARIOEMISSIONS SUMMARY
Based on Expo 2020’s GHG
emission inventory, theestimated total GHG footprint for
the BAU scenario was 6,764,640
tCO2e and the Sustainable Expo
2020 scenario was 6,117,439
tCO2e, with an overall 9.57 percent improvement due to theimplementation of sustainable
activities. With the application ofpurchased offsets, the Net Expo
2020 scenario was 5,717,364
tCO2e, with an overall reductionof 15.5 per cent from the BAU.
Emission results for eachscenario are summarised in
the table below (presented inmetric tonnes of carbon dioxide
equivalent [mt CO2e]).

Sustainable Expo
Carbon FootprintBAU Expo
Carbon Footprint

CHANGE IN GHG EMISSIONS

Sustainable Expo
Carbon Footprint
Baseline Total
Emissions

Sstainable Expo Total
EmissionsBAU Expo
Carbon Footprint
Baseline Total
EmissionsBAU Expo Total Emissions

GHG EMISSIONSThe BAU Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint and Sustainable Expo 2020 Carbon Footprint are both the differences
between emissions from all impacted sources with and without the event. The figure below illustrates the scenario
analysis as discussed herein.

SCENARIO

Overall Emissions Summary

SCENARIOTOTAL EMISSIONS (mt CO2e)Business as Usual

6,764,640

Sustainable Expo

6,117,439

Percentage Reduction

9.57%

Offsets

400,075

Net Expo

5,717,364

Net Percentage Reduction

15.48%EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOOf these totals, approximately 3.1 mtCO2e are theresult of Expo-controlled activities for the BAU
scenario, and 2.5 mtCO2e are the result of Expocontrolled activities in the Sustainable Expo scenario.
This resulted in a 20 per cent reduction in emissions
due to Expo 2020’s intentional sustainability activities.
With the application of purchased offsets, the Net Expo
scenario saw a 32 per cent reduction in emissions from
Expo-controlled activities.
Expo-controlled activities were defined as those overwhich Expo 2020 had full control ; examples include
embodied carbon of Expo-owned pavilions, design ofenergy and water-efficient buildings; significant waste
diversion, prolific solar generation across the site andprovision of several mass transit options for travel to

The use of lower
carbon intensity
concrete and steel

Emphasis on local
procurement

Infrastructure design
improvements

Significant waste
diversion from landfill

Strategies for building
energy reduction

Solar generation

Provision of masstransit70 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

the site. Non-Expo-controlled activities include thosethat were primarily controlled by outside stakeholders
such as International Participants (IP) and visitors;
examples include construction of IP self-build pavilions
and international visitor travel and accommodation.
The Sustainable Expo 2020 scenario accounted for the
carbon reductions resulting from the implementation of
Expo 2020’s sustainability programme, while the BAU
scenario considered the carbon footprint estimatedwithout mitigation activities. Emission reductions
were quantified based on the reductions achieved byExpo 2020 whereas forecasted estimates were used
where data was not yet available. Examples of thesesustainable elements included but were not limited to:04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESMOST SIGNIFICANT SOURCES IN THE INVENTORY
The primary component of Expo 2020’s inventory
comprised sources that were owned and/or controlled
by Expo 2020. This means Expo 2020 madeintentional decisions that had a direct impact on its
emissions’ sources. These included sources such as
embodied carbon of Expo-controlled buildings andthe energy and water consumption from the efficientdesign of these buildings. Positioning the Expo 2020
site near a mass transit infrastructure and the provisionof free bus services are other examples of Expo 2020’s
directly controlled sources.
The remaining emissions sources such as international
air travel by visitors and their accommodations are
sources that were outside of Expo 2020’s directcontrol. This was due to the fact that for the event tobe successful, Expo 2020 needed visitors to attend,
and the result of greater attendance was greater
carbon emissions. International travel of visitors, staff,
participants, and volunteers was the single largest
source in the Expo 2020 inventory. Nonetheless, thesingle biggest uncertainty in the inventory during theevent phase was regarding the fraction of international
visitors considered to be “uplift”. Expo 2020 managed
the uncertainty regarding this metric by approaching
estimation through two different mechanisms. Firstly,“visitor uplift” was determined through a survey of
45,214 visitors from January to March 2022, theresponses represented one to two per cent of Expo2020’s total visitors. The survey asked visitors what
their primary purpose was in visiting the UAE. Of theinternational respondents, 46 per cent indicated that
their primary purpose for travel was to visit Expo 2020.
Additionally, for the second mechanism, Expo 2020
reviewed entry gate and ticketing data. Subsequently,
visitor uplift was assessed by looking at the fractionof international visitors that came to Expo 2020 for
more than one day and termed repeat visits. The logic
was that if a visitor returned for a second, third or afourth day, then at least part of the purpose of theirvisit to the UAE was to visit Expo 2020. The entry gate
and ticketing data showed 37 per cent international
visitor uplift. This was averaged with the survey data
for an average uplift of 42 per cent. There was noprecedent found for other mega events that estimatedsubstantial fractions of visitors travelling for otherpurposes. Therefore, Expo 2020’s method can beof key importance to establish external consensus
regarding this matter from an advisory panel for theorganisers of similar events.

The following figures demonstrate the temporal split of emissions by source.
Expo 2020 GHG emissions for the BAU
scenario

Expo 2020 GHG emissions for the Sustainable
Expo scenario

BAU = 6,764,640 tCO2eSUSTAINABLE = 6,117,439 tCO2e

5,000,000

tCO2e

4,000,000

3,000,000

2,000,000

1,000,0000tCO2e - Total
Pre-EventtCO2e - Total
Event TimetCO2e - Total
Post-EventtCO2e - Total
Pre-EventtCO2e - Total
Event TimetCO2e - Total
Post-Event

EC - Buildings and Infrastructure

On-site Fuel Use

Electricity

Water

Refrigerant Usage

Fire SuppressantsAccommodation Energy and Water

Transport of Goods

Local Transport of People

International Aviation

All Waste Types

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

Expo 2020 GHG emission comparison between BAU and Sustainable Expo scenarios

GREENHOUSE GAS INVENTORY SUMMARY - BAU EXPO VS. SUSTAINABLE EXPO
8,000,000
7,000,000

Total tCO2e

6,000,000
5,000,000
4,000,000
3,000,000
2,000,000
1,000,0000BAU

SUSTAINABLE

tCO2e - Total Pre-EventBAU

SUSTAINABLE

tCO2e - Total Event Time

BAU

BAU

SUSTAINABLE

tCO2e - Total Post-Event

SUSTAINABLE

tCO2e - Total

EC - Buildings and Infrastructure

On-site Fuel Use

Electricity

Water

Refrigerant Usage

Fire SuppressantsAccommodation Energy and Water

Transport of Goods

Local Transport of People

International Aviation

All Waste Types

CARBON MITIGATION MEASURES
Expo 2020 was able to significantly reduce its carbon emissions through the following actions:

Implemented requirements to use lower carbon intensive materials and procuring materials locally.
Provided mass transit options for travel to the Expo 2020 site.
Constructed energy and water efficient buildings for LEED and CEEQUAL certification.
Diverted substantial waste from landfill.
Provided prolific onsite solar generation installations.
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESThe actual impact of these measures (and, thus, thedifference between the BAU and Sustainable Expo
2020 scenarios) was likely greater than the impact
quantified in this estimate. Additionally, many of thesemeasures will carry benefits beyond the boundary ofthis Expo 2020 inventory into the legacy phase. LEED-

certified buildings will continue to operate efficiently,
waste will continue to be diverted and mass transit
options for traveling to the site will remain in place.
The conservatively high assumptions were intended
to avoid underestimating emissions, given the data
limitations for some emission sources.

CARBON OFFSETTING
Carbon offsets are tradable commodities based on validated and verified avoidance of GHG emissions, or
removal of GHG from the atmosphere. Such offsets can be used to reduce the net GHG footprint of entities
such as Expo 2020. Thus, Expo 2020 obtained carbon offsets only from reputable organisations which operate
registries that ensure no double counting of benefits occurs, and which follow strict standards for qualification
and accounting of reductions. A significant percentage of offset purchases were also chosen for their co-benefits
in line with the SDGs, based on voting by Expo 2020’s workforce and visitors, as presented below:

HAPPY PEOPLE

CLEAN WATER

42%

4%

GREENER CITIESHEALTHY PLANET

17%

12%

LIVING TOGETHER

CLEAN ENERGY

4%6%USING LESSEATING WELL

10%

5%

Between July 2021 and March 2022, Expo 2020 purchased 399,760
tonnes of verified carbon offsets. Expo 2020 also had 77 tonnes ofverified offsets from international consultant travel and 238 tonnes ofverified offset for the Al Wasl Plaza trellis.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDY
THE FUTURE OF URBAN LOGISTICSUPSElectric Vehicles
As Expo 2020’s Official Logistics Partner, UPS
showcased its innovation-driven approach tosustainability and included in its on-site operations the
deployment of a fleet of Electric Vehicles (EV), developed
smart power infrastructure, and undertook several
carbon offsetting initiatives over the six-month event.
As a part of UPS’s efforts to transition to clean energy,
its electric vehicles were charged with an off-gridalternative charging system to power on-site deliveries
during the event. This was developed in partnership with
DP World, the Official Premier Global Trade Partner ofExpo 2020. The collaboration was closely aligned with
the UAE’s Circular Economy Policy 2021-2031 and Green
Agenda 2030. Moreover, it supported Dubai’s circular
economy efforts by developing innovative circular
economy technologies.
UPS’s electric-Fleet (eFleet) included the debut of theeQuad, the four-wheeled electric-assist cycle. The
eCycles were specifically designed to improve efficiency,
rider ergonomics, speed, and agility on-site, while also
reducing the environmental impact. The eQuad was
designed to be less than three feet wide, which catered
to complex urban deliveries and allowed drivers to easily
pass through congested narrow streets via bike/cycle
lanes. The four eCycles were ideal for navigating denseand highly trafficked areas, which made them the perfect
front-of-house delivery vehicles during Expo 2020.
UPS’s trained riders operated these vehicles between
the five UPS customer service counters, country
pavilions and on-site warehouse(s) to deliver packages,
documents, and goods for replenishment.

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The UPS fleet of eQuads and eBikes travelled a total of
3,625km during the event with net savings of 972kg ofcarbon dioxide. This contributed to the equivalent of 92
per cent avoidance of emissions, when compared to aconventional vehicle completing the same number ofstops and distance travelled. Zero-emission vehicles likethese are a key part of UPS’s 2050 commitment to help
create a carbon neutral future.
Expo 2020 provided UPS with the opportunity tostress-test their fleet for the event, demonstrating
how future events could operate and how technology
could translate into future cities. Through its sustainable
innovations, UPS facilitated deliveries across the Expo
2020 site seamlessly, while also reducing environmental
impact. UPS used the lessons learnt from Expo 2020 toexpand its presence in cities across Europe, the US andall over the world.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Forest of the Future
UPS launched its ‘Forest of the
Future’ initiative, which saw a tree
planted in honour of every package
shipped via UPS’s customer service
counters at Expo 2020. Customers
were given the choice of six
countries to plant their trees: India,
South Africa, Kenya, Nigeria, theUAE, and Japan. The trees planted
in Japan form part of the UPS Expo
2020 Legacy to hand over theWorld Expo baton to Osaka, which
will host the mega-event in 2025.
UPS managed its carbon footprintby purchasing carbon offsets foreach package shipped. These
shipments were acknowledged witha digital carbon neutral certificate,including the specific details of the
carbon footprint and the offset
purchased.

The ‘Forest of the Future’ initiative
was part of The UPS Foundation’s
global commitment to climate
action and its goal to plant 50
million trees around the world by2030. As a result of this initiative at
Expo 2020, the UPS Foundation will
be planting 10,000 trees in the six
countries by end of 2022.

and productivity. Over 400,000
visitors visited the HIVE exploring
UPS’s latest technologies andvarious other features including
the virtual Forest of the Future.
The virtual pavilion also hosted live

event spaces featuring thought
leadership talks covering topics
from sustainability and future supply
chains to healthcare and advanced
technologies.

HIVE by UPS
UPS created a custom-built virtual
pavilion inspired by beehives
to exhibit its commitment toinnovation. Beehives were selected
for their association with natural
beauty, structural complexity,

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYLEAVING AN ENDURING LEGACYMASTERCARD
Priceless Planet Coalition
Expo 2020 joined Mastercard’s Priceless Planet Coalition(PPC) as a strategic partner spearheading change
towards environmental responsibility. As Expo 2020’s
Official Payment Technology Partner, and building on
its global sustainability efforts, Mastercard revealed
an installation at Expo 2020 dedicated to its PricelessPlanet Coalition. The innovative concept invited visitors
to learn more about Mastercard’s efforts in bringing
together governments, businesses, and consumers tocombat the effects of climate change. Expo 2020’s
visitors were offered the chance to contribute to thecause when buying their Expo 2020 tickets online or onsite at the PPC installation.

As a result, a total of

USD 386,000

was donated to thePriceless Planet Coalition
to plant trees.

Girls4tech: An Inclusive Future
Mastercard’s Girls4Tech (G4T) workshops covered
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)
principles through inquiry-based activities and realworld challenges. Furthermore, young girls had theopportunity to learn more about the roles of Mastercard
STEM professionals.
During International Women’s Day in 2021, Mastercard
reached more than 1,000 girls through the Expo Schools
Programme, which doubled in 2022. Collectively,
Mastercard far exceeded its goal of reaching 2,020 girls
by the end of Expo 2020.
Globally, more than two million girls in 45 countries
have benefited from the Girls4Tech programme, andMastercard aims to reach five million girls globally by
2025.

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Mastercard partnered with Emirates Nature inassociation with the World Wide Fund for Nature as animplementation partner for its Priceless Planet Coalitionin the UAE. The collaboration supported mangrove
restoration and conservation efforts in the UAE toprotect valuable ecosystems.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESA Big Difference for Small Businesses
Mastercard brought together the region’s SME community with a series of on-ground and virtual workshops toempower, enable, and connect thousands of businesses and entrepreneurs. The campaign kicked off at the Women’s
Pavilion by Expo 2020 in collaboration with Cartier, the French luxury goods conglomerate.
Mastercard partnered with Female Fusion, the region’s largest network for women-owned businesses with morethan 20,000 members. Together, they unlocked opportunities for women entrepreneurs at Expo 2020.

SME Collaboration
Mastercard’s documentary “FIVE”
followed the journey of five
women entrepreneurs from fivecountries across the globe who
were committed to improving anduplifting their communities throughtheir purpose-driven businesses.
The collection of short films brought
awareness to some of the world’s
most critical issues while creating
a positive impact and building
better communities. Mastercard
worked closely with one of thefive entrepreneurs, Sarah Beydoun,a Lebanese fashion designer, tofeature a limited edition of ‘PricelessCollection’ handbags as exclusive
merchandise for Mastercard at Expo
2020. The bags featured signature
hand beading and embroidery andwere meticulously crafted by a teamof over 200 women consisting of
female prisoners, ex-prisoners andunderprivileged women in Lebanon.
The collection supported thewomen behind Beydoun’s networkas the merchandise proceeds

were used to empower the female artisans and ensure they can continue
supporting their families and wider communities.

Media coverageof Mastercard’s
documentary“FIVE”

10 MILLION

40+

IN REACH

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CASE STUDYOUR WORLD, OUR FUTURE
DP WORLD
DP World’s designed its ‘Our World, Our Future’ strategy to deliver responsible operations
that prioritise sustainability and the impact on the people, communities, and environment
in which it operates. The strategy calls for a radical shift in how business in general, andlogistics in particular, respond to the great challenges of climate change, education, andsocial inequality.
The Earthshot Prize
DP World, together with Expo 2020,
became a Global Alliance Founding
Partner of The Earthshot Prize,
one of the most prestigious global
environmental awards, designed tofind and grow the solutions that will
repair the earth within this decade.
Prince William established it as an
initiative by the Royal Foundationof the Duke and Duchess ofCambridge.
The Earthshot Prize Innovation
Showcase displayed groundbreaking solutions from the 2021
Earthshot Prize Finalists. DP World
committed GBP 500,000 for each ofConservation for Hope
Expo 2020, in partnership with the
Zoological Society of London (ZSL)
and Edinburgh Science, hosted
a Conservation for Hope eventat the DP World Pavilion under
the theme of ‘Advancing Best
Practice in Wildlife & Biodiversity
Conservation’. The event brought
expert conservationists together
with representatives from theprivate sector to highlight effective,
replicable, and scalable solutions toprotect biodiversity.

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the two Earthshot Oceans Finalists’solutions in the UAE and the Middle
East. In addition, DP World also
committed to laying the foundations
for the first-ever commercial
land-based coral farm for reef
restoration in the Middle East. Other
plans include installing the mostextensive living seawall on the planet
to support the native marine life of
the region. DP World is facilitating
this with help from the Bahamasbased Coral Vita and Living
Seawalls, organisations whose work
revolves around improving marine
conservation and betterment.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Conservation through art: Tusk LionsIn the last two decades, the number of lions in the wild has plunged by 43 per cent. DP World joined forces with
the Tusk Trust to highlight the unprecedented levels of poaching and habitat loss responsible for this rapid decline.
Renowned artists designed 47 life-sized sculptures of lions to raise money to help the conservation effort. DP World
sponsored two limited-edition sculptures which were displayed at the DP World Pavilion. DP World raised over USD
1.5 million for the Tusk Lion Trail, a global art installation in support of African wildlife conservation.

Extinct in The Wild
DP World also joined forces with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) to drive meaningful, global action that will
impact animal and habitat conservation to help safeguard the planet’s ecosystem. As part of the partnership, DP
World launched ZSL’s latest campaign, ‘Extinct in the Wild’ at the DP World Pavilion. The conservation campaign
focused on the planet’s most vulnerable flora and fauna that no longer exist in nature outside of human stewardship.
To reinforce its support, DP World rolled out programmes to restore biodiversity in its local communities. Frommangrove restoration to education on enacting positive change at the grassroots, DP World is working to#recoverkeyspecies around the world.

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Education at Expo
DP World hosted local schools
and universities at the DP World
Pavilion. The Education Programme
focused on industry exposure but
also sought to introduce students tothe future of logistics and potential
career opportunities. A total of 355
school groups and more than 7,000
students participated in DP World’s
programmes.

Universities Programme

Schools Programme

DP World brought university
students together for pavilion andport tours, career talks, careerand skills workshops, webinars,
hackathons, and DP World’s own
Certificate in Terminal Operations(CTO) programme.

Some 355 school groups visited DP
World’s FlowLab which challenged
students to imagine the futureof trade and technology throughan immersive experience, using
a combination of interactive
technology, physical props, andspecial effects.

Business Taking Action for Education
DP World co-hosted an
event with the Global BusinessCoalition for Education during
the RewirEd Summit at Expo
2020. The event brought together
voices from business, philanthropy,
and international institutions,providing a platform to share
their efforts to address theeducation crisis globally.

DP World Chairman announced by UN Women as Middle East’s First HeForShe Champion
On International Women’s Day
2022, UN Women and HeForSheannounced DP World Group
Chairman and CEO, Sultan Ahmed
Bin Sulayem, as the latest HeForShe
Alliance Member at the DP World
Pavilion. Bin Sulayem joins a groupof ambitious global leaders withthe aim of transforming patriarchal

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societies and developing solutions
for gender equality’s most pressing
issues. DP World’s female employee
representation rose from 8.9 percent in June 2020 to 14.4 per centin December 2021. As the leading
provider of smart logistics solutions,
DP World is uniquely set up toadvance gender representation andequality in the global supply chain.
In 2021 alone, DP World invested
more than $1.9 million in projects
concerned with gender equality,
reaching more than 160,000
women in local communities. The
business intends to continue thisinvestment by addressing the digital
gender divide in education.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDYTEMPORARY CAT FOSTERINGPROGRAMME
Expo 2020 has been committed toenhancing the ecological value of
the Expo 2020 site, by protecting
local species and promoting
biodiversity. It has ensured that greatcare was taken to preserve gentle
ecosystems with which it interacted.
There was a concerted effort toeducate the workforce on how toprotect the range of species on-site.
In line with previous years, Expo
2020 was committed to maintaining
the flora and fauna of the region andenhancing the landscape. The Expo

2020 nursery provided habitats forbirds, animals, and insects. Bees
were recognised as an integral partof the ecosystem and, thus, Expo
2020 became home to around 10
active bees’ nests. By nurturing theenvironment, Expo 2020 maintained
high levels of biodiversity across thesite and the UAE in general.
Given the region’s harsh climate,
Expo 2020 developed a temporary
relocation programme in 2021, which
supported the preservation of straycats and kittens. The programme
provided the opportunity for Expo
2020 employees to foster rescue
cats found on-site until they weresafely relocated to their foreverhome. For the duration of twomonths, all medical costs for looking
after the cats were covered by Expo
2020. By rescuing and fostering,
Expo 2020 employees helped
cultivate a compassionate work
environment by building close ties
with colleagues and friends whohelped save the lives of at-risk cats.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

3. ENERGY
Efficient energy use and sustainable energy production were key aspects of Expo 2020’s Sustainability Strategy.
Expo 2020 maximised passive design solutions1 and prioritised them over other optimised active industry-standard
solutions. This approach resulted in Expo 2020 meeting its energy KPIs and delivering an event that was one of themost sustainable Expos in history.

ENERGY REDUCTION
Expo 2020 focused on driving energy reduction and incorporating designs that supported energy-efficienttechnologies and systems. Its main approach was to reduce the demand for grid and fossil fuel electricity throughits energy management initiatives. Consequently, it was able to achieve the following outcomes:

Minimised energy demand throughpassive design, including, but not limited
to, solar orientation, building massing,shading, thermal mass and insulation,
daylighting, and material selection.
Eliminated unnecessary energy
consumption through design efficiencies.
Maximised building and/or district
energy efficiencies, including, but notlimited to, low energy cooling strategies,
low energy lighting and lighting control,
and advanced efficient equipment
selection.
Ensured efficient energy supply systems
to meet building and site demands.
Secured on-site building/site renewableenergy generation.

ENERGY EFFICIENT BUILDING SYSTEMS
Expo 2020 modelled the predicted energy
performance of its permanent buildings against the
ASHRAE 90.1 standard, which provides internationallyrecognised minimum requirements for energy efficientdesigns for buildings. Expo 2020 set a KPI that required
its permanent buildings to outperform ASHRAE
90.1 by at least 20 per cent. Numerous buildings
were designed to achieve even greater efficiency,
particularly those that targeted high LEED ratings.
This standard was used to measure performanceagainst Expo 2020’s energy KPIs and supported therequirements for achieving LEED certification for
Expo 2020 buildings. The standard supported theorganisation’s energy reduction design planning and

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ensured all permanent building were energy efficientthroughout their lifetimes.
As identified in the following table, Expo 2020’s
approach to energy demand reduction incorporated
key inputs within each design decision-making
process. This approach addressed energy use for both
permanent and temporary facilities and development.

1.

Passive solutions: using best practices focused on design-based solutions that maximise theuse of ‘natural’ sources of heating, cooling and ventilation to create comfortable conditions
inside buildings. This approach harnesses environmental conditions such as solar radiation,
cool night air and air pressure differences to drive the internal environment.
Active solutions: optimising design using industry-standard solutions to ensure resources
are used efficiently. This involves installations of mechanical and electrical systems to create
comfortable conditions, such as boilers and chillers, mechanical ventilation, electric lighting,and so on.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Energy Reduction Design Process

INPUT

PROCESS
Identification of key
design measures andsystems to deliver targets•

Project-level KPI Target•

Design intent•

Passive design measures•

Active design measures•

Technological solutions•

Renewable energy solutions•

Passive design building performance•

Energy-efficient systems technologies•

Cooling strategy•

Renewable energy technologies•

Energy model outputs•

Energy report•

Programme Management Consultant(PMC)agreement to proceed

Energy modelling todemonstrate compliancewith KPIs

Complete energy systems
verification and selection

Material procurement,
installation anddocumentation withinsustainability reporting

CLEAN ENERGY
Expo 2020 supported the UAE’s
objectives as identified in mandates
such as the UAE Vision 2021, theDubai Integrated Energy Strategy
2030, and the National Renewable
Energy Programme by introducing
renewable solutions and processes
to enhance energy diversification.
Expo 2020’s renewable energy
production supported the delivery
of a sustainable event andincreased awareness among Expo2020’s stakeholders on ways toreduce the dependency on energy
derived from fossil fuel.

Expo 2020 installed Photovoltaic(PV) systems on permanentbuildings across the Expo 2020
site to support its on-site energy
generation, which had a combined
capacity of 5.5 megawatts.
Renewable energy installations at
Expo 2020, included:• 12,000 sqm of PV surfaces

across the Sustainability
Pavilion’s roof and solar trees,
creating a “net-zero” energy
building in the legacy phase.

Rooftop solar PV panels on
permanent buildings, providing
approximately 22 per cent of theenergy required to operate thebuildings in the legacy phase.
Additionally, Expo 2020 provided
its visitors with alternatives toconventional fuel consumption
using the Dubai Electricity & Water
Authority’s (DEWA) Electric Vehicles(EV) Green charging stations. A
total of 19 charging stations were
installed across the Expo 2020 site.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYENERGY CONSUMPTION
Expo 2020 closely managed its energy consumption through various initiatives and activities. These initiatives
included establishing energy management plans for its buildings through passive and active design solutions during
the construction phase, and through energy monitoring during the event phase.

PRE-EVENT PHASE ENERGY PERFORMANCE
Energy consumption during the pre-event phase was tracked using monthly environmental data logs. The tablebelow provides total fuel consumption data during the pre-event phase.

PRE-EVENT PHASE TOTAL FUEL CONSUMPTION BY TYPE (LITRES)
PeriodDiesel (Litres)

Biodiesel (Litres)

Petrol (Litres)

Total (Litres)2019

13,187,540

6,347,464

143,369

19,678,373

2020

9,866,410

4,217,396

141,458

14,225,2642021 Q1

1,371,028

447,842

23,806

1,842,676

2021 Q2

1,775,612

590,813

21,6182,388,043

2021 Q3

1,583,956

597,942

13,0992,194,997

Expo 2020 closely managed its energy consumption through various initiatives and activities. These initiatives
included establishing energy management plans for its buildings through passive and active design solutions during
the construction phase, and through energy monitoring during the event phase.

EVENT PHASE ENERGY PERFORMANCE
During the event phase, Expo 2020 continuously improved its energy performance by measuring the energy
consumption associated with hosting the event and taking action to reduce the energy consumption to theextent practicable. The table below provides the total electricity consumption data for the whole site during theevent phase.

EVENT PHASE TOTAL ELECTRICITY CONSUMPTION (KWH)

1.

Month

Electricity Consumption(excluding street lighting (kWh)Electricity Consumption forStreet Lighting (kWh)1

Total Electricity
Consumption (kWh)Oct-21

23,410,243

678,071

24,088,314

Nov-21

20,086,595

678,071

20,764,666

Dec-21

17,864,922

678,071

18,542,993

Jan-22

16,096,993

678,071

16,775,064

Feb-22

15,276,120

678,071

15,954,191

Mar-22

17,810,184

678,071

18,488,255

Total

110,545,057

4,068,426

114,613,483

Average monthly calculated street lighting figure derived from power capacity of all street light fittings

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

4. WATER AND EFFLUENTWater conservation was a key aim of Expo 2020’s Sustainability Strategy. Thus, Expo 2020’s water strategy
focused on reducing demand on water systems through a variety of water efficiency initiatives. Examples of Expo2020’s water conservation initiatives included the following:

Reduced water
consumption inbuildings.

Increased the use ofrecycled water for
irrigation and cooling.

Provided design
guidelines for IPs.

Increased thepercentage of publicly
accessible water
fixtures and fittings
with smart controls.

Recoveredcondensate frombuildings.

Establishedoperationallandscape plans.

Minimised potablewater consumption
through the use ofrecycled water.

Incorporated
water efficiency
requirements into
Expo 2020 contracts.

RISE Guidelines
for Sustainable
Operations.

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Moreover, Expo 2020 focused on reducing water usage by applying a water efficiency hierarchy in line with the
UAE Water Security Strategy 2036. Expo 2020 engaged in the following actions to tackle water demand issues andestablished measures for water conservation.

DEMAND
REDUCTION
Indoor water consumption was
managed through:• Low-flush toilets• Low-flow or waterless urinals• Flow restrictors, infra-red
sensors or percussion
style mechanisms that
automatically turn off afteruse• Low-flow showers• Water efficient appliances
Outdoor water consumption
was managed throughlandscape design
considerations for:• Local rainfall patterns• Plant selection• Soil water-retention
properties• Irrigation equipment andscheduling technologies,
such as incorporating
underground drip irrigation
systems to minimisewater loss throughevapotranspiration

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DEMANDSUBSTITUTION
Expo 2020 identified moresustainable sources of waterfor:• Irrigation• Water features• Cooling equipment including
district cooling distribution• Toilet flushing
A water balance model must
be prepared for each project
to consider the benefits ofthe capture, treatment andreuse of Expo 2020’s many
water streams. Solutions are
determined by a designatedproject management team that
conducts in-depth examinationof each option’s feasibility andcomprehensive lifecycle.

WATER RESOURCEPROTECTION
Protection of water resources
was critical to the delivery ofa sustainable construction
project.
To this end, Expo 2020:• Managed stormwater andgroundwater drainage• Considered seasonal andpermanent surface waterflows in its designs• Prevented pollution• Controlled construction waterExpo 2020 applied its learnings
to plan and present thedifferent phases of the event– embedding procedures atstrategic and task-specificlevels.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Expo 2020 conducted a water balance audit and implemented a water efficiency programme that addressedwater demand, irrigation methods to minimise water loss, and collection of water run-off.
As a result, Expo 2020 achieved the following key achievements:
Implementation of smart controls across the site.
Low flush rates for toilets and low flow rates for
washbasins and showers prescribed for IPs.
Compliance with the LEED water criteria forpermanent buildings.
Achieved the consumption targets set for water
consuming equipment in kitchens.
Implemented condensate collection technology
in permanent buildings which allowed forrecycling water back into cooling systems.
Landscape water conservation included the useof; an automated irrigation system, native plants
to reduce water demand, irrigation KPIs targets
per landscape type as well as a requirement touse Treated Sewage Effluents (TSE).
Installed water fountains in convenient locations
across the site to avoid the use of desalinatedand bottled water as well as educating visitorsthat tap water is suitable for drinking.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

PRE-EVENT PHASE WATER PERFORMANCE
Expo 2020 categorised its water consumption into three types:
Groundwater:

Potable Water:

Groundwater was sourced from external dewatering
activities and groundwater supplying agencies thentransported to the Expo 2020 site by third-party
service providers. It was used for dust suppression,road levelling, soil levelling and on-site construction
work. After obtaining the necessary permits, it wasalso extracted from on-site bore wells and was used
for construction work.

Obtained from Dubai Electricity and Water Authority(DEWA).
Treated Sewerage:
Obtained from external sources, on-site sewage
treatment units and contractor facilities, such as
worker accommodation facilities.

Water consumption data during the pre-event phase was collected and monitored through monthly
environmental data logs. Expo 2020’s yearly water consumption during the pre-event phase is illustrated in thetable below. The most significant change in the reported metrics was noticed in groundwater consumption. This
was a result of Expo 2020’s efforts to replace groundwater and potable water use with TSE where applicable.

PRE-EVENT PHASE TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION BY TYPE (m3)PeriodGroundwater (m3)

Potable Water (m3)

TSE (m3)

Total (m3)2019

338,283

383,698

262,804

984,786

2020

66,669302,605

364,640

733,9142021 Q1

17,36347,38662,004

126,7542021 Q2

26,45650,97065,951

143,377

2021 Q3

23,51840,401

81,031

144,950

WASTEWATER MANAGEMENT
Expo 2020 classified generated wastewater into three main categories:
Blackwater:
Groundwater was sourced from external dewatering
activities and groundwater supplying agencies thentransported to the Expo 2020 site by third-party
service providers. It was used for dust suppression,road levelling, soil levelling and on-site construction
work. After obtaining the necessary permits, it was also
extracted from on-site bore wells and was used forconstruction work.
Greywater:
Groundwater was sourced from external dewatering
activities and groundwater supplying agencies thentransported to the Expo 2020 site by third-party
service providers. It was used for dust suppression,

88 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

road levelling, soil levelling and on-site construction
work. After obtaining the necessary permits, it was also
extracted from on-site bore wells and was used forconstruction work.
Condensate:
Water that originates from air washers, air-coolingcoils, condensing appliances, overflows from
evaporative coolers and similar water-supplied
equipment or air-conditioning equipment. No
condensate was produced by Expo 2020’s operations
or activities in the reporting cycle maintained in thisreport.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESWith respect to wastewater management, Expo 2020 sent the wastewater generated to authorised wastewater
treatment plants where it was treated in accordance with best practices and established standards.

PRE-EVENT PHASE TOTAL WASTEWATER GENERATED BY TYPE (m3)PeriodBlackwater (m3)

Greywater (m3)Condensate (m3)

Total (m3)2019

250,79836

0250,834

2020

330,79495

0

330,8882021 Q1

59,5760059,5762021 Q2

56,4930056,4932021 Q3

39,5070039,507EVENT PHASE WATERPERFORMANCE
Water consumption during theevent phase was monitored
through DEWA meters. The total
water consumption in 2021 wasaround 810,758 m3, a 10 per centincrease from 2019. Expo 2020’s
water consumption during theevent phase is illustrated below.

EVENT PHASE TOTAL WATER CONSUMPTION (m3)MonthWater Consumption (m3)Oct-21

131,423

Nov-21135,043

Dec-21

129,211Jan-22

106,961

Feb-22

109,735

Mar-22

153,616

Total

765,988

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

5. MATERIALS
Expo 2020 integrated
sustainability into its supply chain
activities and event operations
throughout all stages of the eventin order to fulfil its commitment tohost the most sustainable World
Expo in history.
For the pre-event phase, Expo
2020 developed its Sustainable
Materials Guidelines to reduce
the negative environmental,social, and economic impactsof all materials procured.
These included parameterssurrounding embodied carbon
content, recycling, responsible
sourcing, regional procurement,
and health impact guidelines.
Project management teams,
architects, designers, engineers
and consultants were assigned
the responsibility of selecting
materials that complied with
Expo 2020’s Sustainable
Material Guidelines.

For the event phase, Expo 2020
introduced its RISE Guidelines, a
set of operational guidelines thatprovide suppliers with guidanceon integrating sustainability
elements into the products
and services they provide to
Expo 2020 throughout theevent. These guidelines weredeveloped in line with ISO 20121
Sustainable Event Management
System requirements and thecommitments stipulated to theBIE. To read more about Expo
2020 sustainable supply chain
practices, please refer to chapter
2B of this report.
Expo 2020’s efforts focused onusing sustainable materials to
avoid the depletion of natural
resources, maximise resource
efficiency, and reduce cost.
Before purchasing any materials,
contractors produced a formal
Material Approval Request which

was then reviewed and approved
by Expo 2020. All approved
materials were recorded inmonthly material data logs whichstated the overall compliance with
Expo 2020’s Sustainable Materials
Guidelines. This enabled Expo
2020 to progressively track its
performance.
Materials were sourced
through environmentally andsocially responsible suppliers
to ensure that the suppliers’
employees, and those living
near material extraction sites
and manufacturing facilities,
were protected. Additionally, thechoice of low-emission materials
and products improved theindoor environmental quality at
Expo 2020 facilities, positively
impacting occupants’ health, wellbeing, and productivity.

Examples of criteria for sustainable materials selection, as outlined in the Expo 2020 Sustainable
Materials Guidelines:
Embodied CO2
The Sustainable Materials Guidelines
provided established methodologies
for carbon footprint measurement.
Project teams were required to
select materials with a lower
embodied carbon content to reducethe carbon footprint of the event.
The designers adhered to theseguidelines and provided quantitative
metrics to verify the carbon
footprint of their chosen materials.
Concrete, Steel and Aggregate
Specific technical criteria were
followed for these three highvolume materials. For instance,
Expo 2020 relied on independently
verified Environmental Performance
Declarations to verify thesustainability compliance ofconcrete and steel. For thesustainable use of construction
aggregates, several well-recognised
90 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

technical performance specifications
were listed to encourage the useof recycled aggregates in bothbound and unbound construction
applications.
TimberAll timber used on site was required
to have a sustainable forestry
certification. Accepted certifications
were the Forestry StewardshipCouncil (FSC) certification and theProgramme for the Endorsement ofForestry Certification (PEFC).
Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC)
Suppliers were required todemonstrate all Polyvinyl Chloride(PVC) supplied was manufactured
in accordance with the European
Council of Vinyl Manufacturers(ECVM) Industry Charter.

Reused and Recycled Materials
Expo 2020 incorporated materials
with recycled content to support
the diversion of waste from landfill
and reduce the demand for virginmaterials. The project teams wererequired to identify opportunities to
use recycled content or products.
A range of supporting information
was provided within the Sustainable
Materials Guidelines.
Low Emissions Materials
Expo 2020 set quantitative limits
on the quantity of Volatile Organic
Chemicals (VOCs) used in the
manufacturing of materials. For
composite wood, there was aparticular requirement to selectproducts with low formaldehyde
content.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Expo 2020 materials sourced were approved
through one or more of the following standards:• BS EN ISO 9001 Quality management systems• BS 8555:2016 Environmental management
systems• BS EN ISO 14001 Environmental management
system• ISO 26000:2010 Guidance on social responsibility• SA 8000 Social Accountability certification• Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification• Programme for the Endorsement of Forest
Certification (PEFC)

Expo 2020 achieved the below milestones in relation
to its sustainable materials targets during the preevent phase• Around 98 per cent of materials were procured

in accordance with the Sustainable Materials
Guidelines. Therefore, Expo 2020 was able tofulfil its goal to conserve natural resources andpreserve biodiversity at the point of extraction
by selecting sustainable materials for Expo 2020
facilities.

• Minimised the depletion of natural resources
by retaining 98 per cent of materials used inpermanent construction retained for legacy.

• Successfully re-deployed, claimed back, or
recycled 90 per cent of materials used for
temporary construction projects.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYSUSTAINABLE SPECIAL EDITION WATCHESSWATCHAs the Official Timing Provider of the Expo 2020,
sustainability was a key topic for Swatch. The entire interior
design elements of all Swatch stores at the Expo 2020 sitewere made of sustainable wood. The hexagonal shape ofthe design elements was inspired by Mashrabiyas, an Arabicarchitectural tradition of geometrical shapes. The official
Expo 2020 Swatch collection was also designed using thelatest innovations and featured bio-sourced case materials
and silicone straps. Moreover, all components met the high‘Swiss Made’ quality requirements that Swatch places on its
products.

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Expo 2020 visitors’ souvenirs
were packaged using sustainable
materials. The material was made of
paper foam and an innovative mix
extracted from potato and tapioca
starch. Therefore, the packaging
was fully biodegradable and could
be recycled as paper waste orcomposted at home.
Post-Expo 2020, Swatch’s legacy
will continue with parts of the
Swatch Expo 2020 store elements
being re-used in a new Swatch Storein the Mall of the Emirates.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

6. WASTE
Expo 2020 committed to minimise the amount of waste produced throughout all stages of design, construction,and operation; minimise the amount of waste that goes to landfill by incorporating a circular economy approach;reduce the use of single-use products and packaging; and plan for a sustainable legacy transition. Expo 2020 set
out to divert 85 per cent of waste from landfill throughout the pre-event and event phases.
In line with Expo 2020’s commitments, a
programme-wide Construction Waste Management
Plan (CWMP) for the pre-event phase and a Cleaning
Waste Management (CWM) Operations Plan for the
event phase were developed. The plans consistedof sustainable waste management objectives andstandards for the collection, segregation, transport,
recycling, and disposal of waste. Expo 2020 also
defined record-keeping and waste tracking processes
to monitor its performance. The plans applied to all
entities at the Expo 2020 site, including employers,
design consultants, supervision consultants,
contractors, and subcontractors.
The CWMP identified key areas, policies, andregulations for targeted interventions to avoid
or minimise waste generation in the first place.
Accordingly, CWMP provided guidance on reuse andrecycling measures. Additionally, control measures
were in place to minimise the amount of waste that
ended up at disposal sites and treatment facilities.
Expo 2020 followed global best practices andadopted the following waste management methods
to minimise waste production during the design,
construction, and operational phases

guided Expo 2020’s waste management practices
throughout the organisation. The guidelines played afundamental role in highlighting the obligations andresponsibilities of stakeholders e.g., requirements
for suppliers to avoid single-use plastics, consider
biodegradable products, and reduce food waste andpackaging materials. Expo 2020 observed waste
management practices across the site in compliancewith Dubai Municipality’s Technical Guidelines and theapproved CWMP.
Furthermore, Expo 2020 developed a Material Flow
Model (MFM) to review the overall waste management
performance throughout the pre-event and event
phase. The objective of the MFM project was to model
the flow of resources and waste associated with theExpo 2020 event. The intent of the modelling was to
identify risks and hotspots which would impact Expo2020’s ability to meet its waste KPI. Through the MFM,
Expo 2020 was able to identify leading practices
along with areas for improvement that could offer
lessons to similar major events in the UAE as well as
across the region and globally.

Strategies for the minimisation of waste generation
across all phases from design through construction,
including decision-making guidance for operational
activities.

As a result of the above measures, Expo 2020
exceeded its set waste KPI. It diverted a total of 88
per cent of waste from landfill, achieving an 87.9 percent diversion rate during the pre-event phase anda 77.5 per cent diversion rate during the event phase.
The following are the highlights related to Expo 2020’s
exemplar waste performance:

Reuse

Waste hierarchy and the waste KPI:

Guidance on material reuse throughout the event
planning and construction processes, including
the innovative use of demolition materials, whereapplicable.

Expo 2020 achieved its landfill diversion target despite
the low use of energy recovery. The waste KPI wasachieved following the reduce, reuse, recycle andrepurpose waste management hierarchy.

RecycleRecovery of recyclables from residual waste:

Approaches to recycling including segregation facilities
and storage spaces for recyclable materials.

Expo 2020 attained exceptional recovery ofrecyclables from the residual waste generated during
the event phase. This was achieved by passing thematerial through a MRF, used for the dry mixed
recycling stream.

ReduceRecover
The use of a state-of-the-art Materials Recovery
Facility (MRF) in Dubai, in collaboration with Expo2020’s waste management partner, Dulsco.
RISE Guidelines for Sustainable Operations
complemented the waste management methods andFood waste:
Expo 2020 segregated the food waste generated
throughout the site, and this made up 31 per cent of all
waste generated. To ensure maximum landfill
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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

diversion, Expo 2020 collected and managed waste from sources with low contamination separately from sources
with higher contamination. Moreover, the Food Rescue Programme enabled 44 tonnes of food to be donated during
the event phase with the help of 16 food and beverage vendors. This was significant in the UAE context as well as
globally for major events.

PRE-EVENT PHASE WASTE PERFORMANCE
Expo 2020’s pre-event waste
management activities consistedof waste generation, waste
segregation, recycling andmeasuring performance against
the waste KPI. Expo 2020
compiled its pre-event waste
data using environmental datalogs, followed by further analysis
undertaken by the Expo 2020
team. The data analysis was
conducted to verify that the
Expo 2020 waste data logs werecompiled correctly.
Between January 2017 and
September 2021, Expo 2020
successfully diverted 87.9 percent cumulative waste fromlandfill. The main types of waste
generated during the preevent phase were earthworks,
construction and Furniture,
Fixtures, and Equipment (FFE)
waste, as shown in the tablebelow. The interim and soft launchmade up a small portion of thepre-event waste.
Interim and soft launch waste
were produced as a result of thephased construction programmeof the Expo 2020 site and thedelays caused by the COVID-19
pandemic. Due to the event’s
postponement, there wereareas of the site completed
significantly ahead of the official

opening. Thus, service providers
on these sites generated small
quantities of operational waste.
This was recorded separatelyfrom the waste generated
from construction activities
and was labelled as interim
waste. Furthermore, between 15
January 2021 and 10 April 2021,
Expo 2020 undertook a softlaunch exercise named Pavilions
Premiere. During this period,
the visitors had the opportunity
to experience the Terra – The
Sustainability Pavilion ahead of
the formal event opening on 1
October 2021.

PRE-EVENT PHASE WASTE SUMMARY
Waste stream

Generated (tonnes)

Diverted from landfill (tonnes) Diversion from landfill (%)

Earthworks

374,508

374,508

100.0%

Construction and FFE

277,449

200,467

72.3%

Interim and soft launch

4,843

2,281

47.1%

656,800

577,256

87.9%

Total

The data represents the period between January 2017 and September 2021

The waste generated during the pre-event phase wassplit into the following waste types. This also reflected
how Expo 2020 recorded and reported its waste data:• Non-hazardous waste• Hazardous waste• Excavation

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Each waste type was further broken down by thevarious waste streams segregated on the site. The
diversion from landfill was measured based on the total
waste sent for reuse, recycling or storage. The remaining
waste was sent for disposal to a landfill, excluding
excavated material which remains in stockpiles on site,
awaiting classification.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESNON-HAZARDOUS WASTE
Expo 2020’s non-hazardous waste comprised mainly construction and general waste during the pre-event phase.
Other waste types such as timber, asphalt, organic waste, steel and metal constituted a small percentage of theoverall waste generated. Expo 2020 diverted 100 per cent of the steel and metal waste generated during the preevent phase. Moreover, around 97.7 per cent of all plastic waste, 96.6 per cent of glass waste and 96.4 per cent of
the timber waste generated were diverted from landfill.
Types of waste generated during construction and fit-out and the overall landfill diversion rate for each material.
Percentage total
construction and FFE waste

Percentage diverted fromlandfill

Concrete

66.0%

90.1%

General waste

16.3%

0.0%

Timber

6.0%

96.4%

Asphalt

5.2%

91.6%

Organic Waste

3.2%

2.6%

Steel & Metal

2.4%

100.0%

Plastic

0.4%

97.7%

Paper & Cardboard

0.2%

94.1%

Fit-out Waste

0.2%

7.4%

Glass Waste

0.0%

96.6%

Waste material

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03. THE EXPO LEGACYHAZARDOUS WASTE
Expo 2020 classified its hazardous waste into five categories:
Oil-based

Biomedical waste

This was sent for recycling to Cyclo Oil, a Dubai based
company that owns and operates a lube oil refining
plant.

This was disposed of at JAHWTF.

Water-based
This was disposed of at the Jebel Ali Hazardous Waste
Treatment Facility (JAHWTF).
Solid Hazardous
This was either disposed of at JAHWTF via a Dubai
Municipality registered service provider or sent toEmirates Environmental Group (EEG) and Ecyclex
International Recycling LLC company for recycling.

Other
Hazardous waste that did not fall under the above
four categories was disposed of at JAHWTF via Dubai
Municipality-registered service providers.
Hazardous waste made up only 0.1 per cent of thewaste generated during the pre-event phase. Expo
2020 was able to divert 12.4 per cent of all hazardous
waste generated from landfill. As presented below, themain type of hazardous waste during the reporting
period was biomedical waste which increased
because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

PRE-EVENT PHASE TOTAL HAZARDOUS WASTE GENERATED BY TYPE (TONNES)
PeriodOil Based

Water Based

Solid

Biomedical Waste

Others

2019

23

13

54

2

17

2020

49

2

21

20

40

2021 Q1

1

38

1

2

6

2021 Q2

0

0

8

1

6

2021 Q3

0

0

1

40

6

EXCAVATED MATERIAL
In addition to the waste generated during construction and FFE, Expo 2020 also recorded a total of 944,783
tonnes of excavated material generated by earthworks activities. Of this material, 374,508 tonnes were diverted
from landfill through reuse for backfilling around IPP foundation and other backfilling requirements across Expo
2020 projects. The remaining excavated material remains in stockpiles and is available for reuse during thedecommissioning and legacy phase development.

EXCAVATED MATERIAL STOCKPILE MANAGEMENT DATA
Total excavated material
generated (tonnes)

Total excavated material diverted
from landfill (tonnes)

944,783
The data represents the period between January 2017 and September 2021

96 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

374,508

Total excavated material
remaining in stockpiles (tonnes)
570,275

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSPILLAGE
Expo 2020 mandated that all site contractors
develop and include a Spill Response Procedure in
their Environment Plan. This detailed all methodsof monitoring, responsibilities, prevention, andmitigation measures in the event of an on-groundspill. Examples of controls included:• Trained all site personnel on contamination and

The total quantity of waste generated during the event
phase of Expo 2020 was 10,431 tonnes, of which 8,090
tonnes was diverted away from landfill.

Expo 2020 achieved an 88% cumulative
waste diversion rate by the end of theevent phase.

spills• Completed inventory of on-site spill response
equipment• Evaluated and reported all incidents related to thespillage of hazardous chemicals• Reviewed any follow-up preventative action• Stored hazardous chemicals used on-site in well-ventilated and illuminated chemical storage areas.
All storage areas were provided with an impervious
floor surface, secondary containment with 110 per
cent capacity, Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS),
and fire extinguishers and spill response equipmentin the immediate vicinity.

Expo 2020’s landfill diversion performance during theevent phase can be attributed to the following:• Landfill waste diverted from the Tadweer facility• Increased proportion of waste deposited in recycling
and organic bins

• Increased use of the on-site RDF facility and on-site
distributed composters

EVENT PHASE WASTE GENERATION BY WASTESTREAM
Waste Steam

Waste generated (t)Expo 2020 prepared all areas where dangerous
goods were stored, used, and handled, with spill kits
and other forms of emergency controls. During thisreporting cycle, 19 environmental incidents wererecorded and all were classified as minor.

Landfill

3,553

Organic

3,676

Recyclables

2,985

Expo 2020 categorised these incidents based on four
categories:

Other waste streams• Hazardous materials/spills• Wastewater• Ecology destruction• Others, including potable water pipe leakage

Total

and incidents related to smoke emissions fromgenerators or vehicles

217
10,431PROPORTION OF TOTAL WASTE GENERATION BY STREAM

29%

Recyclables

2%
Other waste
streams

EVENT-PHASE WASTE PERFORMANCE
Expo 2020 produced and analysed weekly waste data
records during the event phase. The total quantity of
waste generated averaged 400 tonnes per week. The
weekly waste generation varied between 279 and464 tonnes. Alongside the weekly waste data records,
Expo 2020 also analysed the visitor numbers in order
to measure the waste generated by each visitor. The
overall waste generated per visitor for the event
phase was 0.66 kg.

35%

Organic

34%

Landfill

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYA SUSTAINABLE APPROACH TO WASTE MANAGEMENTDULSCO
Sustainable waste management practices were introduced to ensure maximum resource
efficiency reductions in the company’s carbon footprint. This was done in line with the 2030
UAE Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Expo 2020 Sustainability theme, and the
Dulsco company ethos.
Through Expo 2020, Dulsco sought to educate its visitors– particularly younger age groups – and inspire a cultureof sustainability. Educational initiatives included the‘Waste2Resource Journey’ Stand, which highlighted theimportance of the ‘4 R’s’ of sustainability - reduce, reuse,
repurpose and recycle. Dulsco showcased its mascot‘Birdy’ and the Recycling Bus to the community at large,
as examples of practical approaches for serving theenvironment.
The initiatives for the local school children included
multiple workshops such as the ‘A Step Towards Being
A Recycling Champion’, ‘Nexus Jacobs Butterfly Effect
Programme’ and ‘Clean-up 4 a Purpose’ desert cleanup drive. Moreover, collaborations with Siemens andPepsiCo further provided an educational and discernible
outlet for Expo 2020 visitors through Siemens’ desert
clean-up, and PepsiCo’s single-use plastics recycling
campaign.
As the Official Waste Management Partner of Expo
2020, Dulsco employed a number of waste management
innovations and technologies throughout Expo 2020:• Three-bin system for Expo 2020 visitors: Dulsco

deployed a colour-coded, three-stream bin
segregation system at all front-of-house and backof-house locations to engage visitors and colleagues
in segregating waste streams at the source.

• Smart bins: The use of solar-powered smart bins

allowed the operations team to remotely monitor
the capacity of the bins which reduced the need tophysically drive to each bin to check its status.

• Biofuel, Food Composters and Biodegradable Liners:

The vehicles that were used to collect waste on-sitewere powered by biofuel made from recycled cooking
oil. Electric vehicles were also used to further reducecarbon emissions. Additionally, Dulsco provided foodcomposters, allowing restaurants to process organic
food waste and biodegradable products. The food98 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

waste composters transformed waste into valuable
compost and soil enhancer. Dulsco also provided
biodegradable bin liners.

• Central Waste Facility (CWF): The on-site CWF wasused as a waste transfer station that allowed waste
collection compactors to dump waste. The waste wasthen consolidated into large size ejection trailers andtransported to Dulsco’s off-site treatment facilities.
This reduced the overall carbon footprint attributed towaste transport. Additionally, the CWF housed several
technologies that were used to treat organic waste
on-site and help drive Dulsco’s sustainability goals
and objectives.

• Treatment Facilities: Waste was transported

off-site to one of Dulsco’s facilities, including its
Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which is capable ofprocessing over 80,000 tonnes of waste per annum.
The MRF allowed the recovery of useful recyclables
and this played a critical role in achieving Expo2020’s the overall waste diversion target of 85 percent. Dulsco formulated plans to strategically andcreatively use recovered recyclables. Some examples
include:– Papers and cardboards were processed at its
Paper Pulp Moulding Plant and transformed into
egg trays, cup holders, etc.
– Bulky waste was upcycled into furniture/decor
items and sold under Dulsco’s ‘The New and Old
and Reloved’ brand.
– Traditionally hard-to-process materials like plastic
were converted into t-shirts, in collaboration withSMEs.
– Glass was recycled into memorabilia, trophies, andfruit jars.
– Construction waste was transported to Dulsco’s
Construction & Demolition Waste Recycling
Facilities.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF)
Dulsco introduced its Refuse Derived Fuel (RDF) facility, located within the Expo 2020 grounds, as a vital part ofthe larger CWF. The objective was to treat the contaminated waste streams directly at the Expo 2020 site. The
revolutionary RDF plant was instrumental in tackling the majority of the contaminated waste and was utilised to turnwaste into high calorific value RDF, an alternative to non-renewable fossil fuel.
The RDF plant had the capacity to process more than 70,000 tonnes of waste per annum, and the technology was
novel and first-of-its-kind in the region. The waste was pre-treated before being processed, and the output productwas used by other factories as a more sustainable alternative to fossil fuels.
Dulsco and Expo 2020 managed to recycle, upcycle, and repurpose waste while successfully educating its visitors tomake the right choices to protect the environment and lead a sustainable lifestyle.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYCHALLENGE TODAY – CHANGE TOMORROWPEPSICOAs the Official Beverage and Snack Partner of Expo 2020, PepsiCo delivered sustainable
practices across its whole value chain at Expo 2020. PepsiCo encouraged the tenets of acircular economy during Expo 2020 through the sustainable sourcing of food, the integrationof sustainable packaging and merchandising as well as working with stakeholders to upholdadequate waste collection methods with a particular emphasis on recycling.
Expo 2020 provided PepsiCo with a platform to truly bring the best of its PepsiCo Positive (pep+) vision to life.
PepsiCo piloted various innovations at Expo 2020, such as the Aquafina cans, Aquafina water stations and Sunbites
compostable packaging. These initiatives minimised plastic footprint on-site, offered consumers sustainable
alternatives, and helped PepsiCo to reduce, recycle, and reinvent.

Collection & Recycling
PepsiCo committed to collecting
and recycling the equivalent of
100 per cent of Aquafina plastic
packaging produced in the UAE
in 2021, with the help of its local
partners. PepsiCo, Dulsco, andBee’ah have achieved this target
and renewed the commitment for2022 to support the UAE’s goal todivert 75 per cent of total wastefrom landfills.
Additionally, the majority of the cansthat were collected from Dulsco’s
smart bins at Expo 2020 were
PepsiCo’s Aquafina cans. The cans

Aquafina Water Stations at Expo 2020
PepsiCo installed 28 Aquafina
Water Stations at the Expo 2020
site. The Aquafina Water Stations
provided smart and innovative
hydration platforms. The stations
were designed to provide a
personalised hydration experience
while encouraging good water
stewardship. PepsiCo’s Water
Stations helped save more than
500,000 plastic bottles at Expo
2020.

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were then recycled into new aluminium products saving the equivalent of 6.6
million bottles.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESUSA Pavilion @Expo 2020 Fellows Programme
PepsiCo’s philanthropic arm, The PepsiCo Foundation,and the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 organised the USA
Pavilion @Expo 2020 Fellows Program. The foundation
offered a USD 500,000 grant to empower and educate
young global leaders to tackle the world’s most pressing
socio-economic issues. The seven-month programmebrought together 40 young leaders from 19 countries
across the MENASA region and zoned in on global
issues and contemporary challenges related to trade,sustainability, and future cities.

Program (also known as the Asian Forum on Global
Governance), which enabled them to build multiple
communities in and outside the MENASA region.

The winning project “Veggies R Us” focused on thedevelopment of a smart hydroponic food tower thatmanages and automates real-time production ofaffordable and healthy fruits and vegetables. With
the completion of the programme, the participantsjoined the U.S. Department of State exchange program
alumni network. The community allowed participants
to engage with others who could provide guidanceas they explored ways to be agents of change intheir communities. Participants were also integrated
into the larger Observer Research Foundation (ORF)
communities, including the Raisina Young Fellows

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

MENA Greenhouse Accelerator (MENA Initiative)
PepsiCo partnered with the Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) to participate in the “Dubai Can” initiative,
launched by His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. The initiative aimed at minimising
global environmental impact and reducing single-use plastic pollution. The Aquafina Water Stations will be installedin 50 locations across corporate and governmental entities in Dubai to help achieve UAE’s goal for a moresustainable future.

MENA REGION

PepsiCo & Dubai Can Partnership(UAE Initiative)

LEBANON

JORDANSAUDI ARABIA

PepsiCo’s partnership with The
Orenda Tribe (Jordan Initiative)
PepsiCo partnered with The Orenda
Tribe, a social enterprise that uses
art and storytelling to champion
youth and empower communities
to drive positive behaviours froma young age. As a result of thepartnership, PepsiCo developed aseries of tools to educate children
about sorting and recycling waste.
The impact box is an educationaland engaging tool made up of abooklet and a digital app featuring
three games – all of which teachchildren how to recycle, upcycle,
and make more sustainable andenvironmentally friendly choices.
Due to the successful launch
in Jordan, PepsiCo expanded
the project to Saudi Arabia, inpartnership with Diriyah Gate
Development Authority (DGDA).
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UAE

PepsiCo partnered with the
Department of Economy andTourism (DET) to participate in the“Dubai Can” initiative, launched by
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The initiative aimed at minimising
global environmental impact andreducing single-use plastic pollution.
The Aquafina Water Stations will
be installed in 50 locations acrosscorporate and governmental entities
in Dubai to help achieve UAE’s goal
for a more sustainable future.

PepsiCo’s partnership with Naqaa Sustainability Solutions (KSA Initiative)
PepsiCo, in partnership with Naqaa Sustainability Solutions, set up more than
30 recycling bins in 16 key locations in the Saudi Arabia to raise awareness ofsustainable waste management practices. This included sports complexes,
compounds, malls, and schools. Naqaa has also been PepsiCo’s key partner
in driving “plastic waste-free” events for the Formula E races and the Dakar
Rally in Saudi Arabia.

PepsiCo’s partnership with Nadeera Technologies (Lebanon Initiative)
PepsiCo partnered with Nadeera Technologies for its Yalla Return initiative,
a return and earn project. The initiative aimed to promote responsible waste
disposal by providing financial incentives for residents in Lebanon.
More than half of the population was living in poverty when the programme
was introduced in Lebanon during the peak of the country’s devastating
financial crisis. As many Lebanese residents battled to make ends meet, thecrisis tragically forced a number of environmental efforts to the back burner.
Yalla Return offered an innovative way to support both the environment andthose who were facing food security. Through this initiative, individuals wereencouraged to deposit plastics in a centre to earn credit that can be spent inlocal supermarkets. There are now five shops in place, which are supported
by PepsiCo.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDY
DELIVERING THE HIGHEST STANDARDSOF QUALITY AND HOSPITALITYEMAAR
The 2020 Club by Emaar was a designated hospitality facility in the epicentre of the Expo
2020 site. It delivered the highest standards of quality and hospitality – from award-winningcuisine to extraordinary events. The Emaar Hospitality Group contributed to Expo 2020 byoffering catering services for more than 600 events, including catering for over 65 eventsfor Global Attendees, seven mega national day commemorations and more than 1,000
delegations.
Emaar Hospitality Group, the Official Hotel, Hospitality
and Catering Partner of Expo 2020, contributed toExpo 2020’s sustainability commitments through its
sustainable vision and practices. Emaar Hospitality
Group adopted tactical steps that reduced waste andensured sustainability and operational efficiency. The
Group embraced new technologies and innovations that
helped enhance offerings while being mindful of waste
levels. Emaar worked closely with a waste managementcompany to provide an ecological waste disposal
system for its Expo 2020 kitchens. Through its strategic
partnerships, Emaar significantly elevated its approachto sustainable solutions.

Emaar committed to reducing food waste across its
facilities across the Expo 2020 site. Emaar implemented
Winnow’s AI prediction across its hotels to manage
and cut food waste. Winnow is a prominent AI-enabledfood waste solution, and one of the most advanced
food waste management technologies to maximise
operational efficiency and data accuracy. Additionally,
it was a key member of the Expo 2020’s Food Rescue
Programme by frequently donating excess food from its
facilities.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYPROMOTING RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTIONEMIRATES NBDEmirates NBD, Expo2020’s Official Banking
Partner, launched the#saynotoplastic challenge
in 2021 in line with its
commitment to encouragea single-use plastic-free
culture across the bank.
Teams participating in thechallenge were invited todeposit plastic bottles ina recycling bin provided
by their recycling partner,
DGrade, and design a logowith the #saynotoplastic
theme. The collected bottles
were recycled into fabric toproduce reusable drawstringbags for the Bank’s support
staff.
Moreover, Emirates NBD committed
to promoting responsible
consumption as part of the “Dubai
Can” initiative, launched by His
Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin
Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
The initiative contributed towards
minimising global environmental
impact and reducing single-use
plastic pollution. The initiative
aims to reduce single-use plastic
water bottles and encourage
Dubai’s residents to adopt a refill
culture. This initiative is in line with
Emirates NBD’s goal of creating
an environment free of single-use
plastic.

Emirates NBD’s sustainability highlights:• Committed to eliminating the use and purchase of single-use plastic waterbottles in all offices.

• Sponsored a public water station in the residential community at theGreens and Views allowing residents and passers-by to refill their waterbottles for free.

• Conducted internal awareness sessions to further educate employees
about the initiative and the need to reduce plastic.

• Emirates NBD is the first bank in the MENA region to secure LEED Goldcertifications for its branches. LEED-certified buildings have lower carbon
emissions, create a healthier environment, and reduce operating costs
while prioritising sustainable practices. Achieving LEED Gold certifications
for buildings was important to Emirates NBD’s goals of addressing climatechange, improving resilience, and reducing climate risk. Emirates NBD
is proud to be recognised as a leader in sustainable development witha total of five branches that are LEED Gold certified with more underdevelopment. Four Emirates NBD branches in the UAE are Gold-certified
under the LEED v4 Interior Design and Construction - Retail rating system:

UAE BRANCHSAUDI ARABIA BRANCHBURJ KHALIFA BRANCH
UMM SUQEIM BRANCHNAKHEEL MALL BRANCHARABIAN CENTRE BRANCHFEBRUARY 2022 – MARCH 2022

66,000litres of water
consumed104 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

AL QUDS BRANCH

13,000Single-use plastic
bottles saved

1,089 kg
CO2 reduced

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

7. ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
Securing support from senior management assisted the organisation in managing environmental compliance risks,
concerns, and obligations. Expo 2020 ensured compliance with all set environmental regulations, approvals andguidance abiding by the Dubai Municipality Environment Department (DMED). Furthermore, Expo 2020 liaised with
Dubai Municipality and other stakeholders regarding its priorities and expectations for environmental complianceand applicable permits, guidelines, standards, etc.
Expo 2020 conducted wind and air quality monitoring projects across the Expo 2020 project site from
October 2021 onwards. This was a precautionary approach to protect the environment and control negativeenvironmental impacts. Expo 2020 complied with all relevant environmental regulations as set forth by the UAE
Federal Government and Dubai Municipality. In 2021, Expo 2020 had no recorded violations of any environmental
regulations, nor had it received any complaints relating to environmental matters.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYC
SOCIAL IMPACT
Expo 2020 contributed to a positive and lasting social impact on its stakeholders and the wider community. Expo
2020 organised numerous social initiatives aligned under the event’s Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability
subthemes leading up to, during, and after the event. Expo 2020 inspired personal and collective responsibility andemphasised the importance of shared impact to make a positive difference.

CASE STUDYINSPIRING THE NEXT GENERATION TO EXPLORE,INNOVATE AND CREATE:EXPO SCHOOL PROGRAMME
Expo 2020 was an exceptional opportunity to inspire the next generation through the Expo
School Programme. The event offered the UAE’s educational community a unique platformthat brought learning to life and offered education opportunities beyond the classroom.
Expo 2020 designed a wide range of initiatives to encourage young learners to engage with,and explore the global landscape. The scale, level of engagement, and outreach of the Expo
School Programme made it a distinctive part of the Expo 2020 legacy.
The Expo School Programme was designed to make Expo 2020’s subthemes more accessible and relatable tostudents through its initiatives, including the Expo 2020 Young Stars, Expo 2020 Young Innovators, Next Gen World
Majlis and Nasheed al Wasl. In addition, its key offering, the four Expo School Journeys, offered school groups
customised experiences of Expo 2020.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Expo 2020 offered UAE schools free tickets, which granted students access to four exclusive journeys across thethree vibrant Districts – Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity – and the various pavilions on site.
The School Journeys provided a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for students to interact with concrete examples of
the concepts they had been learning about at school.
The four journeys aligned with six school curricula, including the International Baccalaureate (IB), British, American,
French, Indian, and the UAE national curricula which catered to all school grades. The Journeys included the following:WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES:UNIVERSE IN MOTION:

Students explored how their individual
actions impact the world and how they
can become positive agents of change.

Students travelled through time andspace to discover human progress
through physical and digital realms.

SUSTAINABLE PLANET:LEGACY OF THE UAE:

Students explored how theenvironmental choices they make today
can affect the world tomorrow.

Students discovered the UAE’s richhistory, vibrant culture and ambitious
future driven by the vision of its leaders.

TOTAL STUDENTS AND
TEACHERS INVOLVED:

1,003,747

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

1,101

comprising 561 private
schools, nurseries, and educational
centres; and 540 public schools.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020 YOUNG INNOVATORSThe Expo 2020 Young Innovators initiative was designed
to inspire the next generation of thinkers to dream ofa brighter future. Expo 2020 invited public and private
school students from across the UAE to find solutions tocomplex challenges by tap into their circles of empathy
and unleashing their creativity. Students sketched theirideas on a napkin and shared them with the Expo School
Programme team. Out of the 6,200 submissions, 298
animations and 3D printed innovations were brought tolife in an exhibition at Terra – the Sustainability Pavilion.
TOTAL SUBMISSIONS:

6,200

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

384

NEXT GEN WORLD MAJLIS
As part of the World Majlis Programme, the Next Gen
World Majlis fostered conversations with young people
on a number of critical topics and themes. The ideas
and questions that emerged from these conversations
enriched the content of the World Majlis sessions.
During the pre-event phase, four Next Gen World
Majlis sessions were held. Through this, more than 100
students were shortlisted to take part in Expo 2020’s
global conversations. During the event, the Next Gen
World Majlis initiative served as a platform for 128
students from 69 schools to hold enriching and inspiring
discussions about people, the planet, technology andcities. The students shared their unique perspectives
about the world with their peers and an audience of
educators and professionals.
TOTAL SESSIONS:

9 (4 pre-event, 5 during Expo)
TOTAL STUDENTS INVOLVED:

128

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

69
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 YOUNG STARS
Expo 2020 Young Stars offered students theopportunity to showcase their special talents at Al Wasl
Plaza. A total of 3,757 students from 65 schools acrossthe UAE celebrated their unique vision of Expo 2020
through a series of 15- to 20-minute performances.
The Expo 2020 Young Stars performed different shows,such as musicals, orchestras, circus acts, puppet shows,and so on. Students were encouraged to be involvedin the entire creative process of writing, designing,and choreographing their performances, designing
costumes, and creating props to help bring their visions
to life.
TOTAL STUDENTS INVOLVED:

3,757

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

65

NASHEED AL WASL
During the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Expo 2020
commissioned Al Wasl Opera, which brought together
the best global operatic talent to celebrate Expo2020’s central theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating
the Future’. In conjunction with the opening of Al Wasl
Opera, and in collaboration with the Expo School
Programme, Nasheed Al Wasl was launched to celebrate
the young, talented voices of the UAE through a seriesof 30-minute choral journeys. Through the Nasheed Al
Wasl initiative, 580 students from 14 schools graced theJubilee Stage, accompanied by the Sharq Orchestra, arenowned band that plays traditional Arabic music with afull symphony orchestra.
TOTAL STUDENTS INVOLVED:

580

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

14

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03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO SCHOOL DISCOVERIES
Expo 2020 invited schools across the UAE and theregion to participate in Expo School Discoveries, a series
of inter-school competitions. The competitions werepowered by Education Perfect, an online platform thatdeveloped a range of online resources about World
Expos, Expo 2020 and its subthemes. The platform also
provided educators with access to a range of digital andinteractive online resources to use in the classroom
during the event, even if they did not participate in theinter-school competitions.
In total, three competitions took place throughout
event time. During the first two competitions, a totalof 2,945,845 questions were answered by 7,130
students, with 50 students awarded prizes. For the final
competition, Expo 2020 received 910 submissions from47 schools, of which 25 students were awarded prizes
for their innovative ideas.
TOTAL SUBMISSIONS:

8,040

TOTAL SCHOOLS INVOLVED:

99

VIRTUAL JOURNEYS
The Expo School Programme team collaborated with leading developers and creative studios to design a range of
mixed-media journeys that catered to different age groups. This offered them a new way to engage with the worldof Expo 2020. Expo 2020 shared the experience of a World Expo with students around the globe through Virtual
Expo’s three different platforms: Expo Adventures, Virtual Expo World, and the special Expo 2020 Minecraft edition.

By the end of Expo 2020,the virtual platforms hadreceived more than

8.6 million visitsfrom 71 countries.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Examples of virtual initiatives launched during the pandemic & leading up to Expo 2020:

Expo 2020 Champions / Expo 2020 Quests

Summer Explorers (Virtual Summer Camp)

Expo 2020 Champions Programme was relaunched during the event as Expo 2020 Quests.
The initiative provided students with a newchallenge every month to complete from the
comfort of their home and classroom, or while
visiting the Expo 2020 site. One such challenge
included encouraging students to become Expo
2020 ambassadors within their schools.

Building on its efforts from 2020, the Expo School
Programme continued its Expo 2020 Summer
Explorers initiative in 2021. This initiative provided
families with fun and virtual educational events
through an online camp catering for children
between the ages of seven and 16. The Expo 2020
Summer Explorers camp welcomed more than
3,000 children to a series of diverse workshops
over the summers of 2020 and 2021. The
workshops included interactive lessons, activities,
and do-it-yourself (DIY) tutorials.

5 STEPS TO EXPO
1

2

3

4

5

REGISTER YOUR
COORDINATOR

PLAN AHEAD

BOOK YOURJOURNEY

INFORM
PARENTSPRINT AND DISPLAY
BUS
QR CODES

Online Workshops and Forums

Virtual Coordinator Sessions

Due to the impact of COVID-19 in 2020, schools
in the UAE transitioned to distance learningand the Expo School Programme could nolonger conduct face-to-face workshops or holdsessions at the Expo 2020 Visitor Centre. As aresult, the Expo School Programme conductedvirtual workshops in 2020 and 2021 to explore
experiences and ideas that will shape the future.
In addition, a virtual version of the School Leaders
Forum was held in September 2021.

The Expo School Programme team organised
in-person sessions to introduce the Expo 2020
coordinators to the booking system. During the
pandemic, the team moved to virtual coordinators
to go through the process of booking journeys,
editing, confirming, and cancelling sessions.
A question and answer (Q&A) session was
included at the end, and participants could share
their feedback with the team. Expo 2020 also
published a coordinator’s handbook for schools to
support them.

Expo 2020 conducted three virtual coordinator sessions before and during the event.
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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYTEST EVENTS BEFORE THE EVENT:
As a follow-up to the Expo 2020
Pavilions Premiere that took place
between January and April 2020,
the Expo School Programmeorganised two test events. Their
purpose was twofold: to offer
educational authorities a preview ofwhat Expo 2020 had to offer; andto reassure the school community
about the robust health and safetymeasures in place. The participantsof the first event, held in June 2021,
included the Knowledge and Human
Development Authority (KHDA), theSharjah Private Education Authority(SPEA) and 39 private schools from

Dubai and Sharjah. The second
test event was conducted in July
2021 and included the Emirates
Schools Establishment and ninepublic schools. These test events
successfully demonstrated theteam’s readiness to safely welcome
schools to Expo 2020.

EXPO SCHOOL PROGRAMME AT A GLANCE
100 days of school operations during the
182 days of Expo 2020

Content curated to six different curricula(UAE, IB, British, American, French andIndian)Total number of students and teachers
1,003,747

Highest number of student visits to any
location or event within the UAE

1,101 schools (561 private schools, 540
public schools)First curated school programme at a
World Expo

Highest school visits recorded in one day:
21,700 students

75 per cent of all private schools and 95 percent of all public schools in UAE visited Expo
2020 during the six months of the event

More than 850 dedicated tour guides

February and March 2022 accounted for
60 per cent of total Expo School Journeys
visitations

85,000 hours of staff training

Expo 2020 Young Innovators: 6,200
submissions and 298 innovations from
384 schools

HIGHEST VISITATION PER NUMBER OF STUDENTS
PER EMIRATE:RAS AL KHAIMAH

FUJAIRAH

UMM AL QUWAIN
AJMAN

Expo 2020 Young Stars: 3,757 students
from 65 schools

Nasheed Al Wasl: 580 students from 14
schools in choral groups

Next Gen World Majlis: nine sessions with
128 student speakers from 69 schools

112 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

DUBAI

ABU DHABISHARJAH

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDY
Programme for People & Planet (PPP)The Programme for People and Planet (PPP) was Expo 2020’s thought leadership programme. The PPP was launchedat the International Participants’ Meeting (IPM) in October 2020 and was adopted by the UAE Cabinet in April 2021.
The Programme was established on the premise that Expo 2020 is a:‘PEOPLE’S PLATFORM’‘PARTNERSHIP PLATFORM’‘POLICY PARTNERSHIP’

To amplify messages thatmatter to engage and galvanise
people for a purpose.

To strengthen existing andbroker new partnerships.

To inform better policy
outcomes locally, regionallyand globally.

The Programme for People and Planet was designed
to address the world’s most pressing challenges bydeploying the convening power of World Expos and the
UAE to encourage collective and meaningful action. It
served as a platform for open dialogue and exchange of
new ideas and innovations by enabling policymakers, theprivate sector, civil society actors, and the general public
to come together. It was designed to help reimagine theglobal economy; place equality, universal respect, andhuman dignity at the centre of human progress; and instil
a sense of responsibility to live in harmony and balancewith the natural world.
Over the course of the six months during the event, the
PPP hosted 229 hybrid events that brought together
more than 2,000 voices, and mobilised an inclusive anddiverse global community of changemakers from across
192 countries. Together, this community unlocked thepotential for individuals and communities to shape thefuture as they engaged in critical conversations anddelivered real-life solutions to real-life challenges.
The PPP was structured on the basis of five key tracks
centred on creating value for the global community.
The Vision 2071 track focused on issues of strategic
importance to the UAE’s vision for its future.

EXPO 2020 DUBAI’S PROGRAMMEFOR PEOPLE AND PLANET TRACKSBUILD BRIDGESTHE CULTURALTRACK

LEAVE NO ONE BEHIND
THE SOCIALDEVELOPMENT TRACKLIVE IN BALANCETHE SUSTAINABILITYTRACK

THRIVE TOGETHER
THE BUSINESSTRACK

UAE VISION 2071
THE CENTENNIAL
TRACK

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

Each track entailed different series of events and experiences:

TRACKSBUILD
BRIDGESEVENT SERIESLEAVE NOONE BEHIND

LIVE IN
BALANCETHRIVETOGETHER

UAE VISION
2071• Cultures inConversation• Reaching the Last
Mile

• Sustainability @Expo• Global Business
Forums• Dignified
Storytelling• SDG Programme• Conservation for
Hope• Thematic Business
Forums• Coming Full Circle• Country Business
Briefings• Best Practice Area

• Seeds of Change• Global Best
Practice
Programme Guide• Plastics Pledge• Business Connect
Centre• World Majlis• Women in Arabia
and Islam• Global Best
Practice
Programme• Spotlights on Africa• Ministerial Dinners• International Days

• Women’s World
Majlis• Expo Live Impact
SeriesPRODUCTSAND
EXPERIENCES• Children’s Tales
from Around theWorld• Visitor Journeys• Flip Your World
View (FYWV)• Global Best
Practice
Programme:
How to Scale
Up Innovative
Solutions Guide• Business Calendar• Expo 2020 B2B
App• Business Visitor
Journeys• Women’s Pavilion• The Good Place

THE PROGRAMME IN NUMBERS

229 events

2,000+ speakers

More than 200
youth voices
spotlighted

Adopted by 192
countries

Over 19,000

Over 29 million
virtual participants

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participants

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEVENT SERIES

Cultures in Conversation:
Spotlighted the wealth of cultural diversity at Expo
2020, demonstrating that cultural practices andtraditions commonly hold similarities across different
countries and regions.

Sustainability@Expo:
Spotlighted Expo 2020’s sustainability efforts as well as
countries across the Expo 2020 site that demonstrated
sustainability through their pavilion content, design,
programming, and operations.

Thematic Business Forums (TBF):
Highlighting non-traditional business opportunities,
technologies and progress achieved by the UAE. The
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI)
collaborated with Expo 2020 in the delivery of theseforums (with the exception of TBF Tolerance & Inclusivity).

Global Business Forums:
Expo 2020, in partnership with Dubai Chamber, hosted
three Global Business Forums (GBFs): Africa, Latin
America, and, for the first time, ASEAN.

Best Practice Area:
The Global Best Practice Programme was a platform forshowcasing simple yet impactful interventions that localised
the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The programme
spotlighted select projects and culminated in a multifunctional
exhibition and programming space. To read more about the
programme, please refer to chapter 4 of this report.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYWorld Majlis:
Expo 2020’s signature platform for Connecting Minds,
designed to spark exchanges that pave the way for abetter future.

Expo Live:The programming series showcased the importance ofsocial entrepreneurs in identifying grassroot approaches
to global challenges while catalysing opportunities for new
partnerships. Expo Live also accelerated creative solutions
through the Innovation Impact Grant Programme andUniversity Innovation Programme. To read more about Expo
Live, please refer to section 2E of this chapter.

Women’s Pavilion:
The pavilion’s programming showcased how peace,
prosperity, and sustainability can be achieved throughequal and active participation of women.

Dignified Storytelling:
Led by Expo 2020 and Dubai Cares, the Dignified
Storytelling initiative aimed to create a storytelling
ecosystem that upheld the dignity and respect of all
persons and, in so doing, contributed to the SDGs.

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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESPPP PRODUCTS AND OUTREACH
People & Planet Podcast
Inspired by the PPP and produced by Kerning Cultures Network, this podcast brought inchangemakers from all over the world to break down what it will take to create a sustainable
future for the planet.

Children’s Tales from Around the World
A collection of stories chosen to help children aged five to 12 explore various differences andshared values, broaden their world view, and gain a greater appreciation of their own heritage, in
addition to developing a love of reading. Many of the featured stories were contributed by someof Expo’s 192 participating countries, after having been passed down through generations.

Expo 2020’s Declaration for People & Planet
On March 30, 2022, Expo 2020 officially unveiled its “Declaration for People and Planet” whichbuilds on the achievements of the Programme for People and Planet. The declaration emphasised
the necessity of concerted action and recognises a movement that will last long after Expo 2020.

Seeds of Change
Seeds of Change was a visitor engagement platform that showcased inspiring projects around theworld and guided Expo’s carbon offset investments. Visitors contributed by nominating a certified
carbon offset project, within their country or International Organisation, that has both social andenvironmental benefits. There was no cost incurred on the visitor’s part for nominating a project.

Plastics Pledge
Expo 2020 invited countries to sign the Plastics Pledge and minimise the impact of single-use
plastics during the event.

Flip Your World View
Expo 2020 worked with Gapminder Foundation, a Sweden-based NGO specialising in dismantling
misconceptions in order to promote a fact-based worldview. Flip Your World View was featured
across Expo 2020’s Global Goals Week as a key component of the ‘Build Bridges’ cultural track
and was spotlighted across countries’ national days.

Dignified Storytelling Handbook
The Dignified Storytelling Handbook is a resource to help storytellers and organisations promoteand employ storytelling practices that are grounded in a deep respect for human dignity.

Expo 2020 Business to Business (B2B) Application (App)The Expo 2020 B2B App convened all Expo 2020 business stakeholders and visitors from aroundthe world on a unique AI-powered platform. The app sought to facilitate impactful B2B, Business toGovernment (B2G) and Government to Government (G2G) connections. Anyone was able to download
the app and use features such as networking, connecting, chatting, and scheduling meetings.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

How to Scale Up Innovative Solutions Guide and Global Best Practice Programme Guide
As part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Global Best Practice Programme, the How to Scale Up Innovative
Solutions Guide was developed as a tool to assist social enterprises and entrepreneurs inmaximizing their social impact. The Global Best Practice Programme Guide explores different
methods for scaling up solutions through case studies chosen from Best Practice Area initiatives
and other organisations.

Change the World ChallengeThis challenge took place across the entire Expo 2020 site to engage visitors with the UN
SDGs. The activation started during Global Goals week and ran until the end of event time. Morethan 80,000 visitors took part in the challenge over the course of its 10-week activation, withparticipants contributing more than 57,000 ‘to-do’ notes in support of the SDGs, and close to
12,000 visitors completing the entire challenge.

THEME WEEKSThe Programme for People and Planet hosted 10
theme weeks throughout the six months of Expo 2020.
The theme weeks explored humanity’s most criticalchallenges and opportunities through cultural, social,environmental, and economic lenses. The PPP also
ensured the integration of the following cross-cutting
themes in its programming and activations: youth,
women and girls, technology, innovation, and creativity.

THEME WEEK

Expo 2020 invited all participating countries,
partners, and international organisations to align theirprogramming with the theme weeks by amplifying
communications and spotlighting their unique voices on
the issues addressed across programming. This collective
effort ensured a legacy that added value to the discourse
surrounding each thematic pillar with a national, regional,
and international impact. The 10 Theme Weeks are
outlined below.

FOCUS AREAS

DATES• Climate Change• Disaster risk management• Circular and green economy

3-9 October, 2021

• At-risk regions
CLIMATE AND
BIODIVERSITY• Natural resource and biodiversity conservation• Space exploration• Governance and law

17-23 October, 2021

• Space data and remote sensing
SPACE• Cities and informal settlements• Service delivery (water, energy, waste, etc.)• Urban planning and infrastructure• Transportation
URBAN & RURAL
DEVELOPMENT• Integrated rural development

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31 October-6 November,
2021

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSTHEME WEEK

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

FOCUS AREAS

DATES• Multiculturalism, co-existence, and interfaith understanding• Indigenous communities and cultures• Accessibility (including people of determination)

14-20 November, 2021

• Peace and security
TOLERANCE &INCLUSIVITY• Inclusive dialogue and responsible reporting (media andpublic forums)• Future of education and work
• Skills and TVET (technical and vocational education andtraining)
KNOWLEDGE &LEARNING

12-18 December, 2021

• Informal education/knowledge systems• Digital connectivity• e-governance• Smart mobility

9-15 January, 2022

• Supply chains and trade
TRAVEL &CONNECTIVITY• Travel• Last-mile delivery• Women and girls

15-22 January, 2022

• Livelihoods and enterprise development
GLOBAL GOALS• Healthcare systems• Health-tech (telemedicine)• Community-led health delivery

27 January-2 February,
2022• Wellbeing and happiness
HEALTH & WELLNESS• Food systems• Food waste and safety• Value chains and smallholder farming
FOOD, AGRICULTURE& LIVELIHOODS

17-23 February, 2022

• Food and nutrition security• Water management• Oceans and ocean economies• Water-based ecosystems

20-26 March, 2022

• WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene)
WATER

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

INTERNATIONAL DAYS
Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet celebrated 15 International Days during the six months of theevent. The International Days were co-curated with partners representing UAE entities and International Organisations.
Each International Day provided a platform to address global issues through inclusive and thought-provoking
conversations and creative activations that engaged audiences internationally and Expo 2020 visitors onsite.
International Days celebrated as part of the Programme included World Food Day, World Cities Day, International Day
for Tolerance, World Children’s Day, International Day of Persons with Disabilities, International Volunteer Day, Universal
Health Coverage Day, UN Arabic Language Day, International Day of Education, International Day of Women and Girls in
Science, World Wildlife Day, International Women’s Day, International Day of Happiness, Mother’s Day and World Water
Day. A snapshot of PPP outputs is included below.
THEME WEEK: CLIMATETHEME WEEK: GLOBAL GOALS WEEKOUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:OUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• DP World announced a pledge to combat illegal

wildlife trade by 2030 and called on governments
around the world to commit to zero tolerance of
wildlife trafficking.

• Policy paper entitled “Mountain Education andInnovation Manifesto” (Italy – UNIMONT led) was
launched the day following the Reaching for theStars: Sustainable and Climate Resilient Mountain
Development event during the youth forum held by
the Italian Pavilion at Expo 2020.

• The flagship event of the week, “The People’s

Promise for Climate Impact” brought together
young changemakers from around the globe aheadof COP26 and captured their message for climate
action with a video “The People’s Word”. The video
was showcased at COP26 in Glasgow as part of the
UK Government Youth and Public Empowerment
Showcase.

• First Global Goals Week hosted outside of the United
Nations HQ in New York.

• Joint statement (referred to as the tri-lateraldeclaration) by the UAE, Netherlands and Jordan was
issued on the last day of the Water-Food-Energy
Nexus conference.

THEME WEEK: FOOD, AGRICULTURE AND LIVELIHOODSWEEKOUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• Launched the Arabic version of ‘The Chef’s Manifesto’,an action plan for less wasteful, more nutritious, andsustainable food for all

THEME WEEK: WORLD FOOD DAY
OUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:

Agreements signed and/or renewed:
THEME WEEK: URBAN & RURAL DEVELOPMENT WEEKOUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• Based on the learning and knowledge gained throughits participatory slum improvement programmes, UNHabitat released its roadmap for last-mile delivery toslums and informal settlements.

THEME WEEK: TRAVEL & CONNECTIVITY WEEK• Letter of Intent to promote a campaign for “Healthy
Diets from Sustainable Food Systems” between the
UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment,
UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention, Emirates
Nature-WWF, and the Food and Agriculture
Organisation (FAO).

• UAE-FAO agreement to support the FAO’s “Hand-

in-Hand Initiative: Zimbabwe Project for Smallholder
Horticulture Recovery & Inclusion”.

OUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• The AgriTech pilot project by Smart Africa & theEstonian ICT Cluster platform was announced
during this week. The objective of this platform wasto aid countries and organisations in developing
cutting-edge digital societies, increase the global
competitiveness of businesses, and improve the staff’s
skills and credentials.

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THEME WEEK: WORLD WILDLIFE DAY
OUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

announced the launch of the UAE National Red List (anevaluation of the extinction risk of more than 1,000
species in the UAE, including conservation plans andprogrammes for the species and their habitats).

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESTHEME WEEK: UNIVERSAL HEALTH COVERAGE DAY
OUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• The World Health Organisation launched the Global

Monitoring Report on Financial Protection in Health2021 and the 2021 Universal Health Coverage (UHC)
Global Monitoring Report..

THEME WEEK: SUSTAINABLE ACTION THROUGHENTERTAINMENTOUTCOMES AND OUTUTS:• Under the umbrella of the PPP, rock legends Coldplay

inspired audiences at the Al Wasl Plaza with a concert
and called for sustainable action.

PARTICIPANTS AND PARTNERS

16 ‘IN ASSOCIATION WITH’PARTNERS• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment• DP World• UAE Space Agency• Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre• UN Habitat• Siemens• Aga Khan Development Network• UAE Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence• Dubai Cares• Etisalat• Emirates• United Nations• World Health Organization• Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and
Health Sciences• PepsiCo• UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure

17 UAE PARTNERS

To learn more about Expo 2020’s Programme for People
and Planet, kindly visit the following websites:
WATCH
PPP Events on Expo 2020’s Virtual Expo Platform

20 UN AGENCIES AND OFFICES
22 COMMERCIAL PARTNERS

PPP Wikipedia

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYINSPIREAEXPO 2020’S COMMITMENT
TO PEOPLE
Hosting the first World Expoin the region presented aunique opportunity for key
stakeholders to collaborate
and contribute to positively
impact worker welfare andsafeguard a meaningful
legacy. Worker welfare
is a social responsibility
which was significant toExpo 2020’s objectiveof delivering the mostsustainable Expo in history.

RESPECTING PEOPLE’S RIGHTS
Expo 2020 is committed to the health, safety, welfare, and rights of all
workers working with Expo 2020 or on its behalf. Expo 2020 worked
alongside UAE federal entities and partners to further advance its worker
welfare standards throughout its operations.
Expo 2020 required all organisations supporting the delivery of Expo 2020,
including third-party developers, contractors, and partners, to share theirworker welfare commitments and standards. Throughout the pre-eventand event phases, Expo 2020 monitored, supported, and encouraged
the companies it worked with to ensure the Expo 2020 worker welfare
standards were adhered to and made an integral component of operations.
In collaboration with its partners and contractors, Expo 2020 successfully
fostered a positive culture of worker welfare over the years.

POLICIES AND STANDARDS
Expo 2020 put the welfare of those working on its site first by adopting
and implementing world-class policies, standards, and procedures acrossits organisation. The worker welfare policy commitments and AssuranceStandards outlined the contractor’s obligations for ensuring that all workers
were protected and cared for at all times.
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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESThe Worker Welfare Policy and Assurance Standards were formulated in line with applicable UAE laws andinternational best practices. Expo 2020 served as an opportunity to raise worker welfare standards in the country, as
well as set new benchmarks for the wider construction industry in the region. The Expo 2020 Worker Welfare teamcomprised sector, regional and international specialists. They continually monitored contractor compliance against
Expo 2020’s worker welfare commitments through conducting regular audits and ensuring that corrective actions
were implemented.

Worker Welfare Policy
Expo 2020’s Worker Welfare Policy was applicable to all organisations working to deliver Expo 2020. The policy
consisted of 10 key principles in line with the international guidance on workers’ rights, including the International
Labour Organization (ILO) and the United Nations (UN). Organisations and employers were required to comply with
Expo 2020’s policy in line with the following:

Ensuring fair and free recruitment

Paying employees’ wages and benefits ontime and in full

Ensuring that employees understand theterms and conditions of their employment

Allowing employees the freedom to exercise
their in-country legal rights without fear of
reprisalTreating employees equally and without
discrimination

Providing a safe and healthy working andliving environment

Protecting and preserving the welfare of
employees and not tolerating harassment orabuse of any kind

Providing access to grievance mechanisms
and remediation

Respecting the right of employees to retain
their personal documents

Ensuring that bonded, indentured, forced, or
child labour is not used

Worker Welfare Assurance Standards
To demonstrate effective leadership,
Expo 2020 encouraged its partners
to implement the Worker Welfare
Assurance Standards. The objectiveof the standards was to establish
consistent employment conditions
across Expo 2020’s supply chain
and operations. Expo 2020’s Worker
Welfare Assurance Standards
applied to all organisations
working to deliver Expo 2020.
The requirements covered in thestandards include:

Procurement
qualifications

Free and fairrecruitment

Wages and working
hours

Quality oftransportation

Accommodation
facilities

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CHILD AND FORCED LABOUR
Expo 2020 did not engage in, or condone, the exploitation of children or unlawful employment. Expo 2020’s Worker
Welfare Policy and the Worker Welfare Assurance Standards covered Expo 2020’s requirements to prevent child andforced labour practices. During the reporting period, no incidents of non-compliance concerning child labour or forced
labour were recorded. Expo 2020 imposed the following stringent controls to ensure compliance with the Worker
Welfare Assurance Standards:
Routine Audits

Worker Hotline

Expo 2020 conducted six audits every month toensure contractors did not employ children under theage of 18. Contractors submitted sample documentswith employees’ dates of birth to support meeting therequirements.

Workers were free to complain anonymously about
any breach of law, including suspected child labouror any aspect of forced or compulsory labour. During
the reporting period, no incidents of non-complianceconcerning child labour or forced labour were recorded.
recorded.

Expo 2020 conducted regular audits to ensure all work
was voluntary. Contractors submitted sample documents
related to passport retention, salary payments,
recruitment fees, contracts, and annual leave. This
ensured forced, or any other human and labour rights
violations were not practiced.
Supply Chain Questionnaire
Expo 2020 required suppliers to complete aquestionnaire describing the measures they will take tocomply with the requirements outlined in Expo 2020’s
worker welfare policy.

Worker Connect
Expo 2020’s Worker Connect application contained a‘Know Your Rights’ section. The section highlighted thelegal requirements on salary payments, possession of
personal documents, employment contracts, leave andrecruitment. It also allowed workers to raise anonymouscomplaints about these topics using the ‘Report an Issue’
section. The application was accessible to all workers at
Expo 2020 in multiple languages.

Interviews with Workers
Workers were expected to show identification with
proof of age which permitted them to work on the site.
Interviewers collected information from workers on
their access to personal documents, frequency of salary
payments, recruitment fees and contractual agreementswith employers.

Human Rights Assessment Procedures Conducted Among Expo 2020’s
Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers

1st April 2021 – 31st
March 2022

Total number of compliance audits, prequalification audits, risk assessment audits289

Total number of attendees for auditor training

45

Total number of attendees for worker welfare forums

81

Total number of new companies

40

There were no incidents of human rights violations reported during the reporting period.

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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 WORKERS’ MONUMENTThe Expo 2020 workers’ monument celebrated the people who built the Expo 2020 site. Constructing the vast Expo
2020 site required the combined effort of more than 200,000 workers for 240 million hours.
The monument was designed as a visual testament to honour the contributions of Expo 2020 workers. It consisted of
38 columns inscribed with the names of every construction worker involved in the construction and development of
the Expo 2020 site. An individual worker may locate their name in each circular, two-metre-tall column built of Omani
limestone, which looks like “a book in a library”.

NON-DISCRIMINATION
Expo 2020’s Code of Conduct emphasised treating
co-workers respectfully and in a non-discriminatory
manner. Expo 2020 employees adhered to its values of
excellence, collaboration, humility, integrity and respect,which resulted in consistently recording zero cases of
discrimination across the reporting cycle.
As Expo 2020 reflected the UAE’s principles ofmulticulturalism and inclusivity, it pledged to create apositive social impact on all its stakeholders, startingfrom within its own ranks. For its workforce, Expo 2020
created a working environment where the workforce
felt valued regardless of their background, identity, or
circumstances. Expo 2020 adopted a zero-tolerance
approach toward discrimination. As the first World Expo
held in the MEASA region, Expo 2020 helped foster apositive environment for gender equality by prioritising
women’s leadership opportunities and guaranteeing
equal opportunities for participation, regardless ofgender.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYANTI-CORRUPTIONACCESSIBILITY

Expo 2020 adopted a zero-tolerance approach to
any malpractice or fraudulent act that could affectthe organisation’s integrity. Accordingly, it conductedfraud risk management training for all employees. Thissession was attended by employees from different
functions and included awareness on anti-corruption
and anti-bribery practices. The training covered
guidance on the standards of professional conduct
as per Expo 2020’s Code of Conduct. The Code of
Conduct was communicated by the Human Resource
team and is accessible to all Expo 2020 employees.
Expo 2020 also prepared a fraud risk register which
included risks related to corruption for key functions
including Procurement, Finance, Revenue and Ticketing
Operations.

In the UAE, people with disabilities are officially referred
to as People of Determination (POD). The term reflects
the UAE’s mission to create an inclusive, barrier-free,rights-based society.

Moreover, the Employee Conflict of Interest Policy
guided all employees to report any observed or
perceived interests that could adversely impact theorganisation and its operations. It also emphasised thatany recorded case of non-compliance would be subject
to disciplinary action. Furthermore, Expo 2020 required
its suppliers to abide by the Supplier Conflict of Interest
Policy and observe the highest standards of businessethics. The Supplier Conflict of Interest Policy specified
suppliers’ responsibilities, including requirements toavoid engaging in business relationships or situations
that could compromise their contractual commitments
toward Expo 2020.
Expo 2020’s Whistleblowing Policy empowered
employees to report any violations related tomalpractice or fraudulent activity. It prohibited retaliation
or intimidation toward the whistle-blower and provided
multiple avenues of possible reporting, such as direct
meetings, phone calls or emails. The policy applied toall employees (including seconded and outsourced
employees), volunteers, consultants, and others working
within Expo 2020.
During the reporting cycle, Expo 2020 reported no
incidents of corruption and there were no cases of
disciplinary actions toward employees due to corruption
practices. Similarly, there were no incidents of business
contract termination or renewal issues due to violations
related to corruption.

With inclusion being one of UAE’s key values, the teambehind Expo 2020 represented a diverse and inclusive
community dedicated to delivering an exceptional event
for all. PODs who were part of Expo 2020’s employees
and volunteers played an active role in shaping theExpo 2020 experience to be inclusive and accessible
for all visitors. Expo 2020 was committed to creating
opportunities for PODs to be part of a global experiencethat celebrated the world’s diversity and promoted
inclusivity. Expo 2020 empowered PODs in the UAE
by providing them with employment opportunities; asa result, the Expo 2020 offices were designed to beaccessible by PODs.
Expo 2020 worked with accessibility experts toincorporate accessibility into its building designs. The
UAE PODs community was regularly engaged througha series of accessibility forums. This helped Expo 2020
gain insights and develop a thorough understanding of
the complete journey of PODs. Furthermore, Expo 2020
rolled out an internal awareness programme to educate
staff on how to best interact with PODs. As a result, Expo
2020 was one of the most accessible global events everto be held in the region and was enjoyed by millions ofvisitors of different needs.
Expo 2020 received the International Board of Sensory
Accessibility (IBSA) certification, which was a first for an
event in the MENA region and in the history of World
Expos. The certification was presented to Expo 2020 by
Sensory Access, the body responsible for assessing Expo2020’s accessibility measures. The certificate came after
an audit of all pavilions and the experiences createdby Expo 2020 through the Sensory Rating Cards. The
cards were available for each pavilion and measured
the impact of six sensory criteria – sight, smell, light,
terrain, touch, and sound. This ensured people who areneuro-diverse were able to fully enjoy Expo 2020, withinformed choices on what works for them and theirfamilies.
Events such as the International Day of Persons with
Disabilities, White Cane Walk, International Day of Sign
Language, World Autism Awareness Day, and the UN
International Day for Accessibility were celebrated at
Expo 2020 among other events to raise awareness on
the importance of inclusive accessibility.

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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESACCESSIBILITY ASSESSMENT
Expo 2020 compiled a wide range of multi-disciplinary efforts to improve accessibility and inclusion. It conductedcomprehensive assessments, discussions for improvement opportunities, and training sessions to address accessibility
and universal design provisions related to:

The built environment consisting of publicareas, pavilions, events, and transportation.

The service delivery model consisting ofcustomer service, ticketing, and emergency
response.

The digital environment consisting of
websites, applications, and portals.

The visitor experience aspects of exhibitions,
events, and displays throughout Expo 2020.

Expo 2020 completed accessibility assessments for the areas open to thegeneral public. These accessibility assessments were initiated by Expo 2020
to understand accessibility and inclusion performance levels in order toenable future improvement efforts during the legacy phase. This paved theway for enhancing the visitor experience of PODs and provided guidance toaddress accessibility issues at the Expo 2020 site. Expo 2020 conducted theassessment for the following areas:

External Common
Areas

Arrival Plazas &Visitor Centres

Self-Built Pavilions

Assisted/Shared Pavilions

Sports, Fitness andWellbeing Hub

Attractions

Live Events

Transport

Wayfinding (information systems that help individuals navigate
a physical location and improve their understanding of, andinteraction with, the space)

VISITORS’ FEEDBACK
To gather feedback and identify areas for improvement, Expo 2020 invited
PODs with different accessibility needs to the test events. Feedback
collected from PODs during the test events supported in identifying areas for
improvement in Expo 2020’s operations and customer service. Upon receiving

the feedback, Expo 2020 actioned
improvement plans to resolve
any identified accessibility issues.
Expo 2020 provided appropriate
training to the teams responsible formanaging transportation, car parks,
and ticketing. Additionally, digital
guides were circulated to the teams
responsible for cleaning, security,
Visitor Information Centres, and IPs.

INCLUSIVE TOURSGroups of PODs who represented
various entities and organisations
visited the Expo 2020 site during
the test events. As a result, it wasnecessary to provide guidance as
to which pavilions would provide
the best experiences for PODs.
Therefore, Expo 2020 createduniversally designed tours.
The universally designed tour
programmes were organised into
specific categories tailored to people
with mobility, vision, hearing, andneurological/sensory impairments.
Additionally, Expo 2020 created an‘Access to Pavilions and Exhibits’
guide and provided training on
how to perform inclusive tours for
PODs. Some of the tours delivered
included tours for the Zayed
Higher Organisation and Emirates
Association of the Visually Impaired.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYKEY FEATURES FOR PEOPLE OF DETERMINATION
Throughout the Expo 2020 site, there were a variety ofservices and provisions for PODs. The following measures
were implemented on the Expo 2020 site to ensure an
exceptional visitor experience for PODs:
General features• Dedicated accessible parking zones for PODs.
• Expo Rider buses were wheelchair accessible.
• Transport buggies to the entry portals wereaccessible for PODs.

• Tickets were free of charge for all PODs and at half
price for their companion.

• Some pavilions had dedicated entrances for PODs.

If not, PODs could access the VIP entrances or show
their sunflower lanyards at the main entrances.
Sunflower lanyards (also known as ‘hidden
impairment lanyards’) were available to indicate
additional assistance was required or to ensure
appropriate and timely access was provided at
entrances to pavilions. These were distributed free ofcharge.

• PODway application (formerly PODium), designed inpartnership with SAP and assisted PODs in navigating
the Expo 2020 site.
– It helped PODs navigate the Expo 2020 site
comfortably, highlighting accessible features ineach pavilion– Included an option to nominate a person tocontact in the event of an emergency through theapplication.
– The PODway application featured an SOS button
to receive immediate on-site assistance throughgeo-tracking capabilities.

• Four relief areas for visitors with service dogs,

including dogs that guide people who are blind or
have low-vision; detect impending seizures (epilepsy);alert to critical sounds (deaf or hard of hearing); andprovide reassurance (anxiety/autism).

• Dedicated seating for PODs at select events.
• Seven First Aid posts were open seven days a week.

All staff working in these centres were fully qualified
and equipped to provide visitors with the necessary
care as required.

• Staff across the seven Visitor Information Centres at

the Expo 2020 site were trained on how to help PODs.

Features for visitors with reduced mobility• Changing Places toilets with adjustable heightbenches, hand wash basins and hoists, a first in the
UAE to be installed outside of a medical facility.

• Standard accessible toilets were available across the
Expo 2020 site.

• Accessible buggies with ramps.
• Standard and electric wheelchairs.
• Electric wheelchair charging stations.
• Level and step-free access were available in every

area and every pavilion within Expo 2020 (including
key attractions such as the Garden in the Sky
experience).

• More than 150 evacuation chairs were spread acrossthe site to evacuate safely and quickly those with
reduced mobility in the event of an emergency.

• A range of service counters, Automated Teller

Machines (ATMs) and drinking fountains were installedat accessible heights.

• Dedicated viewing areas for visitors with reduced

mobility in parts of Expo 2020 and select attractions.

• Dedicated areas for wheelchair users at event venues.
Features for deaf or hard-of-hearing visitors• Hearing induction loops (also known as hearing
enhancement systems) were provided at key
locations such as the Thematic Pavilions anddedicated counters such as Visitor Information
Centres and retail counters.

• Communication cards were available at Visitor

Information Centres for non-speaking individuals.

• Sign language interpretation was provided inInternational Sign (IS) language for select official
speeches, talks and ceremonies.

• Open captions that are always in view on select digital
experiences and videos throughout Expo 2020.

• Select events provided live captioning, either directly

on a screen or accessed via a link and viewed on a
personal smartphone. For other events, subtitles wereadded to videos afterward, where possible.

Features for blind or low-vision visitors• Tactile paving was provided within the Expo 2020 site
in standard locations for wayfinding guidance and as
a warning for any changes in elevation levels.

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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES• Braille and tactile map boards were provided within

the Thematic Districts and included embossed images
with audio output.

• Select areas were equipped with 3D tactile models

and features. Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion and
Alif – The Mobility Pavilion offered a touch tour, which
was an opportunity for visually-impaired visitors toexperience the exhibits in a highly personalised way.

• Audio narration was available at select country
pavilions.

• Various exhibits in the Thematic Pavilions and aroundthe public realm had scannable codes with audio
descriptions in Arabic and English.

• Braille signage was available at select areas such as
the Visitor Information Centres.

Features for autistic visitors, visitors prone to epilepsyor those who have sensory processing difficulties• Sensory rating cards were available for each pavilion,
measuring the impact of six sensory criteria – sight,
smell, light, terrain, touch, and sound. The cards also
indicated areas that featured strobing lights acrossExpo 2020 site.

• Social narratives and visual stories were available for

the Expo 2020 Thematic Pavilions, providing detailed
information along with sensory icons.

• Ear defenders and sunglasses were available for use.
• Communication cards were available at Visitor
Information Centres for non-speaking individuals.

• Quiet rooms were available in Visitor Information
Centres, providing spaces for visitors who feeloverstimulated, overwhelmed, or anxious.

SENSORY ACCESSIBLE EVENT
This certificate is proudly presented to

EXPO 2020 DUBAIThis certifies that the World Expo (Expo 2020 Dubai) meets all thecriteria to be a Sensory Accessible Event.
To be awarded on October 1, 2021 through March 31st, 2022

Sensory Access Director

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDY
WHEN WOMEN THRIVE, ALL OF HUMANITY THRIVES:WOMEN’S PAVILIONThe UAE has continued its commitment towards Gender Equality and Women’s
Empowerment (GEWE). Expo 2020 reflected the UAE’s vision in promoting GEWE, and the
Women’s Pavilion was a central and critical component of this vision.
The Women’s Pavilion, under the exhibition title of“New Perspectives”, was curated by Expo 2020 incollaboration with Cartier. Under the theme, ‘When
Women Thrive, Humanity Thrives’, the pavilion
celebrated and honoured women on local, regionaland global levels. The objective behind the pavilion
was to enlighten the public about the contributions
women have made and continue to make in society. It
highlighted the immense and often overlooked positive
impact women achieved while facing challenges related
to inequality.
The Women’s Pavilion emphasised that the only way
to peace, prosperity, and sustainability is through thefull and equal participation of women in society. The
Women in Arabia and Islam series was one of theways Expo 2020 helped achieve this objective by
providing a platform to celebrate the role of Arab andMuslim women from the MEASA region and across130 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

the world. The series showcased their contributions
and achievements across multiple fields and openly
challenged stereotypes and biases. Through the
Women’s Pavilion, Expo 2020 provided a platform tobring the world together to tackle global challenges,
encouraging visitors to become part of the positivechange.
Throughout the six months of Expo 2020, the Women’s
Pavilion attracted more than 330,000 visitors. Its
Majlis hosted nearly 500 world leaders, field experts,
and inspirational speakers from different regions,backgrounds and generations. It held around 170 events.
Building on the success achieved in the event phase,
Expo 2020 intends to maintain the Women’s Pavilion
as a lasting fixture and continue driving GEWE in the
MEASA region.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESThe key learnings derived from all the engagements to achieve GEWE globally are summarised as follows:
For real change, make it law andbreak negative norms

Education and mentorship canbe silver bullets

For GEWE to succeed, social norms andlegislation must advance on an equal footing.

Put more efforts in rethinking ways out of bias
and stereotypes, in both informal and formal
education.

Law needs to go hand-in-hand with societal
change. Legal change is vulnerable without social
norms moving in tandem.
Top-down guidance is imperative. World leadersneed to commit to GEWE and steer change fromthe top to achieve unprecedented results towards
the equal participation of men and women.

Remove stereotypes from curricula, textbooks,
and narratives. Unconscious bias places
imbalances of power throughout life. Thus, there isa need to recognise and change the deeply rooted
stereotypes transmitted through school systems,
curricula, and textbooks.

Bottom-up community engagement is essential.
Local communities must be engaged to define
their ambitions and boundaries on GEWE,
challenging the idea that gender equality andwomen empowerment is a western agenda.

Breaking the generational cycle through active
education. Women who receive an education
themselves are more likely to support theirdaughters to be educated and empowered.
Breaking the cycle also means educating boys torespect girls from a young age.

Economic ownership rights are crucial. Powerbalances are often set by women’s economic
status and access to resources. Ensuring equality
in economic rights can be a transformative levertowards women’s empowerment.

Media can help shatter negative stereotypes.
Media, from talk shows to social media, can play
an important role in providing spaces to haveimportant conversations on societal norms andstandards.

Take a seat at every decisionmaking table

Promoting gender equality in STEM education.
There needs to be a structural solution to increase
the instream and retention of women in STEM.
STEM education needs to be introduced to girls
at an early stage. Furthermore, women scientists
need to be present as role models to provide
young girls with the confidence to succeed in STEM
professions.

Ensure a GEWE lens at every level to avoid atokenistic top, a hollow middle, and a crowded
starting point.
The system’s architecture needs to change. To
ensure an equal number of women at all thedecision-making tables, there is a need to consider
the entire ecosystem, both the public and theprivate sector.

Personal and professional growth mentorship.
Mentorship, formal and informal, has proven to
be of great importance to ensure women stay
involved and grow throughout their careers.

Boost creativity with a diversity of perspectives.
A diversity of perspectives will result in better
decision-making for all. It will lead to innovationand creative solutions, as those involved bringa range of knowledge about the issues and are
uniquely invested in the outcomes.
Introduce quotas. Public and private sector leadersagreed that, while not ideal, quotas seem to be anecessary instrument to accelerate the pace ofchange.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

For an unbiased future: fix data andshowcase evidence

Gender mainstreaming is
crucial for success

Do not feed AI algorithms the gender-biased data
sets of today, as inequality will be hard-wired into
future decision-making processes.

GEWE should not be separate agenda items, as“women’s issues” are “societal issues”

Prevent bias from being coded into systems.
With new technologies taking off, there is a riskof undoing the progress made in gender equality
and further institutionalising invisible biases. Muchof the current data sets are biased towards malestandards as it is primarily men taking part incoding opportunities.
Making evidence visible helps address bias. Factsand figures on gender bias in the world shouldbe easily accessible for all those that want to usethem to convince others of the existing biases,
stereotypes, and consequences.
Gender-disaggregation as a strategy to advance
GEWE. Developing policies to advance GEWE
requires a granular understanding of the needs ofthe population.
Gender-disaggregation as a tool to open newmarkets. There is a large untapped potential ineconomic growth regarding products and services
targeting the needs of women and girls.

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Governments should set standards for genderdifferentiated data. Using evidence-based data
as a basis should be part of a strong culture ofeffective policymaking.
Women can benefit much more from trade andinvestment deals. Female perspectives are often
disregarded in trade policies and wider foreign
policies. Women-led businesses are also often
excluded from start-up community or angel
investments, a form of equity financing.
Habitats with improved access to education, careservices and other amenities. Ensuring easy accessto education and care services in residential areas
can reduce the burden of unpaid care work. In
addition, measures such as designing safer andmore comfortable public spaces, including more
walkable streets, open gathering spaces, well-lit
and CCTV covered pathways, public spaces andbus routes.
Gender-mainstreaming requires increased
attention. There is a need to accelerate efforts but
also acknowledge that, when done in a serious
manner, gender-mainstreaming will often demandthe (re)organisation, improvement, and evaluationof a large number of policy processes.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESTHE ZAY INITIATIVEThe Zay Initiative was founded by Dr. Reem El Mutwalli
in 2019 to collect and contextualise garments fromdiverse populations of the Arab World. The teampreserve the history of the Middle East to demonstrate
the interconnectedness of societies past and present.
The history of the garments narrates the stories of
movement, displacement, achievement, taste and trend.
In preserving and exhibiting garment heritage, the Zay
Initiative disseminates specialist knowledge to the wider
audience with an immersive set of exhibitions and artisticcollaborations. It has built the region’s first digital archiveand a digital dictionary of terms focused on dress andadornment.
The Five Pillars of the Zay Initiative are to:• Collect, document and conserve Arab dress andadornment• Present and contextualise through a digital archiveand blog• Inspire and educate designers to create for asustainable future• Empower women regionally and globally by bringing
their untold stories to life

Under the theme, ‘An ode to the past, a nod to the future’,
the Zay Initiative conducted an exhibition at the Women’s
Pavilion at Expo 2020 named ‘Draped in Heritage’.
As a part of this exhibition, twenty trailblazing womendraped in historical outfits from the Zay Collection were
pictured within the setting of their current field of work
to showcase their achievements. Expo 2020 celebrated
the UAE’s 50th anniversary and showcased UAE womenachieving excellence across many disciplines, groundedin the past whilst looking forward to the future.
The exhibition reaffirmed that the equality andempowerment of women do not look the same acrossthe board and can be anchored in the cultural heritage
and traditions that uphold her.

• Encourage intercultural dialogue to highlight theworld’s shared humanity

Women’s equality and empowerment is not a choice. But it is a necessity. To me, it has always been clear thatpolicies, practices, and outcomes are better when the female perspective is present and embedded. The UAE has
recognised this since its own inception and the Women’s Pavilion at Expo is a tribute to that perspective, while also
being a call for action that our collective futures can only be prosperous when women are an equal part of it.
HER EXCELLENCY REEM AL HASHIMYCABINET MEMBER, UAE MINISTER OF STATE FOR INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
AND DIRECTOR GENERAL - EXPO 2020 DUBAI BUREAUEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYB
PEOPLE OF EXPO 2020
Expo 2020 considers its people its greatest asset and the driving force of the organisation’sachievements. It has been committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplaceacross its operations. Through a performance-driven culture, Expo 2020 continued to develop
a highly-skilled workforce with a strong sense of responsibility and commitment.

EMPLOYEE DIVERSITY
Expo 2020 committed to creating a workplace that
attracted, retained, and advanced exceptional talent. It
was dedicated to maintaining a diverse and inclusive
workplace where all employees could maximise
their professional and interpersonal skills. Its diverse
workforce comprised 1,729 employees from 86
countries by the end of the reporting period. Expo 2020
acknowledges the instrumental role its people played indelivering a successful event despite the challenges of
COVID-19.

Total number of employees broken down by gender

Pre-event phase*

Event phase*

Total number of females in the workforce

869

907

Total number of males in the workforce

765

822

Total number of employees in the workforce

1,634

1,729

The data excludes interns, apprentices, contractors, and consultants.

Expo 2020 has been committed to cultivating a performance-driven organisation that embraces gender diversity
and the empowerment of women. By the end of the reporting period, women made up to 52 per cent of Expo 2020’s
total workforce. This achievement reflects Expo 2020’s continued efforts to be an equal opportunity organisation,
thereby aligning to the UAE’s ambition to promote gender balance across the nation.
Female representation in the workforce

Pre-event phase

Event phase% of women in the workforce

53%

52%

% of women in senior management positions

36%

36%

% of women in middle management positions

53%

52%

* Pre-event refers to the period from April 2021 to September 2021 and the event phase refers to the period
from October 2021 to March 2022. This applies to all the data tables included in this chapter.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Total number of employees broken down by employee cadre

Pre-event phase

Event phase

Women in senior management positions

99

98

Women in middle management positions

480

507

Women in staff positions (professional, operational, andadministrative)

290

302

Men in senior management positions

175

171

Men in middle management positions

434

476

Men in staff positions (professional, operational, and administrative)

156

175

Total number of female employees belonging to the age group 18-30

297

313

Total number of female employees belonging to the age group 30-50

537

559

Total number of female employees belonging to the age group 50+

35

35

Total number of male employees belonging to the age group 18-30

140

163

Total number of male employees belonging to the age group 30-50

545

574

Total number of male employees belonging to the age group 50+8085Pre-event phase

Event phase

83

86

4

4

Total number of UAE National employees

490

524

Number of employed UAE National women

322

330

Total number of employees broken down by age group

OTHER INDICATORS OF DIVERSITY
Nationality
Countries of origin (diversity by nationality)
People of determination
Employees with a disability
Emiratisation

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYNEW HIRES AND EMPLOYEE TURNOVER APRIL 2021 – MAR 2022
Expo 2020 strived to foster a performance-driven culture, promote stability, and ensure retention of diverse talents
across the organisation. All Expo 2020 employees were inducted into the organisation through an employee
integration programme via the Expo 2020 Al Wasl intranet. The intranet was an employee platform for connecting,collaborating, and communicating. The portal also offered easy access to internal and external news, alongside a
centralised calendar of events with information on Expo 2020 programmes, training events and wellness initiatives.
In 2021, Expo 2020 successfully welcomed a total of 589 new employees of diverse age groups and genders, as
illustrated in the tables below. Expo 2020 saw high turnover rates in the second half of the reporting period. Thiswas predominantly due to more than 80 per cent of the workforce transitioning out of the organisation with theircontracts ending as the event concluded. All data relates solely to the period April 2021-March 2022.

Total number of new hires broken down by age group

Pre-event phase

Event phase

18-30

160

55

31-50

256

88

21

9

Total number of female employees hired

230

68

Rate of female employee hired (%)

26%

7%

Total number of male employees hired

214

84

Rate of male employee hired (%)

28%

10%

Total number of females who left the organisation

30

252

Turnover of female employees (%)

3%

28%

Total number of males who left the organisation

27

189

Turnover of male employees (%)

4%

23%

18-30

16

177

31-50

37

237

50 and above

4

27

50 and above
Total number and rate of hires broken down by genderTurnover broken down by gender1

Turnover broken down by age1

1.

The high turnover rates during the event phase was due to more than 80% of the workforce
transitioning out of the organisation with their contracts ending as the event concluded.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDYEMIRATISATION
A key objective of the UAE Vision 2021 was to build a diversified and knowledgebased economy driven by skilled UAE Nationals. Expo 2020 supported this ambition
by strengthening the UAE’s position on the world map and contributing to its economic
growth. One of the key objectives of Expo 2020 was to showcase the host city, Dubai, as adriver of progress, sustainability, and collaboration. Expo 2020 achieved this by leveraging
local resources and talent across all phases of the event.
Expo 2020 introduced numerous capacity-building programmes that continually recognised and valued theimportance of development-oriented policies to support learning, growth, and job creation among its UAE
Nationals. Through Expo 2020’s Emiratisation programme, UAE Nationals played pivotal roles in delivering an
exceptional World Expo and ensured a meaningful National representation at Expo 2020. In 2021, 23 per cent of theExpo 2020 management group, defined as ‘Manager and above’, consisted of UAE Nationals.

PRE-EVENT

EVENT

Total
Headcount

UAE
National
Headcount% UAE
National

Total
Headcount

UAE
National
Headcount% UAE
National

All Roles

1634

490

30%

1729

524

30%

Manager and above (grade
3.2 and above)

1014

226

22%

1044

236

23%

Lead Manager and above(grade 3.3. and above)

563

117

21%

557

116

21%

Deputy Zone/Operations
Manager and above(grade 4.1 and above)

274

68

25%

266

67

25%

The Emiratisation programme was open to UAE Nationals of all ages, with a particular focus on youth. Expo 2020
provided young professionals with the opportunity to work across a wide range of disciplines where they received
advanced hands-on experience working alongside some of the leading industry experts.
Expo 2020 developed numerous programmes as a part of the Expo 2020 Emiratisation strategy. Some example
programmes are outlined below:

EXPO GENERATION PROGRAMME
Building on its efforts from the previous years, Expo 2020 recorded a total of 126 UAE Nationals who graduatedfrom its Expo Generation Programme. The Expo Generation Programme was an opportunity open to all UAE National
graduates aged between 18 and 35. Through this programme, Expo 2020 handpicked candidates who underwent an
intensive six-week training programme to develop their operational and leadership skills. Upon graduation, they wereassigned to a supporting operational and management role, providing them with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity inthe Expo 2020 team. This programme served to develop these young Emiratis into competent event leaders, readyto bring their mega-event experience to future UAE events.
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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

SITE CONNECT

TRAINING

Through Expo 2020’s Site Connect programme, UAE
Nationals were provided with operationally-focusedwork placement opportunities at Expo 2020 acrossits different functions. The placements involved onsite activities, dedicated practical tasks, and on-thejob training to guarantee first-hand knowledge of
operations. As part of the programme, Expo 2020
arranged weekly rotations to ensure that eachparticipant had the opportunity to gain hands-on
experience within diverse functions such as Expo 2020
Protocol, Site Management and Security. A total of 50
UAE Nationals participated in the programme and were
subsequently assigned operational roles for the event.

In addition to dedicated programmes, Expo 2020 also
invested in UAE Nationals through diverse training
initiatives that included:

The accelerated learning programme was specificallydesigned to rapidly develop the mission leaders’potential, enabling them to be a force for change
between Expo 2020’s planning and operational delivery
phases.
A total of 135 mission leaders took part in the
programme, completing 2,700 hours of training.
Additionally, 116 mission leaders out of a total of 135
were promoted over their tenure at Expo 2020.

LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
PROGRAMMEThis intensive classroom-based programme wasdeveloped specifically for UAE Nationals who had
demonstrated strong leadership skills and were
subsequently afforded greater responsibility within
their roles. They undertook detailed training, focusing onunderstanding the evolution of leadership principles andapproach. This was followed by gaining further insights
on leadership theories and their practical application.
All 60 participants were nominated by their respective
Chiefs and Line Managers.
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Aimed at line managers, ranging from Senior Managers
to Chiefs, the objective of the Leading the Expo Way
training programme was to introduce consistency inthe skillset required for line managers. A Training Needs
Analysis (TNA) conducted by Expo 2020 identified thatpeople management skills across the organisation werevaried and this affected engagement in the workforce.
Several key skills were identified to support managers in
effectively engaging and leading their teams in line with
Expo 2020’s expectations.
Designed to support the Expo 2020 senior management
community, this course supported in developing
the skillsets of 286 UAE National participants, whocompleted 3,432 hours of training. This three-monthcourse consisted of four half-day workshops thatfeatured several essential leadership techniques andskills, including Inspiring Communicator, Fit to Lead,
Leaders Connection and Leading with Happiness. The
programme supported the participants to practiceand develop their streams through various activities in
between sessions. Those activities consisted of practicalexamples that gradually built on the course’s learnings.

UAE NATIONALS IN MANAGEMENT & EXECUTIVE ROLES
900
77.6%

77.7%

800
700
Employee Head CountMISSION LEADERS
Sponsored by Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, theMission Leader Programme nominated 150 UAE
Nationals to participate in a three-month-long extensive
leadership training initiative. The programme started
with the foundation-level leadership practices before
gradually building to more complex functional tasks
that assessed participants’ teamwork engagement,
leadership skills, and response to complex challenges.
The programme effectively developed the skills andknowledge of mission leaders who positively impacted
their functions and team members in terms ofcommunication, active listening, and giving feedback toothers.

LEADING THE EXPO WAY

600
500
400
300

22.3%

22.4%

200
100
0
1 Apr’ 21 to 30 Sep’ 21

1 Oct’ 21 to 31 Mar’ 21

Timeline
UAE National

Expat04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

PRE-EVENT PHASE GENDER SPLIT OF UAE NATIONALS IN
MANAGMENT & EXECUTIVE ROLES

53%

Female47%
Male

EVENT PHASE GENDER SPLIT OF UAE NATIONALS IN
MANAGMENT & EXECUTIVE ROLES

50%

Female50%
Male

TALENT BOOK
Expo 2020 launched a ‘Beyond Expo 2020’ outplacement programme designed to provide employees with thesupport and tools needed to help facilitate a smooth career transition at the end of Expo 2020. As part of theoutplacement programme, Expo 2020 developed a talent book highlighting the UAE National talent developed byExpo 2020. The Talent Book was a soft-copy book of profiles which included a biography, professional photograph,contact details, and the skills and qualifications of the individual. Hosted on Expo 2020’s Virtual Hub, the Talent Book
was available in English and Arabic.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYEXPO VOLUNTEERS
Contributing to the UAE’s ambition, Expo 2020’s Volunteer Programme offeredparticipants an opportunity to build lifelong skills, gain unique insights and build lasting
connections throughout their involvement. It was one of the most notable volunteer
programmes in the UAE and was powered by 30,000 volunteers of all ages, nationalities,
and backgrounds, reflecting the rich diversity of both Expo 2020 and the UAE.
As the face of Expo 2020, the volunteers were the initialpoint of contact for visitors throughout the course of the
182-day mega-event. They contributed to the enormous
variety of unique experiences, events, and international
discussions that took place every day. They assisted in
the operations and provided a high-quality, immersive
experience to millions of visitors. Certain volunteers
were tasked to provide essential guidance and support
to Expo 2020 staff, very important persons (VIPs) andinternational delegations. Through these experiences andexposure, the volunteers were able to give back to theircommunity and contribute to the meaningful legacy ofExpo 2020.
The Expo 2020 Volunteer Programme offered a rangeof roles linked to Expo 2020’s various departments andfunctional areas, such as IPs, Site Operations, Media
Services, and Pavilion and Exhibitions Operations. Prior
to selecting the volunteers, Expo 2020 conductedinterviews to ensure that their skillsets and interestsaligned with the tasks assigned to them at the Expo
2020 site. Expo 2020 then communicated the
responsibilities to the volunteers. All key communications
were carried out via Expo 2020’s volunteer portal. The
portal enabled Expo 2020 to streamline its activities andensure continuous engagement with its volunteers.

30,000135+ different

Category

Demographic

volunteers

GenderNationality

nationalities

Represented thetrue diversity of
the UAE

49% Female
51% Male
55% UAE
45% Expatriate
45% Dubai
27% Abu Dhabi
13% Sharjah

Emirate

4% Fujairah
4% Ras al Khaimah
4% Ajman
2% Umm al Quwain
59% between 18 – 30 years

UAE Nationals made up the majority of Expo 2020’s
volunteer workforce , demonstrating the demonstrating
the passion and pride of Emirati youth, and enablingthem to share the nation’s hospitality and culture withmillions of visitors during the event. UAE National
volunteers, ranging in age from 18 to 24, made up 55
per cent of Expo 2020’s volunteer workforce. Other
volunteers consisted of UAE residents from diverse
nationalities.

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Age

25% between 31 – 40 years
12% between 41 – 50 years
4% over 50 years

Preferredlanguage

60% English
40% Arabic

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

PRE-EVENT PHASE ACTIVITIESFor the pre-event phase, thevolunteers were trained in
preparation to support Expo 2020’s
efforts for hosting the mega-event.
In addition, leading up to the event
phase, the volunteers were equippedwith all necessary resources to carryout their responsibilities efficiently.
Training Volunteers
The Expo 2020 Volunteers Training
Programme was designed to cover
three main categories:
General Training (GT):The online training provided
volunteers with a high-level
overview of Expo 2020. The GT
comprised 10 modules and wasdelivered in both English and Arabic.
The training focused on providing
participants with a foundation-levelknowledge of the operations of theevent.
Role Specific Training (RST):
A programme designed to equip
volunteers with precise knowledge
about their role as well as a highlevel overview of Expo 2020. Thisin-person training was conducted at
the Dubai Police Academy. The RST
was a vital aspect of the volunteers’
learning journey as it provided
them with the information needed
to successfully fulfil their individual
roles.

Operational Specific Training (OST):This training was held on-site as
volunteers were given tours of the
districts that they were assigned
as part of their role. As part ofthis training, the volunteers were
provided with the important visitor
and operational points of interest.
The course successfully supported
the volunteers’ knowledge of theoperational spaces they would beworking in during their shifts.
Scheduling Volunteers
Expo 2020 scheduled shifts forvolunteers once they accepted theirrespective roles. This was done by
dividing the event phase into thefollowing three phases:
First Phase:
October 2021 – November 2021
Second Phase:
December 2021 – January 2022
Third Phase:
February 2022 – March 2022
Expo 2020 volunteers were able tocheck their schedules through thevolunteer portal. They were able
to accept or decline the schedules
as per their availability. The
management and coordination ofschedules were carried out directly
between the volunteers and theirfunctional areas.

The typical schedule consisted of 10days of volunteering, across one of
the three phases. However, somevolunteers signed up for longer
periods.
Accreditation and Uniform
Upon accepting their assigned
roles , Expo 2020 volunteers
received an invitation to collect
their accreditation and uniform bychoosing a slot through the online
volunteer portal. Once this step wascompleted, they were ready to start
their shifts.

EVENT PHASE ACTIVITIESFor the event phase, the volunteers
were assigned to their functional
areas and were generally involvedin the provision of front-of-house
operations to support the visitor
experience.
Expo 2020 introduced a rewards andrecognition programme as a way toappreciate, and retain, its volunteers.
Branded memorabilia were also
handed out to the volunteers. These
gifts were created exclusively for
Expo 2020 volunteers, and were
designed to show their hard work
was appreciated by Expo 2020.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOVOLUNTEER ENGAGEMENT

03. THE EXPO LEGACYVOLUNTEER ‘THANK YOU‘ CAMPAIGN AND
END OF EVENT CELEBRATION

Social MediaThe Expo 2020 volunteers programme leveraged Expo2020’s official social media pages to interact with its
volunteers.
The following were the official platforms used by the
Expo 2020 Volunteers Programme:
Instagram:
expo2020volunteers
Twitter:
Expo Volunteers

Expo 2020 launched a ‘Thank You’ campaign for
its volunteers with Etisalat, Expo 2020’s Official
Premier Partner of Expo 2020 Volunteers andTelecommunications Services. The campaign was
launched close to the end of the event in March torecognise the outstanding 30,000 volunteers whoplayed an essential role in making Expo 2020 a success.
Moreover, the Volunteers Programme hosted an endof-event celebration for all volunteers on 27 March 2021.
The celebration was held at the Jubilee Park and served
to celebrate the valuable contributions, hard work, anddedication of all the Expo 2020 volunteers.

Facebook:
Expo 2020 Volunteers

VOLUNTEER STORIESTHE YOUNGEST AND OLDEST EXPO 2020 VOLUNTEERS

Eissa Al Naamani was the youngest volunteer at Expo
2020. When Dubai was announced as the winner of thebid to host the World Expo, Mr. Al Naamani submitted his
application to volunteer at Expo 2020 when he was well
below the minimum age requirements for Expo 2020
volunteers. Fortunately for Mr. Al Naamani, he turned
18 years old a few days before the Expo 2020 kicked
off on October 1, allowing him to be part of Expo 2020.
He spent the last few years building up his volunteer
experience as he was determined to be part of the groupthat greeted visitors. In addition, he assisted the medical
teams in conducting free PCR tests for Expo 2020
visitors and also volunteered at Idex, the International
Defence Exhibition and Conference.

EISSA AL NAAMANIYOUNGEST VOLUNTEER - EXPO 2020142 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

Mahabir Singhal, a retired finance director who is 79 years
old, was another valuable member of the Expo 2020
volunteer team. Mr. Singhal retired as Finance Director at
DP World six years ago and was the site’s most senior
volunteer. He believed that by participating in Expo 2020,
he would have the chance to give back to the communityand continue to forge closer ties with the nation that his
family has called home for the past 45 years.

MAHABIR SINGHLVOLUNTEER TEAM - EXPO 2020

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESLOCAL COMMUNITIESExpo 2020 designed a variety of community
programmes to engage and empower the local
community and get them involved in the journey leading
up to the delivery of a successful World Expo. As part ofExpo 2020’s pledge to create a positive social impact
for its stakeholders, it organised local and regional
community-building exercises alongside its efforts tohost a successful event in order to leave an enduring
legacy. Expo 2020’s community outreach efforts
included:• Launching a nationwide community engagement• Bus Tours: The bus tour experience included a

fun and informative guided bus tour of the site. It
included an engaging outdoor content showcase
area, the opportunity to discover previous Expo 2020
inventions and explore some of the 192 country
pavilions.

Key Impact:• 236,400 social reach• 2.8 million media reach• 2,702 direct reach

initiative called Hayakkum. Several public events,
outreach activities, traditional and digital initiatives
were developed and delivered to excite, engage andcreate a sense of honour in both the Emirati and expat
community within the UAE.

• Ensuring every segment of the community

understood the positive impact the event would
have on them and inviting them to join Expo 2020
in welcoming the world in true Emirati spirit andhospitality.

• Regularly reaching out to the public to build a strong
connection between them and Expo 2020.

• Providing the public with an opportunity to involve
themselves and experience the developmental
journey of the infrastructure and programmes ofExpo 2020.

• Providing local businesses and SMEs with theopportunity to participate in the event.

As a result, UAE Nationals, residents, and communities
felt a sense of ownership and rallied behind Expo 2020
to ensure the successful delivery of the event to theworld. Accordingly, Expo 2020 led the way in creating a
blueprint of best practices for community engagement.
It set a new benchmark for mega event organisers torefer to in order to instil a sense of ownership, pride,
participation, and excitement within the local community.
Throughout the pre-event and event phase, Expo 2020
ensured community engagement was continuously
supported by different programmes and initiatives.
The following is an example of key initiatives during thereporting period.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCLIFE AT EXPO 2020
As the driving force behind the organisation’s accomplishments, Expo 2020 continuously
worked to meet its commitments to its employees. Expo 2020 shaped its workplaceculture to attract and retain talent in an increasingly competitive employment market, andcurate a positive experience for all. Expo 2020 accomplished this by promoting employee
engagement, motivation, and dedication to the successful delivery of the event.

EMPLOYEE BENEFITS
Expo 2020 provided competitive salaries benchmarked against the local employment market. In addition, Expo 2020
offered a comprehensive range of benefits for all full-time employees in line with applicable regulations, industry bestpractices, Expo 2020’s employment policy, and the internal HR framework. All direct Expo 2020 employees were
eligible to the following benefits:

EXPO 2020 EMPLOYEE BENEFITS

Parental andcompassionate leave

Access to training
and development
opportunities

Food and beveragechoices on campus

Access to an oncampus gym

End-of-service
gratuity and bonus

Group life insurance
policyDisability andinvalidity (workers’
compensation)
benefits

Benefit Type

Description

Leave
entitlements

In addition to the basic annual leaves (sick, annual,
parental, and compassionate leave), Expo 2020
employees could take leaves for national holidays,
examination preparation, the annual Islamic Hajj
pilgrimage and to accompany relatives for medical
treatment.

Medicalbenefits

All employees and their dependents received A-classinternational medical coverage. This included medical,
dental, optical and maternity cover.

Educational
assistanceExpo 2020 provided employees with educational
assistance for their eligible children studying in UAEbased schools.

Annual leaveticketAll eligible employees and their dependent families
received an annual return ticket from Dubai to theirhome country. Employees could also choose toreceive cash compensation in lieu of the airline tickets.

Expo 2020 adopted a holistic approach to employee wellbeing and offered avariety of benefits. The high-level details of the benefits were as follows:
Total indemnity up to USD 1 million per person per policy year, which included:• Dental up USD 2,000• Optical up to USD 500• Maternity up to USD 10,000• Alternative medicine/therapy up to USD 2,000• Worldwide geographical coverage for all employees (excluding the USA
for non-citizens)

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

There were no variations in the benefits based on thejob or grade. All employment levels were treated equallyand provided with consistent medical insurance benefits,
regardless of their position in the organisation. All sickleave and medical treatments during the reporting
period were considered within the applicable sick leave
policy and did not require exceptions as they did notexceed the applicable quota.

Expo 2020 encouraged an open communication
approach where employees felt supported and could
seek help when required. For workers with prevailing
health issues, Expo 2020 supported them by redistributing their workload with other team members,
under the supervision and guidance of their respective
line managers. In addition, a complimentary counselling
service, with access to both a psychiatrist and a clinicalpsychologist, was made available for employees.

PARENTAL LEAVE
Expo 2020 granted both female and male employees parental leave to promote work-life balance and gender equality.
In line with the UAE Labour Law, women employed in a permanent position at Expo 2020, were entitled to threemonths (90 days) of fully paid maternity leave, while men were given three calendar days of fully paid paternity leave.
During the reporting period, a total of 29 female and 20 male employees used the parental leave benefit. Expo 2020
retained 100 per cent of employees who availed parental leave.
Benefits provided to full-time employees

Pre-event phase

Event phase

1,634

1,729

Total number of women who took parental leave – maternity

20

9

Total number of men who took parental leave – paternity

16

4% of women returning after parental leave

100%

100%

% of men returning after parental leave

100%

100%

Total number of women employed 12 months after returning frommaternity leave1

3

4

Total number of men employed 12 months after returning frompaternity leave1

1-

Retention rate (females)2

50%

11%

Retention rate (males)2

100%

25%

Total number of employees entitled to parental leave(maternal and paternal)

1.

Only staff who returned in April 2021 and October 2021 were taken into account, as the event phase ended before they could complete 12 months after returning from parental leave.

2.

Time period taken is 6 months instead of 12. Inclusive of data showing staff who began their parental leave in the given time frame and did not include those who began their parental leave before April
2021 or October 2021 and returned during the mentioned time period.

Pre-event refers to the period from April 2021 to September 2021 and the event phase refers to the period from October 2021 to March 2022.

TRAINING AND DEVELOPMENT
Expo 2020 provided ample learning opportunities to develop employees’ skills and knowledge to support theirprofessional and personal growth. During the reporting period, the focus of various training sessions shifted toalign with the event phase training strategy. This included providing more practical learnings to allow employees tosucceed in their roles during Expo 2020. Expo 2020 achieved a total of just under 500,000 training hours for its staff,
contractors and volunteers.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020’S ARRAY OF TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR ITS EMPLOYEES INCLUDED:COURSE NAME: GENERAL TRADING
Pre-event phase: This was an e-learning programme comprising 10 interactive modules, which provided all
Expo 2020 staff, volunteers and contractors with the necessary foundational knowledge. The content was
designed to give a high-level overview of Expo 2020. Thus, the topics included but were not limited to theHistory of World Expos, Visitor Experience, Safety and Security and Health and Safety.
No. of hours: 104,115

COURSE NAME: INDUCTION
Pre-event phase: This programme was designed to help new joiners understand the Expo 2020
organisation as a whole. It also helped employees understand how the different departments andfunctional areas worked collectively to achieve the Expo 2020 mission of delivering an exceptional eventand creating a lasting legacy.
No. of attendees: 2922

No. of hours: 8,766

COURSE NAME: COURSERA
Pre-event phase: Expo 2020 employees had access to Coursera, a global online learning platform. The
employees could access more than 1,000 online courses and degrees across a wide range of topics
offered by world-class universities. Through Coursera, employees were able to sign up to courses ofvarying lengths and complete them at their own pace.
No. of hours: 1,221,098

COURSE NAME: EVENT LEADERSHIP (EVL) TRAINING
Pre-event phase: This course was designed for individuals leading a team during the event phase. The
course successfully provided team leaders with team management skills and information regarding thepractical aspects of their roles, i.e., allocating breaks, what to do in an emergency, as well as the necessary
leadership skills and behaviours.
No. of attendees: 352

No. of hours: 1,408

COURSE NAME: FIRST AID AND FIRE WARDEN TRAINING
Pre-event phase: This course equipped attendees with the ability to recognise emergencies and identify
hazardous conditions in their work environments. It also helped them make quick decisions that could
save lives.
No. of attendees: 957

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No. of hours: 4,785

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Course Name: Leading the Operational way
Pre-event phase: This programme was developed to support the transition from a pre-event to event
phase mode. It was a two-day course that supported all operational leaders with effectively managing
their teams. It focused on understanding the human psychology behind building effective teams,
managing individual characteristics and driving decision-making.
No. of attendees: 120

No. of hours: 1,920

Course Name: Expo Tribe External Development Training
Pre-event phase: This was an external training programme available to staff, based on their evolving
needs. A total of 33 external courses were approved by Expo 2020.

Course Name: Outplacement ProgrammePre-event phase: This was a first-of-its-kind platform in the UAE to assist Expo 2020 employees withsecuring future employment opportunities. The programme targeted skills relevant for government andlocal positions to retain the Expo 2020 employees in the UAE for the long term. The programme aimed
to help people promote themselves and gain better access to future opportunities, using the power ofthe Expo 2020 brand. It also provided practical support and guidance to those seeking new jobs.
The programme featured personal career services targeted at curriculum vitae (CV) writing, interview
skills, and coaching. In addition, it also provided employees with access to online job boards that
promoted relevant opportunities from government authorities, partners, and programme participants.
Moreover, Expo 2020 conducted regular live virtual career fairs which provided Expo 2020 employeeswith the opportunity to meet and chat with employers.

All Expo 2020 employees hadaccess to an online platform for
performance management anddevelopment. This platform allowed
employees and line managers to
set clear objectives and create abaseline to measure employees’
achievements against theirobjectives. Performance evaluations
helped Expo 2020 consistently
analyse the performance of
employees and identify areas

for improvement. These regularappraisals and performance
evaluations were conducted for all
Expo 2020 employees during thereporting period.
In preparation for the event
phase, Expo 2020 increased its
focus on role-based performance
management, with feedback
being provided directly from theline manager to the individual.
This was a collective process inwhich the employees and theirdirect management identified
key areas of improvement anddeveloped customised learningplans. Expo 2020’s approach forregular appraisals ensured that theperformance management cycle
progressed quickly and allowed
for prompt feedback turnaroundto meet the changing operational
demands.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYEMPLOYEE MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Employee wellbeing and engagement were key areas of focus for Expo 2020. It committed to creating and sustaining ahealthy and positive work environment for all employees working on delivering the event.
The Expo 2020 Wellness Strategy focused on promoting a sense of wellbeing and resilience amongst employees. It
was based on seven pillars, which made up the seven petals of wellness, to inspire employees to foster healthy lifestyles
and maintain balanced relationships with their colleagues, family, and friends. The goals that were achieved as part ofthe strategy include:

Educated andempowered employees
in the six areas ofwellbeing: nutritional,
physical, emotional,social, environmental
and intellectual

Provided opportunities
for employees toengage in ‘intentional
activities’ that
promoted happiness
and wellbeing

148 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

Helped transform Expo
2020 employees intoa ‘Tribe’ by fostering a
positive, collaborative
culture through teambuilding and social
activities

Promoted andencouraged an ‘Expo
Hearts’ culture in thelead up to the event
phase, whereby
employees came
together ‘as one’ todeliver an incredible
World Expo04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Expo 2020 introduced a ‘Wellness Wednesday’ programme with content designed to enhance and improve its
employees’ physical and mental wellbeing. Every Wednesday during the reporting period, Expo 2020 shared key
wellness advice in an effort to raise awareness, inspire action and guide its employees to support essential wellness
topics such as mental health. Some programmes introduced as part of Expo 2020’s Wellness Wednesdays include:

Designing a Lifestyle Plan
With the introduction of the lifestyle planning program,
Expo 2020 supported its employees in determining theirmost important priorities and developing a roadmap toattain them. The plan called for creating a vision, conducting
a self-assessment, identifying values, setting goals, andformulating an action plan.

Healthy Lifestyle
The initiative aimed to motivate Expo 2020 employees
to adopt and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Expo 2020
provided guidance on adopting healthy habits,
enhancing mental health, staying physically active, andmaking nutritious food choices.

Wellness Tip of the Week
As a part of this initiative, Expo 2020 shared a weekly
wellness quote for the reporting period. It also sharedwellness toolkits for employees, featuring initiatives likepersonal development courses, meditation-based goal
setting, physical exercise challenges, and more.

Accessing Support
Expo 2020 provided free counselling services for
employees experiencing stress or anxiety or needing to
speak to someone. Through this initiative, Expo 2020
allowed employees to schedule an appointment with aclinical psychologist or psychiatrist online.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYDHEALTH AND SAFETY
Expo 2020’s health and safety practices were rooted in the belief that everyone has theright to return home from work safe and healthy. Aligning to the leading global health andsafety practices was fundamental to the planning and delivery of Expo 2020. Expo 2020’s
commitments were extended to all stakeholders involved in the delivery of the project toensure the health, safety and well-being of visitors, employees and others who may be at risk.

EXPO 2020 HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT (HSE) STRATEGY
Expo 2020 adopted an integrated approach to the management of Health, Safety and Environment (HSE). The HSE
strategy was under the banner of “Better Together” and was delivered through the following key documents:
DOCUMENTDESCRIPTIONPOLICYThe HSE policy established core values, set strategic pillars and provided aframework to set objectives and targets.

COMMITMENTS

The HSE commitments focused on leadership behaviours required todevelop a positive HSE culture.

STANDARDSThe HSE assurance standards defined detailed requirements applicable tothe event phase operations.

LEGISLATIONThe HSE laws and regulations of Dubai and the UAE established thefundamental compliance requirements for Expo 2020.

HSE POLICY
Expo 2020 implemented
comprehensive strategic andoperational plans to reduce
HSE risks across its operations.
The policy was driven by acommitment to implement local
HSE requirements and align with
global best practice leaving alasting legacy related to event HSEin the UAE. Expo 2020 effectively
worked with key stakeholders
which included employees, partners,
and organisations all of who wereinvolved in the delivery of Expo
2020. Moreover, the Expo 2020 HSE
policy has the potential to further
contribute to advancing HSE

150 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

practices in the UAE by serving as a benchmark for driving improved HSE
standards, culture, and performance for mega-event planning.
Expo 20 20’s HSE Strategy was founded upon the three core values:

CARE

RESPECTPRIDE‘We care about
our visitors andworkforce andprotecting theirhealth and safety.‘‘We respect theenvironment
and promotesustainable
practices.’‘We take pridein the work wedo and strive
for operational
excellence.’

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESHSE COMMITMENTS
The HSE commitments supported
the Expo 2020 HSE policy, Event
HSE standards and the COVID-19
guide. There was a total of 30
commitments that applied to allorganisations participating in Expo
2020. These commitments were
PILLARdeveloped based on international
best practice and local industry
requirements. Through the HSE
commitments, Expo 2020 worked
closely with all stakeholders tocontinually improve the HSEstandards, culture, and performance.

Expo 2020’s HSE commitments
provided organisational andleadership behaviours linked to thesix pillars in the ‘Better Together’strategy:

DESCRIPTIONLEADERSHIP

Leadership was critical for the effective implementation of Expo 2020’s HSE
policies, commitments and standards. Consequently, Expo 2020 demonstrated
HSE leadership and developed a positive culture by defining clear roles andallocating adequate quality resources to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

COMMUNICATION

Effective communication was an essential element of successful HSE
management. Expo 2020 routinely communicated information to raisenecessary awareness on HSE standards in an open and transparent manner.

COMPETENCYHigh levels of competency were required to ensure effective HSE
implementation. Expo 2020 worked to ensure its workforce was competentin HSE through appropriate training and appointment of competent HSE
resources.

ENGAGEMENTEngagement with internal and external stakeholders was essential to achieving
positive HSE performance. Expo 2020 effectively engaged its stakeholders toensure HSE was considered during pre-event and event phase activities.

REWARD AND
RECOGNITION

Positive reinforcement motivated the workforce to engage in safe behaviours.
Expo 2020 adopted different measures to recognise and reward excellencein HSE performance. It recognised positive behaviours at an organisation level
and individual level and rewarded behaviours that exemplified Expo 2020’s
values.

CONTINUALIMPROVEMENT

Expo 2020 monitored HSE performance and implemented action plans toaddress areas for improvement. The results from analysis and evaluation wereused to drive continual improvements in HSE standards.

EXPO 2020 EVENT HEALTH, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENT ASSURANCE STANDARDS
Expo 2020’s Event Health, Safety
and Environment AssuranceStandards were developed basedon relevant local regulations
and international best practice.
Leading up to the event, the preevent assurance standards were
updated to reflect the event phase
operations to ensure that it covered
all applicable healthy and safetymeasures. Therefore, the event
phase assurance standards did
not apply to construction activities

involved in the establishment anddecommissioning of Expo 2020. Allconstruction and related activities
were carried out in compliance with
the Expo 2020’s Construction Healthand Safety Assurance Standards andEnvironment Assurance Standards.
The Event HSE Assurance Standards
enabled robust managementof all activities and ensured
compliance with applicable HSE
laws and regulations. To support thestandards, Expo 2020 developed
guidelines that the International
Participants (IPs) and otherstakeholders could reference toensure their compliance. As part of
the Expo 2020 legacy plans, thesestandards were prepared with theintent to be referenced in the future
to ensure a safe delivery of all events
across the region, regardless of sizeor scope.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYLEGAL AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS
Along with Expo 2020’s HSE
requirements, all organisations
working with Expo 2020 wererequired to comply with applicable
local legislation. As a minimum,
all activities were performed incompliance with the following:• United Arab Emirates federal laws
• Dubai Municipality (DM) local laws
and ministerial decrees• DM codes and technicalguidelines• UAE Ministry of Human

Resources and Emiratization
requirements• Ministry of Climate Change andEnvironment requirements• UAE Fire and Life Safety CodeExpo 2020 established,
implemented, and maintained
its own occupational health andsafety system based on the DM
Code of Construction Practice forConsultants and Contractors. Thissystem covered 100 per cent of theemployees and workers whose work
was controlled by Expo 2020.
Furthermore, Expo 2020 developedan HSE legal register that considered
the federal and local HSE laws andregulations relevant to the event
phase activities and operationsof Expo 2020. The register was acontrolled live document that was
subject to continual review andupdate.

RISK ASSESSMENT, HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND MITIGATION
Conducting HSE risk assessments
was central to Expo 2020’s
proactive HSE risk management.
Expo 2020 required all event
organisers to conduct risk
assessments associated with
their event operations. The risk
assessment was a thoroughanalysis to identify items, situations,processes, etc., that may cause
harm, particularly to people or theenvironment. It was conducted to
identify hazards and risks associatedwith event operations and toformally record the controls thatneed to be implemented to reduce
the risk to an acceptable level. It
was critical to engage and consult
with the workforce performing theactivities to ensure the identified
hazards, risk and controls wereeffective, achievable and reflected
the operational reality on the
ground.
Expo 2020 continually monitored
these risk assessments on-site
to ensure their implementationand effectiveness. Accordingly,
an internal monitoring process
was developed, which included
inspections and audits to validate
the implementation of the HSE
risk assessment. The monitoringprocess encompassed any activities
undertaken by the workforce,
152 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

contractors and service providers,with findings identified and closed
out in a timely manner.
The risk assessment wascommunicated to the people
involved in the activities to ensurethat everyone was aware of thecontrols in place, as well as their
responsibilities. The outcomes andcontrols from risk assessments or
mitigation reviews were effectively
communicated to all relevant
stakeholders. During the pre-event
phase, this was communicatedthrough formal meetings or writtencorrespondence. In the event
phase, HSE hazards and risks werediscussed during briefings andfunctional meetings or formallyshared via alerts, site-wide
instruction or signage.
Following the risk assessments,
key controls were incorporated
into method statements by Expo
2020. Method statements applied
to construction-related activities
where there was a particularsequence of work that must be
followed. The method statement
was conducted following a risk
assessment and clearly defined,
in detail, the step-by-stepmethodology required to complete
the activities safely. Additionally,

Expo 2020 implemented a permitto-work system for higher risk
activities. A standard operational
procedure governed the permitto-work system for issuing written
authorisation for tasks that wereregarded as hazardous in nature.
Expo 2020 reviewed the risk
assessments in place on a periodic
basis, or after an incident to ensurethat the resulting actions wereadequate.
Expo 2020 implemented an
Observe, Engage and Improve(OEI) process to develop a healthand safety-conscious culture.
This created an environmentof awareness and openness
within Expo 2020. It empowered
employees to challenge unsafe
activities and conditions in aconfident and structured manner.
For instance, during the daily
pre-task briefing, all workers
were informed that they had
the right to walk away from any
unsafe condition. Furthermore,
employees were encouraged touse a confidential hotline and theWorker Connect mobile application
to report health and safety concerns
without fear of reprisal. This wasmonitored closely to ensure thatno inappropriate action was taken
against the employees who

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

reported unsafe conditions. This
helped create an environment
where all stakeholders felt
comfortable to challenge unsafe
behaviours and encouragedtransparency in the reporting ofhealth and safety issues.
Expo 2020 made reporting nearmisses a prerequisite across all
projects to further support open
and transparent reporting of site

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

incidents for both minor and major
incidents. A near miss is defined
as an occurrence that, underslightly different circumstances,would likely result in a minor or
major incident. Contractors andemployees reported such incidents
through Expo 2020’s online
reporting system. All contractors
and employees were encouraged
to report incidents as soon as theyoccurred. In particular, serious eventswere required to be reported within
one hour of their occurrence. All
reported incidents were followed byregular updates until the outcomes
were identified. For serious
incidents, an initial report and anaction plan were provided within 24
hours of the occurrence, followed
by a full report and corrective action
plan within five days.

Expo 2020 worked to ensure that sufficient focus was given to occupational health. It implemented a range ofmeasures to mitigate the health and safety risks associated with its activities, including:Fitness to Work
Contractors were required to carry out basic health checks of their personnel (in addition to
those required for visa purposes) at least once a year.

Medical Surveillance
Occupational health monitoring was performed for the operatives exposed to high-risk
operations, such as noise, manual handling, and hand-arm vibration.

Well-being
Each contractor implemented a health and safety awareness programme to educate theirworkforce.

HygieneThere were arrangements in place to educate workers and ensure that they adopted bestpractices, such as personal hygiene standards, protection against dermatitis, and the use of
PPE.

Safety-Critical Roles
Additional checks were undertaken for critical safety tasks. The purpose was to manage
the risks associated with undertaking critical safety tasks for an individual whose healthwas compromised. Personnel undertaking safety-critical tasks were identified as plant
operators, crane operators, mobile machine drivers, drivers, scaffolders, slingers/signallers,traffic marshals, steel erectors, confined space workers, or those working at height. The
additional checks were identified through risk assessments or with appropriate guidance.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

Expo 2020 implemented the ‘Promises’ campaign.
The campaign identified the significant health andsafety hazards and the key behaviours that supported
workers in preventing serious injury and ill health. Thesebehaviours ensured that frontline workers involved in
Expo 2020 worked safely. As part of this campaign,
Expo 2020 produced a book of promises, in addition
to posters and videos in nine languages. Through thiscampaign, Expo 2020 was able to successfully create
an environment where all stakeholders felt comfortable
to challenge unsafe behaviours and encouragetransparency in the reporting of health and safety issues.
The campaign was also supported by Expo 2020’s suiteof training courses and included a list of promises foreach significant hazard identified.

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

Expo 2020’s promises were established for thefollowing categories:

LEADERSM A N AG E R S A N D
S U P E RV I S O R S

E V E RYO N E

SIGNIFICANT HAZARDSIn 2021, Expo 2020 identified the most common and serious hazards for the event phase. The following significant
hazards were identified, along with the relevant key controls to address the associated risks.

HAZARDDESCRIPTIONCOVID-19

Expo 2020’s top priority was to protect the health and well-being of all
visitors and the workforce. Hence, it reviewed and assessed infectious disease
processes and implemented tight controls to minimise the impact of any
transmissible illness. Please refer to the Overcoming the Pandemic Together
section in the chapter for further details.

SLIPS, TRIPS AND
FALLSExpo 2020 worked to ensure that the environment was safe for the access,egress and circulation of all visitors, guests and workforce. All routes were kept
clear of hazards and were sufficiently lit and maintained.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSHAZARD05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDESCRIPTIONWORKING IN THE
HEAT

In order to provide a safe environment for the workforce, Expo 2020 managed
the appropriate response action plan for adverse weather. The negative
effects of adverse weather during the pre-event or event phase operations
were identified within risk assessments, operating plans and/or method
statements.

MANUALHANDLING

Manual lifting tasks were assessed before being undertaken. The workforce
undertaking manual lifting were instructed on safe practices and were required
to follow the safe manual lifting methods.

DRIVING

Expo 2020 ensured that the risks associated with driving, including transportof the workforce to and from the site were evaluated, followed by theappropriate measures implemented.

FIRE

Expo 2020, and those working on its behalf, developed a fire risk assessment
for the activities including arrangements for managing fire hazards. The firerisk assessment could be incorporated within the Event Health, Safety andEnvironment Management Plan, HSE risk assessment or produced as a standalone document.

ELECTRICITY

Expo 2020 mandated the implementation of robust arrangements to manage
the risks associated with electricity.

TEMPORARYSTRUCTURES

Temporary Demountable Structures (TDS) were widely used for a varietyof events. Nonetheless, no temporary structure was erected without priorapproval from Expo 2020. Expo 2020 defined a risk-based proceduredescribing how the risks and hazards associated with temporary structures
were identified, classified and controlled.

WORKING AT
HEIGHT

Expo 2020 implemented specific requirements regarding the management ofworking at height. The requirements applied to all fall hazards from one level toanother, regardless of the distance from the ground including the use of lowlevel platforms and ladders.

MOBILE PLANT
AND EQUIPMENT

Expo 2020, and those working on its behalf, were required to ensure thatany plant or equipment used was fit-for-purpose and appropriate for theactivity being undertaken. All mobile plants and equipment used on site wereapproved by Expo 2020 and suitable controls were implemented.

LIFTING

Expo 2020 worked to ensure that any lifting operations were planned andcoordinated effectively. All lifting equipment used on site was approved byExpo 2020, along with the suitable controls implemented.

MENTAL HEALTH
AND WELL-BEING

Expo 2020 worked to ensure that sufficient attention was given to the
management of risks related to mental health and well-being, including fatigue
and shift working.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYCOMPETENCY
Expo 2020 defined training requirements for its
workforce to ensure effective implementation of HSE
standards. Expo 2020’s training resources were also
extended to its supply chain.
As per Expo 2020’s HSE standards, organisations
working on the Expo 2020 site were obligated toensure their employees possessed the appropriate
skills and experience. Moreover, Expo 2020’s partners
were required to prepare their own set of training plans
and gain approval from Expo 2020. Nevertheless, Expo
2020 delivered a range of health and safety training
courses on-site. Expo 2020 encouraged the use of these
programmes, making them available free of charge toall organisations to enhance the competency of theworkers.

PRE-EVENT PHASE
COURSESDESCRIPTIONHEALTHAND SAFETY
LEADERSHIP

This course focused on developing the attendees’ skills and knowledge related
to executing the Expo 2020 HSE strategy. A total of 40 attendees completed
the four-hour long Health and Safety Leadership training. This course catered
to senior managers, directors, and anyone in a leadership position at Expo
2020.

SIGNIFICANT
HAZARD
AWARENESSTRAINING

This was a four-hour training that focused on the 11 significant hazards. It wasdelivered by 8 different subject matter experts. This training superseded theConstruction Safety Awareness for Managers training. A total of two sessions
were delivered, with 45 people completing the course.

SUPERVISORSACTIVITY
BRIEFING

The course introduced the Expo 2020 activity briefing process. This processensured significant hazards were prioritised and the key safe behaviours werecommunicated to those performing the work. Supervisors that successfullycompleted the course were awarded an Expo 2020 branded black hat. A totalof 88 attendees completed this training.

SUPERVISORACTIVITY
BRIEFING “TRAIN
THE TRAINER”

This training enabled consultants and contractors to deliver the Supervisor
Activity Briefing training. A total of 36 sessions were delivered, which prepared
197 qualified trainers.

VISUAL IMPACT
TRAINING

The Visual Impact Training focused on the following significant hazards:
working at height, lifting, mobile plant and equipment, underground services
and excavations, confined spaces, hot works, working in the heat, andenergised systems. Each session was 60-minute long and involved the useof theatrical performances to highlight the importance of health and safety.
This enabled workers to visualise and differentiate between unsafe and safe
practices. This training was delivered in Hindi and was designed for frontline
workers. A total of 4,969 people completed this training.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSEVENT PHASE COURSES

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDESCRIPTIONEVENT HEALTHAND SAFETY
LEADERSHIP

Similar to the pre-event phase Health and Safety Leadership training, thisapplied to senior managers, directors, and anyone in a leadership position at
Expo 2020. However, it focused more on the operation during the event phase.
A total of 275 attendees completed the four-hour long Event Health and
Safety Leadership training.

LEVEL 5CROWD SAFETY
MANAGEMENT

This course was intended for managers responsible for crowd movements.
The training covered the principles and application of crowd safety
management, crowd science and considered COVID-19 implications. A totalof 178 attendees completed the training from the Site Operations, Security
Operations and Health & Safety Operations.

EVENT HEALTHAND SAFETY
AWARENESSTRAINING

This course was intended for managers and supervisors who were responsible
for embedding a positive health and safety culture across Expo 2020. During
the reporting period, a total of 227 attendees completed the course.

INCIDENT
MANAGEMENT

A two-hour session that provided attendees with the skills and knowledge
to understand incident reporting and emergency management. During thereporting period, a total of 260 attendees completed the course.

RISK ASSESSMENT

Risk assessment was essential to achieve proactive HSE management. Thus,
this two-hour session enabled attendees to assess, review and document HSE
risks. A total of 223 attendees completed this training.

Furthermore, Expo 2020 delivered inductions and other mandatory health and safety modules through the Expo
2020 online training platform.

ENGAGEMENTOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH SERVICES
Expo 2020 worked to ensure relevant health risks
were identified through risk assessments as well as
recorded in health and safety plans with controls
identified and implemented. Contractors were required
to ensure their workers possessed an occupational
health card for medical examinations at a DM approved
clinic. Additionally, they were required to provide
complimentary professional counselling services forworkers that needed treatment for emotional, traumatic,
and mental health issues.
Moreover, Expo 2020 had an on-site 24/7 medical facility
with a team of Dubai Health Authority (DHA) doctors andnurses. Expo 2020 workers could access the clinic at any
time. Furthermore, Expo 2020 facilitated regular healthand well-being campaigns with DHA.

Expo 2020 also implemented a worker wearable solution(Whoop strap) that monitored the health and well-beingof frontline workers. Approximately 5,000 units were
deployed across the programme. This solution monitored
workers’ sleep patterns, heart rate, strain levels,
respiratory rates, and levels of active recovery.

OTHER HEALTH AND SAFETYCONSIDERATIONS
Public Safety
Expo 2020 aimed to maintain the safety and well-beingof the public by working with the relevant stakeholders
to ensure that members of the public were not injured orotherwise affected during operations. In accordance with

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

international and UAE recognised safety guidelines, Expo
2020 adopted a proactive approach to crowd safety
in order to ensure potential crowd related risks wereidentified and managed throughout the event phase.
Expo 2020 continuously monitored crowd densities
and visitor flow rates to maintain throughput and avoid
potential ‘pinch points’.
Furthermore, Expo 2020 developed a Crowd
Management Plan as a separate plan or within the Event
Health, Safety and Environment Plan. The plan included
crowd density/capacity thresholds, visitor throughput
assumptions and queueing space requirements. Anyrisks to crowd safety were also highlighted, along with
mitigating measures to address the risks.
Child Safety
Expo 2020 prioritised implementing suitable controls
wherever children were involved. Venues with interactive
activities or games were required to provide a safe
environment for people of all ages. Therefore, thefollowing controls were implemented:• Visible posted signage communicating the age andany physical ability the activity or game requires orlimits.

• Adequate supervision was present in the area by acompetent person with proper training to respond toincidents and unforeseen occurrences.

• An Operating Plan outlining controls to prevent

misuse of equipment, especially loose items that werepart of the experience and to prevent climbing ofstructures, trees, fences, barriers and other objects.

• Child crafting areas only had child-safe equipment foruse.

• No child was admitted to any area without
appropriate supervision.

Food and Beverage Safety
Food preparation, storage, and disposal at the Expo
2020 site followed food safety regulations set by DM. Allestablishments present at the Expo 2020 site possessed
the correct permit and license to operate. Food facilities
were required to identify the eight major food allergens:milk, egg, fish, crustaceans, shellfish, tree nuts, wheat,peanuts, and soybeans. Moreover, warning signs andlabels were clearly visible to the public.
Comprehensive measures applied to the operationsof food and beverage restaurants across the site. The
following are examples key measures implemented byrestaurants at the Expo 2020 site:
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03. THE EXPO LEGACY• The restaurant kitchen installations were inaccordance with UAE Fire & Life Safety Code.

• Inspection, testing & maintenance were carried out inaccordance with UAE Fire and Life Safety Code.

• Kitchen hood fire suppression was installed andmaintained in good working order.

• An adequate number of portable wet chemical fire
extinguishers were provided in the kitchen.

Furthermore, a variety of food trucks and carts wereavailable during the event phase. Therefore, theoperators were required to ensure suitable precautions
were implemented.

WORKER PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION
Expo 2020 encouraged its consultants and contractors
to conduct regular discussions around occupational
health and safety management. These sessions enabled
two-way communication between workers, contractors,
and consultants. It promoted workers to speak up andraise concerns or suggest improvements relating totheir workplace health and safety. Expo 2020’s Healthand Safety Standards required contractors to conduct
monthly meetings to ensure the workers were consulted
on health and safety as well as worker welfare-related
topics.
Expo 2020 also established various forums wherecontractors could raise concerns or queries related toworkplace health and safety. These forums provided
opportunities for employees to escalate any concerns.
These included the quarterly Executive Leadership
Team (ELT) meeting and the monthly Programme Safety
Leadership meeting. During the reporting period, Expo
2020 held eight Health and Safety Leadership meetings,
four Site Delivery and Service Providers forums, and eight
Health and Safety Practitioner forums. Furthermore,
Expo 2020 established a programme whereby seniorhealth and safety leadership toured the Expo 2020
site, bolstering direct engagement between Expo 2020
leadership, project teams, and the workforce.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Expo 2020 conducted regular audits to assess theimplementation of health and safety policies, procedures
and standards. It monitored HSE performance andimplemented action plans to address areas for
improvement. This was done through a monthly
reporting system with metrics provided by allparticipating contractors and consultants. The resultsfrom the analysis and evaluation were used to drive
continual improvements in Expo 2020’s HSE standards.
Expo 2020’s health and safety goals were based onleading indicators, known as enablers, as a means toachieve an outstanding performance rather than the
traditional lagging indicators. Moreover, Expo 2020
partnered with the UK Health and Safety Executive(HSE) to conduct independent assessments of theExpo 2020 site. Each assessment consisted of a fiveday visit by three UK HSE inspectors. The inspectors

reviewed potential high-risk activities or completed
strategic reviews of policies and procedures. The UK HSE
successfully conducted one1 review during the reporting
period.
Expo 2020 recorded no employee and worker fatalities
during the reporting period. It also registered no highconsequence work-related injuries for employees
and three high-consequence work-related injuries forworkers. Recordable work-related injuries increased
significantly from the pre-event phase to the event
phase for both employees and workers. Expo 2020’s
reporting system captured injury and illness incidents
collectively during the event phase. Therefore, the event
phase figures included illnesses such as headache,
stomach pain etc., whereas the pre-event phase figures
only includes injuries.

Key health and safety performance highlights

Pre-event phase Event phase

EMPLOYEES
Total number of fatalities as a result of work-related injury

00

Total number of high-consequence work-related injuries (excluding fatalities)

00

Total number of recordable work-related injuries and work-related ill-health2

0

3,087

3,088,800

3,432,000

Total number of fatalities as a result of work-related injury

00

Total number of high-consequence work-related injuries (excluding fatalities)

03

Total number of recordable work-related injuries

87

4,551

16,347,991

45,500,000

Total number of hours worked
WORKERS

Total number of hours worked

Pre-event refers to the period from April 2021 to September 2021 and the event phase refers to the period from October 2021 to March 2022.

OVERCOMING THE PANDEMIC TOGETHER
Protecting the health and safety of Expo 2020’s visitors
and workforce was central to a successful Expo 2020
throughout the planning, design, construction andoperations on-site. Expo 2020’s approach to managing
COVID-19 risks complimented its existing health andsafety strategies and policies. Expo 2020 developed
comprehensive strategic and operational plans tomanage the threat of COVID-19. It worked with key
stakeholders

1. The reviews were conducted remotely due to the travel restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the related quarantine protocols.
2. Online reporting system did not distinguish between injury and illness

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

across Dubai, the UAE and theinternational community. Expo2020’s approach ensured fullcompliance with the UAE’s laws andother best practice requirements.
This was achieved through a variety
of measures, such as capacity
management, mandatory masks,
vaccination and frequent testingof the workforce, and robust
sanitisation programmes.
Expo 2020 worked closely with thelisted local authorities throughout
the event, particularly in relation
to managing the threat of thepandemic. The collaboration withlocal entities enabled the Expo
2020 team to respond promptly tochanges in regulations.

• Dubai Health Authority (DHA)• Dubai Police• National Emergency Crisis andDisaster Management Authority(NCEMA)• Dubai Municipality (DM)• Ministry of Health (MoH)
COVID-19 TASKFORCE

The COVID-19 Taskforce wascharged with developing andimplementing business resilienceplans and strategies related to
the COVID-19 pandemic. This
involved collaborating withmajor departments in Expo
2020, such as Operations, Eventsand Entertainment and Human
Resources. DHA staff wereembedded within the COVID-19
Taskforce during the event phase toachieve the necessary coordination.
Expo 2020 adopted an agile delivery
approach and adapted to thechanging government regulations
at the local and emirate level. Expo2020’s COVID-19 Taskforce closely
monitored changes in requirements
around social distancing, masks andvaccination mandates. This wasto ensure the necessary actions
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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

were implemented across the site
in line with the latest government
regulations. The Taskforce ensured
that increased precautionary
measures were observed in line withgovernment protocols. Furthermore,
Expo 2020’s efforts were driven
by scientific data as it followed theguidance of medical, science, andhealth experts. It met and exceededWorld Health Organization’s (WHO)global standards for health andsafety.
Expo 2020’s COVID-19 resilienceplan and strategies were continuallyreviewed and regularly updated.
For instance, in October 2021, Expo
2020 introduced a mandatory
COVID-19 vaccination policy.
Nonetheless, in December 2021,
this was updated to include abooster requirement. This reflected
the latest scientific understanding
and contributed to keeping Expo
2020 workforce and visitors safe.
Expo 2020 maintained this levelof responsiveness and flexibility
throughout the six months of theevent phase.
Expo 2020 completed a scenario
analysis exercise prior to the openingof Expo 2020. Accordingly, the
COVID-19 Taskforce developed
multiple plans to respond topotentially disruptive scenarios
related to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This was in addition to implementing
the lessons learned during thePavilions Premiere and other test
events. For example, a potential
requirement implemented during
the event phase was the regularmandatory Reverse Transcription
Polymerase Chain Reaction (RTPCR) testing of Expo 2020’s eventsand entertainment staff. During theOmicron variant surge, Expo 2020
also had to ramp up its RT-PCR
testing capabilities as it offeredcomplimentary RT-PCR testing to
all IP groups. This was an anticipatedscenario; therefore, the RT-PCR
testing centre and the RT-PCR

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

testing partner had been preparedin advance. This meant they wereable to rapidly increase their testing
capacities within a short time.
Furthermore, Expo 2020 reserveda block of apartments at the Expo
Village as potential quarantine
premises. During the Omicron
variant surge, such precautions werecritical to enable individuals sharing
residences isolate away frompositive cases.

EXPO 2020 COVID-19 GUIDEThe COVID-19 Guide developed byExpo 2020 outlined the measurestaken by the organisation to ensure
the health, safety and well-beingof everyone at Expo 2020. The
guide explained the precautions
implemented throughout theevent phase and detailed the
responsibilities of the venue
operators, workforce and visitors
to maintain highest level of safetymeasures across the Expo 2020
site. All organisations, teams, andindividuals operating on the Expo
2020 site were required to adhere
to these guidelines. Additionally, anassurance programme was put inplace to monitor compliance withthe requirements in the guide.
Expo 2020 communicated any
updates made to the COVID-19
requirements through theissuance of Circulars. These wereamendments to the initial COVID-19
Guide and served as addenda to
the comprehensive COVID-19
Guide produced during the startof the event. The Circulars werecommunicated both in writing to all
stakeholders and verbally throughdaily briefings. Throughout the event
phase, a total of eight COVID-19
Circulars were issued. Each Circularreflected the most up-to-date
information about the COVID-19
safety measures and covered
key informational updates suchas testing protocols, vaccination
mandates, etc.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

This enabled the operating plans tobe adjusted as needed. By providing
regular updates on the COVID-19
protocols, Expo 2020 was able tokeep its key stakeholders informedon the rapidly evolving COVID-19
regulations. This allowed Expo2020’s stakeholders to readily
follow these regulations on-site
and implement them within theirrespective organisations.
Key Principles
Expo 2020’s requirementsin the COVID-19 Guide werecomprehensive. Nonetheless, anumber of fundamental principles
applied to all operations.

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES• All visitors and workforce

must comply with COVID-19
precautions on public and privatetransport.

• All visitors and workforce who• All venue operators must assess
the risks from COVID-19 andimplement suitable precautions.

• All visitors and the workforce

must sanitise or wash their hands
regularly.

feel unwell while at Expo 2020
must immediately seek on-site
medical advice.

• All venue operators must definemaintain two metres of social
distancing.

• All visitors and workforce who

volunteers, contractors andservice providers must be
vaccinated.

• All venue operators must

• All visitors and workforce must
• All Expo 2020 and IP staff,• All visitors and the workforce

capacity limits and ensure theselimits are not exceeded.
are unwell must not visit the Expo
2020 site.
implement comprehensive
cleaning and sanitisation
programmes.

must wear a face mask.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOVACCINATION CAMPAIGN

COVID-19 HOTLINE

As part of a more comprehensive
approach to COVID-19 risk
management, Expo 2020
committed to ensuring that all
the event phase workforce were
vaccinated. This was achieved as
Expo 2020’s staff had to be fully
vaccinated, as well as receive abooster shot, to be eligible for
their Expo 2020 accreditation andemployment status. Moreover,in order to facilitate a successful
and timely vaccination roll-out,
vaccines were free of charge for all
Expo 2020 staff, contractors, IPs,
vendors and suppliers. As a result,
Expo 2020’s vaccination campaign
successfully and fully inoculated
1,906 people across Expo 2020.

Expo 2020 launched an internal
COVID-19 hotline for its staff andvolunteers. During visiting hours,
a duty manager on-site was
responsible for handling all enquiries.
The purpose of the hotline was to:

On the other hand, visitors wererequired to provide proof of
vaccination or present a 72-hournegative PCR test result in orderto enter the Expo 2020 site. Thisrequirement complemented thestaff vaccination policy and ensured
that everyone working and/or living
within the Expo 2020 site boundary,
and anyone visiting Expo 2020, wasprotected.
To support the visitor journey, Expo
2020 partnered with nine healthcare
providers and a total of 61 clinics inthe UAE. Therefore, an unvaccinatedeligible ticket holder could visit
any of these clinics and redeem afree PCR test prior to visiting Expo
2020. Through this establishednetwork, Expo 2020 was able tocater for a total of 136,222 tests forunvaccinated visitors.
Expo 2020 also designed acomprehensive PCR testing
programme to ensure the safety of
all event participants and help event
operational functions address the
COVID-19 requirements. As part ofthis programme, seven PCR testing
facilities were built across the Expo
2020 site. Together, they could
achieve a total peak capacity ofmore than 20,000 PCR tests per day.
162 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

• Address any concerns from theworkforce in relation to the risks
from COVID-19.

• Provide information on

precautionary measuresand operational controls
implemented across the Expo
2020 site.

• Notify confirmed casesof COVID-19 from staff orvolunteers to enable contact
tracing, where required.

• Provide aftercare and support

dedicated page on the Expo
2020 website to share COVID-19
information. This page provided
visitors with practical pre-arrival
information. The website page
included a list of Frequently
Asked Questions (FAQs) related
to COVID-19. Expo 2020 used
its mobile application and social
media platforms to disseminate
COVID-19 information, including
the latest updates related to UAE
legal requirements.

• Visitors received informationon the COVID-19 requirements
via several different means as
outlined below:yExpo 2020 website andticketingy

Audio communication on thesite through the Public Address
and Voice Alarm (PAVA)
systemyDigital display screens
positioned throughout the siteyStrategically placed signs
throughout the site, in venues,
public realm areas, queues andpavilionsyExpo 2020 Contact Centre

to confirmed cases and close
contacts.

KEEPING VISITORS SAFE
Expo 2020 strived to bring the world
together safely and responsibly
to deliver an exceptional visitor
experience. It ensured that visitors
were safe through the different
stages of the visitor journey. Expo
2020 implemented the following
COVID-19 precautions to protect thehealth, safety and well-being of all
visitors and guest groups.

• Expo 2020’s workforce andvisitors were required to correctly
wear a face mask (fabric or
surgical mask) unless subject toa medical exemption approvedby DHA. This was a key measure
in preventing the potential
transmission of COVID-19.

• Expo 2020 strongly encouraged

visitors to pre-book theirtickets in an effort to minimise
interaction on-site. Additionally,
the pre-booking of pavilions was
also promoted through the Smart
Queue booking facility on the
Expo 2020 mobile application.

• Expo 2020 established a

03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020 EMERGENCY
CENTREThe Expo 2020 Emergency Centre(EEC) was located on the Expo 2020
site and operated during visiting
hours and overnight by DHA. Dubai
Corporation for Ambulance Services(DCAS) personnel transferredsuspected COVID-19 cases to the
EEC for further assessment or toneighbouring hospitals, dependingon the symptoms presented.
To learn more about Expo 2020’s
response to COVID-19, please referto the Expo 2020 COVID-19 Guide.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEINNOVATIONAs the largest event ever held in the region, Expo 2020 was powered by advanced 5G
connectivity, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT), making it one of thesmartest and most connected sites. This was achieved with the help of Expo 2020’s Premierand Official Technology Partners: Accenture, Canon, Christie, Cisco, Digital14, Esharah Etisalat
Security Solutions, Etisalat, G42, SAP, Siemens and Terminus Group. To read more about Expo2020’s partners, please refer to “Sustainable Partnerships” within the “Integrate” section of thischapter.
Expo 2020 achieved its ‘Connecting Minds, Creating
the Future’ core theme by immersing visitors in digital
experiences and harnessing technologies such as
robotics, AI, and Augmented Reality (AR). Expo 2020’s
cutting-edge digital navigation system helped visitors,
participants, volunteers, and employees find their way
around the site. Expo 2020 also utilised numerous 4K
screens on-site to deliver a wide range of multimedia
content to engage visitors.
Expo 2020 fostered a culture of innovation by serving
as a platform to encourage the adoption of innovativeideas and drive creative problem-solving. It promoted
innovation by spotlighting breakthrough ideas,

innovations and technologies that had the potential
to shape the future. Moreover, it nurtured a sense ofcollaboration between leading organisations acrossthe globe with the aim of creating opportunities anddeveloping innovative ideas and capabilities.
The Expo 2020 site was designed as a model forthe communities and cities of the future. This will bedemonstrated in the legacy phase, which will repurpose
80 per cent of the Expo 2020 site to form the basis ofa smart city. During its legacy phase, Expo 2020 will
become a tech-enabled, human-centric community thatwill be underpinned by the next generation of digitalconnectivity.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

5G CONNECTIVITY
A comprehensive 5G network covered the entire site withmore than 8,500 mobile access points. This made Expo
2020 one of the world’s fastest and most connectedsites in the world. With tested speeds of up to 3.1 Gigabits
per second (Gbps), Expo 2020’s network was a key
enabler of its innovative digital solutions including IoT,
robotics, AR and Virtual Reality (VR).

Expo 2020’s 5G network achieved the highest median
upload and download speeds of any 5G network at amajor international event. The following graph maps theindependent speed test results that were conductedby Ookla – a global leader in mobile and broadband
network intelligence and performance testing.

MEDIAN SPEEDSUPLOAD

5G + Modern Chipset

100 Mbps

Expo 2020

MWC Barcelona 2022

75 MbpsHajj

50 Mbps

Super Bowl 2022
French OpenFinal 425 Mbps

NBA Finals 2021

US Open 2021 (Tennis)

Lollapalooza 2021
Olympics

Euro Cup

Wimbledon
250 Mbps

500 Mbps

750 Mbps

1000 Mbps

DOWNLOADINTERNET OF THINGS (IOT)
MindSphere, from Siemens, wasused to monitor services linked toExpo 2020’s physical infrastructure,including 130-plus fully connectedbuildings across the site. The
majority of Expo 2020’s legacy
buildings will use smart technology
and have building management
systems in place. Features164 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

embedded into the buildings include
smart metering and sensors thatmonitor the energy consumption
and efficiency of power, light, water,
and climate conditioning systems.
With regard to water management,
Expo 2020 used a smart irrigation
system to collect data andmonitor water usage. The systemgathers data from its weather
and soil sensors to optimise water
consumption and pump operations.
The flow-rate sensors detect
the amount of water dispensed,
check for any potential leaks in
the irrigation loops, and notify site
operations about areas of concern.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESROBOTICS
Expo 2020 deployed more than 150 programmable robots across the site, with the help of its Premier Robotics
Partner, Terminus.

OPTI MASCOT ROBOTSATTENDENT ROBOTS

DELIVERY ROBOTSPATROL ROBOTS(50)(20 ROAMING + 10 STATIONARY)(25+25)(22)

Acted as goodwill
ambassadors as
the robots greeted
visitors, performed in
special displays, andprovided guidance andassistance to visitors.
The robots weremodelled after Opti,
one of the Expo 2020
mascots and werefitted with features
such as a multi-touch
display and AI-driven
object mapping anddetection.

Provided information
to visitors andanswered generalenquiries through voiceinteractions.

Provided zero-contact
delivery and vending
services aroundthe site, combining
convenience withsafety to minimise theongoing implicationsof the COVID-19
pandemic.

An all-inclusive
security solution foroutdoor spaces –included 360-degree,
24/7 patrolling, firemonitoring and mobile
emergency alarms,
among other corecompetencies.

AMAL VISITOR ASSISTANTPODWAY

Expo 2020 developed an AI-powered chatbot called
Amal, in collaboration with Accenture and SmartDubai.
Amal communicated with the visitors through the Expo
2020 website and mobile application in 10 languages,
including English and Arabic. It shared information suchas the opening times, shows and attractions, parking
and public transport options. Amal was able to answer
visitors’ questions accurately and quickly as it could
process and analyse large volumes of information in realtime. It was designed to learn, develop, and improve theservice through natural language processing.

PODWay was designed to help People of Determination(PODs) navigate the Expo 2020 site by providing
real-time information tailored to their mobility needs.
The application was co-developed with SAP, Expo2020’s Innovative Enterprise Software Partner. The
application optimised PODs’ experience based onaccessibility requirements, using analytics and experiencemanagement technologies. This was coupled with input
from IoT and mobile tracking technologies. PODs visiting
Expo 2020 could select requirements such as motorised
wheelchairs, audio headsets or sensory maps to ensure
the best experience at Expo 2020.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CROWD MANAGEMENT
Expo 2020 welcomed 24.1
million visitors to its site throughits collaboration efforts with its
partners to host a seamless flow ofvisitors in a safe and secure manner.
This included using advanced
software to help forecast, track,and manage crowd movements
across the site. Moreover, Expo
2020 leveraged specialist Wi-Fi
positioning technology to help

manage indoor flow of visitors. Expo2020’s Operations Centre used
an array of projectors to display
content from thousands of cameras
situated across the site on a multiuse, multi-informational canvas. In aneffort to minimise queuing, some of
the country pavilions implemented
an intelligent Smart Queue system
similar to the fast-pass schemes
found at theme parks. This offered

Expo 2020’s visitors the ability toreserve a specific time slot at thevenues subscribed to the systemand optimise their visit to Expo
2020. Through this system, visitors
were able to visit the participating
pavilions at a time convenient tothem without having to wait inpotentially lengthy queues.

VIRTUAL AND AUGMENTED REALITY
For the first time at a World Expo, Expo 2020 used VR to connect physical and virtual visitors through explorable andinteractive narratives. Virtual Expo enhanced the on-site visitors’ experience and allowed millions of connected visitorsfrom around the world to experience Expo 2020 as if they were on-site. Virtual Expo included:

Project Parasol:
A stylised virtual recreation of the Expo 2020 site. This
allowed visitors to explore and experience every pavilion’s
interiors through 360º videos. Project Parasol leveraged
storytelling elements that were presented using AR
and included quests and site-specific artworks. It also
incorporated digital characters that represented virtual andphysical visitors through the use of avatars.

Virtual Expo:an events-focused website that offered a 3D view of theExpo 2020 site and all its pavilions. It enabled viewers
to choose a point of interest from an overhead map andzoom in to experience 360-degree videos that contained
information about a country, a pavilion, or an event.

Gaming Experience:
Targeting the youth and the rapidly growing, multigenerational audience of gamers, Expo 2020 created an
immersive virtual Expo 2020 experience through its dedicated
Minecraft world. Minecraft players could experience the site
and visit the various pavilions on the gaming platform as ameans to relate to Expo 2020’s themes in an attractive andfamiliar environment. Moreover, this included an education
element aimed at children in grades K-12. It featured several
lesson plans for teachers to use in their classrooms to divefurther into Expo 2020’s themes.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

Digital Expo:
Offered aggregated webinars and podcasts created byExpo 2020 alongside assets created by the participants. The
content was collected in an easily accessible, web-based
platform. The submissions were handled through a custom
content management system.

Digital events:
Offered digital-only experiences exclusively on one of
Virtual Expo’s digital platforms. The aim was to leveragetechnology to digitally engage audiences by creating new
types of immersive experiences. This was the first attempt
for a World Expo to transcend all physical constraints.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYSHINING A LIGHT ON SUSTAINABILITYCHRISTIEAs Christie moves forward in audio-visual industry leadership and advanced technology,
it continues to prioritise being a globally responsible business. Christie is committed tothe ongoing development of sustainable technologies and products and aims to provide
solutions for large-scale events and venues that contribute to a sustainable future.
The Christie D4K40-RGB pure laser
projectors brought spectacularvisual experiences to life in Al Wasl
Plaza during Expo 2020. The laser
projectors were designed to function
for a long life of 25,000 hours,
which adds up to 8.5 years if utilisedfor eight hours per day for 365
days. Therefore, the projectors willcontinue illuminating Al Wasl Plaza
when the site transitions from an
event space into its more permanentsetting.
The projectors offered improved
energy efficiency and optimal value
compared to older models. Theirextended lifetime eliminated theneed for replacement, reducing
their environmental impact andmaintenance activities.
The robust D4K40-RGB included asealed optical path and integrated
cooling. The projectors werestrategically housed in protective
pods to withstand Dubai’s climate,dust, and possible sandstorms.
Embedded in each projector was
Christie LiteLOC™ technology that
holds every unit to a predeterminedcolour and brightness level,
regardless of ambient temperaturefluctuations. Due to Christie’s
LiteLOC technology, the colour
balance did not need to be adjusted
manually in any of the 252 projectors
over the entire event phase.
Christie’s Conductor monitoring
and control software provided

168 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

an easy-to-interpret display of
every projector’s real-time status
on a central laptop. This allowed
the Expo 2020 team to spot any
issues, diagnose and resolve themproactively while the projectors
remained sealed in their pods. This
ensured that manual intervention
was kept to an absolute minimum.
In addition to designing andmanufacturing sustainableproducts, Christie subscribes
to a broader commitment toenvironmental sustainability.
Christie follows the Restrictionof Hazardous Substances (RoHS)
directive, which provides guidance toensure that no hazardous materials
are incorporated into products.
Moreover, Christie is also compliant
with Registration, Evaluation,
Authorisation and Restriction ofChemicals (REACH). REACH is a
European Union (EU) regulationthat emphasises protecting humanhealth and the environment fromthe risks associated with the useof chemicals. Furthermore, Christie
requires its suppliers to abide by the
Christie Supplier Code of Conduct,
which includes environmental
protection initiatives.
The company has made significant
strides toward reducing waste,
leveraging renewable energy
sources, engaging employees
in environmental initiatives, andmuch more. For instance, Christie
implemented organic, plastic ande-waste recycling programmes,
as well as an innovative foam
recycling programme. Christie’s
recycling programmes in the
primary manufacturing facility
achieved an average recycling rateof 82 per cent. Additionally, Christie
successfully carried out sustainablebuilding renovations worldwide.
An example of an operational
improvement was the heat recycling
initiative, which enabled wasted heatto be recovered from manufacturing
processes and reused to heat otherareas or plants. This helped reduce
Christie’s natural gas consumption
by more than 40 per cent while
reducing water consumption by
25 per cent. Moreover, Christie’s
headquarters in California use
roof-mounted solar panels tooffset energy usage and charge
employees’ electric vehicles, thus
supporting Christie’s commitment
to improve its carbon footprint andenvironmental impact.
Christie aims to continue on thispath of sustainability stewardshipby identifying and developing newopportunities for performance
improvement.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYACHIEVING THE SDGS TOGETHERACCENTURE
As the Digital Services Premier Partner, Accenture helped Expo 2020 create engaging digital
experiences while focusing on ecosystem building and contribution to systemic change.
Accenture prioritised supporting key demographics for the transformation of society
towards the global goals. These included women, youth, PODs, educators, not-for-profits,philanthropists and corporate leadership.
KEY HIGHLIGHTS FROM ACCENTURE AT EXPO 2020

EVENTSEXPO 2020 TICKETS:

NEW CONNECTION

25

394

5

PANELSVOLUNTEERSSPEAKERS

14

+53

~76

VOLUNTEERING HOURS

GUESTSNEW PARTNERS+2,047+358

6PARTICIPANTS

ONLINE+616>160

SUSTAINABILITY INITIATIVES
Skilling: Conducted coding and design thinking sessions using Kidovation, and worked with the Expo School
programme.
Impact Investment: Financed refugee programmes with the help of UNHCR and high net worth individuals.
Focused Discussions: Conducted panels focused on female professional growth and PODs inclusion in theworkforce.
Education and Increased Awareness: Conducted awareness sessions on environmental topics such as raisingawareness on single-use plastics.
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG): Facilitated the second cohort of SDG Ambition sessions with participantsfrom companies in Lebanon, UAE and Saudi Arabia.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSPARTNERSHIPS
Innovating to help its clients andcommunities tackle societal issues
has always been an importantpart of Accenture’s responsible
business model. From the response
to COVID-19 to equipping workers
with new skills, Accenture and its
partners have been developing
innovative solutions to tackle themost challenging societal issues.
Accenture Middle East used its
space at the Expo 2020 loungein the Partners Hub to show its
commitment in playing its part inaccelerating change.
During the six months of the Expo
2020, the Accenture lounge hosted
25 events where more than 600
participants came together indifferent forms including panel
discussions, thought leaderships
talks, philanthropy workshops,

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

skilling sessions and debates.
Accenture provided space to its
not-for-profit partners, bringing its
ecosystem together and increasing
its collective social impact to help
create a more inclusive society.
Through Expo 2020, Accenture built
relationships with new organisations
and strengthened its bonds with its
existing network. In the Accenture
lounge, all participants wereencouraged to collaborate acrosssectors to generate outcomes forsome of the most complex societal
and environmental challenges.
Moreover, Accenture used the powerof technology to connect people
online and at the Expo 2020 site.
Social media posts covering theevents further triggered a myriad of
positive reactions both inside andoutside of Expo 2020 and Accenture.

Shared action and collaboration
remained crucial to Accenture’s
collective progress towards
sustainability. In line with previous
years, Accenture continued topartner with the UN alongside
SAP and 3M to facilitate the SDG
Ambition. The Accenture lounge
served as a venue to host someof the SDG Ambition sessions to
support companies in the UAE, Saudi
Arabia and Lebanon drive progresson the SDGs. Expo 2020 provided
Accenture with the right setting to
use SDGs as a universal language
to galvanise action with its clients,
ecosystem partners, suppliers andother stakeholders.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYEXPO LIVEThe foundation of Expo 2020’s theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is thebelief that innovation and progress are the results of people and ideas coming together
to collectively solve real world problems. Launched in 2016, Expo Live was Expo 2020’s
innovation and partnership programme aimed to fund, accelerate and promote creative
solutions by innovators who are tackling some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
Expo Live harnessed the convening power of a World Expo and demonstrated how global
innovation and changemakers could accelerate the pace of progress to inspire a more
inclusive and prosperous future. These themes were translated into action through a
combination of grant programmes, innovation challenges and knowledge-sharing events.

Expo Live – Intentional programme to foster social innovation andentrepreneurship by supporting novel solutions, connecting minds, andinspiring changemakers.
University Innovation
Programme (UIP), which

Innovation Impact Grant
Programme (IIGP), which provided

incentivised creative thinking andcollaboration between university
students to solve problems relevantto the UAE and the region.

funding, business support, andexposure to innovative solutions
that benefit communities and theenvironment.

• 19 university partners• 11,000+ applications from• 46 projects supported• 184 countries• 130 volunteer professors• 140 selected global innovatorsfrom 76 countries• 3 companies founded

Expo Live enabled social innovation
through four models – innovation
around a product, a service, a
process or one that drives socialtransformation. Both social
innovators and social enterprises
made up the Expo Live Global
Innovators (GI). While identifying GIs,
Expo Live did not consider their size,
legal form, or geographical location.
Change agents come from acrossthe world as individuals working
at the grassroots level, frontline
workers, ministries, NGOs, privatecompanies, charities, or faith-basedorganisations were invited to submit
their applications.
172 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

The Good Place Pavilion,
which was Expo Live’s homeand showcased innovators andoutstanding projects that it has
championed.

• A multi-sensory interactive
experience where visitors
explored the innovators andtheir impact on the community

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO LIVE JOURNEY

JUN

NOV

2013
Commitment by Expo 2020
leadership to the BIE in Paris tocreate a concrete programme forpartnership and innovation

2018

MAY

Publication of first
Progress Report ‘Expo
Live – From Promise to
Purpose 2016 - 2018’

SEP

SEP

2017

OCT

Inaugural Global
Innovators Summit titled‘Quest for Purpose’

MAY

Publication of second
Progress Report ‘Expo
Live - Passion Meets
Capability 2019-20’

OCTAward of Expo 2020 to Dubai– the first World Expo to beheld in the MEASA region

2021
Opening of Expo 2020and Expo Live Pavilion

Collaboration Agreementwith Bill & Melinda Gates
Foundation

AUG

Selection of the fifthcohort of IIGPBEYOND

2017

NOV

2018

2020

2016
Official start andpublic roll-out
of Expo Liveprogramme

MAR

Selection of the firstcohort of IIGP

Launch of UIP

2018

2021

MAY

2013

2019
Second Global
Innovators Summit‘Passion Meets
Capability’

2020

FEB

Announcement of
the design of Expo
Live, The Good Place
Pavilion

2022
Physical site will transform into the legacy phase,a model global community for the future andhome to world-class innovation, educational,
cultural, and entertainment facilities

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

THOROUGH, TRANSPARENT AND INDEPENDENT SELECTION PROCESSPROJECT ORIGINATION
Competitive calls for proposal were issued atregular intervals and distributed through multiple
channels, including the Expo Live webpage
and social media, as well as introduced by its
network partners. Additionally, when Expo Live
identified projects that were well suited to its
objectives, the project owners were invited for
abstract submissions.

STEP

1

STEP

9

REVIEW AND SHORTLISTThe Expo Live Evaluation Team shortlisted
eligible abstracts by using an iterative
scoring system. Applicants received
feedback from Expo Live within 20 to 40
working days after the abstract application
deadline.

STEP

2

STEP

8

FULL APPLICATION
Shortlisted applicants were invited tosubmit a complete application withsupporting documents. The evaluators
assessed the proposals based onalignment with Expo Live’s objectives forlevel of innovation, impact, and quality ofthe submission.

3

7

4

6

174 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

SITE VISITSAt this stage, grant managers, accompanied
by other team members, carried out site visits
to get a deeper understanding of the social
enterprise and any adjustments that could be
made, as well as witness the impact createdfirsthand. The visit was generally a pre-requisite
to release the second tranche of funding
disbursement.

STEP

STEP

GRANT APPROVALFor the final grant award, Expo Liveconsidered the diversity of geographic
representation, the spread of innovations
related to the subthemes of Opportunity,
Mobility and Sustainability, and therepresentation of technologies, projects,
and business models at different stages ofmaturity.

PROJECT REPORTThe social enterprise shared a final reportdetailing the outcomes of the fundingachieved. They highlighted businessgrowth, impact KPIs, technologicaldevelopments, and other partnerships
made during the grant process.

STEP

STEP

LIVE PRESENTATION
Expo Live invited selected GIs to come andpitch in Dubai during a three-day event.
It invited Expo 2020 Premier Partners
and embassy representatives from theglobal community to attend the pitches
and support their fellow countrymen andwomen.

ATTENDING EXPO 2020
All global social innovators were invited toshowcase their innovations live at the Expo
2020.

STEP

5

GRANT AGREEMENT
Once a grant received approval for funding,an award notification letter was sent to theapplicant. The GI and the assigned grantmanager went through a collaborative process
to define implementation plans, required budget,
KPIs, and risk mitigation measures. Once bothparties had agreed, Expo Live released the firstround of funds to the social enterprise.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO LIVE SUPPORTED A DIVERSE GROUP OF GLOBAL INNOVATORS IMPACTING PEOPLE’S LIVESACROSS THE PLANETGLOBAL INNOVATORS HEADQUARTERS PER REGIONGLOBAL INNOVATORS PER SEUB-THEME

35
30

18%

Mobility

25
20
15

36%

Opportunity

10
5

46%

Sustainability

OceaniaSouth
America

Asia

Sub-SaharanAfricaMENA

Europe& NorthAmerica

0

Mobility

Opportunity

Sustainability

GLOBAL INNOVATORS PER SECTOR
15%
15

13%
12%

12

10%

9

8%
6%

6%

6

8%

7%
4%

3

4%

2%

4%

1%
Water

Waste

Trasnportation& Logistics

Tourism/
Lifestyle

Information
Communication
Technology

Healthcare

Financial
Technology

Enviornment

EnergyEmployment

Education

Construction/
Housing/
SmartCities

Community
Development

Agriculture0

TYP EPF FUNDING (IN USD) ATTRACTED BY GLOBAL INNOVATORS PER TYPE OF PARTNER

Commercial Partner

Non-Commercial Partner

Funding Partner

Client20 billion $*40 billion $*

Grant

Loan

60 billion $*Investment

80 billion $*N/A

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

DELIVERING TANGIBLE IMPACT FOR THE PEOPLE AND PLANET
Together 140 Global Innovators from 76 countries contributed to:

PROTECTING OR
RESTORINGSAVING

6.3 MILLION

36 MILLIONLITRES OF WATERHECTARES OFLANDPROVIDING
MEDICALASSISTANCE TO

1.1 MILLIONPEOPLEPROVIDINGAVOIDING

CREATING

611,000
PEOPLE’S

190,000 TONNES

160,000+

EDUCATION AND
SKILLS

OF CARBON DIOXIDEEQUIVALENTJOBS

IMPROVING

760,000
FARMERSLIVELIHOODS

POSITIVELYIMPACTING

5.8 MILLIONPEOPLEUSASUSTAINABILITY

In Mozambique and Kenya, Be Girl’s biology-based SmartCycle menstrualeducation workshops and learning tools reached 18,000 girls and boys,
and 86,000 girls and boys received educational flyers in their local
language with information about menstrual and reproductive health.

LEBANONSUSTAINABILITY

CubeX is a home-scale wastewater and solid waste treatment systemthat enables households to effortlessly process their organic waste onsite . Compost Baladi has diverted more than 4,500 metric tonnes of solid
biowaste from landfills/dumpsites while empowering more than 450
refugees, farmers, and women on waste management and related topics.

MOROCCOSUSTAINABILITY

Zelij developed an innovative formula that uses 80 per cent plastic waste
and 20 per cent eco-friendly materials to produce construction materials
that are 100 per cent sustainable while also being more affordable.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

MOROCCOSUSTAINABILITY

Dar Si Hmad built the largest fog-collection installation in the world, with1,700sqm of moisture capturing netting, which supplies potable water to
16 villages in southwest Morocco. Women, who are the traditional waterguardians, have gained back the 3.5 hours daily for water-fetching. Moregirls are attending school, and the villages are enjoying a better overall
quality of life.

RUSSIASUSTAINABILITY

Through Posadi Les 9,489 people have planted trees without leaving their
computers. Within the ‘plant a forest’ framework, 2,572,525 trees havebeen planted in 52 regions of the Russian federation.

UAE

OPPORTUNITY

YallaGive is the first licensed online donation and crowdfunding platformin the Middle East. It is the first platform of its kind, providing fullyauthenticated services entirely based on blockchain technology. Since its
launch, YallaGive has fundraised AED 63,193,883 towards 2,079 campaigns
in humanitarian and relief, health and medical, social and community, andenvironment and nature.

HAITI

SUSTAINABILITY

Through the EkoLakay project, they have provided more than 6,000
residents with safe, dignified access to sanitation, produced more than
200 tonnes of compost, and establishing a circular economy model that
also addresses soil erosion and deforestation.

IRELANDOPPORTUNITY

Through CoderDojo, 58,000 young people are being creative withtechnology with the help of 12,000 volunteers in 117 countries.

BANGLADESHOPPORTUNITY

Apon provided health awareness and training sessions to 2,889 workers
in the Bangladeshi garment industry, of which 1,794 accessed the healthinsurance plan.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOCOLOMBIA

03. THE EXPO LEGACYOPPORTUNITY

Fundefir Nueva Esparta created 214 new communal banks or
Bankomunales in Colombia, thereby allowing 4,453 members to save USD
698,903 and access USD 3,976,616 in credit.

COSTA RICAOPPORTUNITY

They built pallets with no deforestation, lower energy consumption anda higher rate of oxygen regeneration, which means their packaging helps
towards conservation and regeneration of the environment.

ARGENTINA

MOBILITYOTTAA Project gives back a voice to those who lost it. With images andartificial intelligence, using any mobile phone, it enables the speechimpaired to talk again.

UGANDAOPPORTUNITY

Jibu enabled local entrepreneurs to deliver 12 million litres of potablewater to 58,250 rural people, including refugees, across Uganda.

BENIN

SUSTAINABILITY

Almightly Services Plus provided clean fuel and cookstoves to 4,170 people
in Benin, thereby avoiding 31,855 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent.

RWANDAMOBILITY

Babyl trained 323 health care professionals who conducted mobile-based
consultations for 44,695 unique patients in Rwanda.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

KENYA

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSUSTAINABILITY

Hydroponics delivered hydroponic systems to 500 farmers across East
Africa thereby contributing to generating 1,841 new farmer jobs and saving
936,000 litres of water.

SAUDI ARABIAMOBILITY

Labayh now has 120,000 clients and logged more than one million
consultation minutes in 2020. Due to the global pandemic Labayh
launched ‘Labayh Hope’, a campaign to support people during the healthcrisis and gave more than 10,000 free consultations.

JAPAN

MOBILITY

WheeLog is the only crowdsourced map in the world that makes it
possible to visualise the routes wheelchair users have taken (TrackLog). By
creating an interactive map that allows wheelchair users to clearly see theaccessibility of public spaces, they promote a society where wheelchairusers and people with mobility challenges can fully enjoy their lives.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYKEY EXAMPLES OF EXPO LIVE GLOBAL INNOVATORS ACROSS EXPO 2020’S
THREE THEMESSUSTAINABILITY

INITIATIVE:

DESERT CONTROLSECTOR:ENVIRONMENTLOCATION:NORWAYBe My Eyes connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers or workplace representatives for visual
assistance through a live video call, thereby improving their independence and self-reliance.

MARKET ORIENTED
BUSINESS MODEL

Desert Control’s product offers a strong value proposition for customers withshort payback times. Their LNC product boosts crop yields by 62 per centwhile cutting water use by up to 50 per cent. Additionally, converting desert togreen land reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 15 to 25 tonnes per hectare,annually. The company targets three segments of customers:
1.

Green landscaping firms that can reduce water consumption and use offertilisers.

2.

Agricultural industries, both food production and forestry, that can
improve yield and reduce the risk of deforestation.

3.

Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and multi-stakeholder initiatives
that promote impact programmes.

CREDIBLE SOCIALCOMMITMENT

The company’s vision is to restore the earth’s natural greenness by reversing
desertification and soil degradation. It aims to transform sand and degraded
land into fertile soil while reducing the water needed for green ecosystems by
up to 50 per cent.

RAISING CAPITAL VIA
FINANCIAL MARKETSIn April 2021, Desert Control successfully raised approximately USD 23
million in its Initial Public Offering (IPO) on the Oslo Stock Exchange. The
private placement attracted significant interest from domestic, Nordic, andinternational investors, who focus on ESG, sustainability, and green innovation.
The capital raised will finance the company’s expansion plans and commercial
rollout in the UAE and the western United States.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESMOBILITYINITIATIVE:

BE MY EYES
SECTOR:INFORMATION AND
COMMUNICATIONSTECHNOLOGY (ICT)LOCATION:

DENMARKBe My Eyes connects blind and low-vision people with sighted volunteers or workplace representatives for visual
assistance through a live video call, thereby improving their independence and self-reliance.

MARKET ORIENTED
BUSINESS MODELBe My Eyes is a mobile application that connects blind and low-visionindividuals with sighted volunteers and companies from all over the world
through a live video call. The Be My Eyes business model relies on partnerships
and contracts with companies. The service can be integrated into a company’s
existing communication channels via an application to meet the needs of thecompany’s low-vision employees, clients, suppliers, and other stakeholders.

CREDIBLE SOCIALCOMMITMENT

The Be My Eyes story started in Denmark in 2012 with Hans Jørgen Wiberg, aDanish furniture craftsman, who is visually impaired. Through his work at The
Danish Association of the Blind, he recognised that blind or low-vision people
typically required some assistance to solve everyday tasks. However, helearned from a blind friend that he used video calls to connect with family andfriends who assisted him with these tasks. It was then that Hans Jørgen got
the idea for Be My Eyes. He believed that the technology of video calls could
be used to visually assist blind or low-vision individuals, without them having
to rely on friends and family, but on a network of volunteers.

RAISING CAPITAL VIA
FINANCIAL MARKETSBe My Eyes attracted 10,000 volunteers within its first 24 hours of operation,
and within eight weeks, it had users in 100 countries. During the past six years,
4.5 million volunteers and 290,000 blind and visually impaired have joined
the community. With assistance in 180 languages, it is currently the mostprominent online platform for the blind and visually impaired, and one of thelargest micro-volunteering platforms in the world.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYOPPORTUNITY

INITIATIVE:INVESTEDSECTOR:EDUCATION

LOCATION:PHILIPPINES

InvestEd offers affordable and flexible loan products to students from low-income households in the Philippines.
Instead of loan processors, students applying for a loan at InvestEd are accommodated by financial counsellors. Once
repayment begins, students primarily deal with coaches instead of collectors.

WITH THE RIGHT FUNDING
AND SUPPORTAT THE RIGHT TIME, GLOBALINNOVATORS SCALEDTHEIR BUSINESSES AND
IMPACT 10X

In 2018, when InvestEd applied for the Expo Live grant, the company was justpast the pilot phase. The co-founders were facing issues finding an investor in
the region who believed in the idea of pro-student loans. The Expo Live grant
allowed InvestEd to test and further develop their loan products to vulnerable
target groups such as young mothers. They were able to catalyse additional
funding and hire nine new employees over the following year. Through the
network of Expo Live GIs, InvestEd joined a network where it was able toexchange stories and share learnings to improve its resilience.
As the pandemic hit, InvestEd’s business plan became irrelevant. However,with the help of the emergency support from Expo Live, InvestEd re-examined
what learning in the face of a pandemic would look like and entail for a
student’s financial and non-financial needs. As a result, InvestEd was able
readjust and expand the organisation to 50 employees and finance more
students in 2021 than it had in the three former years combined.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSECURITY PRACTICES
Expo 2020 hosted a safe event, providing Expo 2020’s visitors with a secure and safe experience as a result of the
security operations and controls in place. Expo 2020 worked in collaboration with Dubai Police and federal security
authorities to secure the perimeter of the site. This assured the safety of the visitors and guests, ensuring the highest
level of event safety and security was maintained.

Security personnel training on human rights
Number of security personnel who received formal training in theorganisation’s human rights policies or specific procedures and theirapplication to security.

Pre-event phase

Event phase

2,879

0

Pre-event refers to the period from April 2021 to September 2021 and the event phase refers to the period from
October 2021 to March 2022.
Expo 2020’s security personnel were trained during the pre-event phase as part of their onboarding process. The
training was conducted at the Dubai Police Academy and was taught by Expo 2020 Security Operations and the Expo
2020 Learning and Development Training Team.
There were four entrance points visitors could use to access the Expo 2020 site, including Metro Plaza, Opportunity
Plaza, Sustainability Plaza and Mobility Plaza. Visitors were required to complete a search and screen process on arrival
through the Pedestrian Screening Areas (PSAs).

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

CASE STUDYMISSING AND FOUND PERSONS PROGRAMME
Prior to the event phase, one of the risks identified through a security Threat and Risk
Assessment (TRA) was the high likelihood of a missing person on the Expo 2020 site during
the event phase. Thus, it was concluded that Expo 2020 required a procedure to mitigate
this risk. Expo 2020 identified the required actions to effectively manage this risk to ensure
separated visitors, families, groups, etc., were reunited.
The programme was successful as
missing persons were reunited ina relatively short time. Moreover,missing persons (especiallychildren) were placed in a safe
and secure place while the search
for the parents/guardians was
initiated and concluded. This
programme proved effective andsignificantly reduced the risk ofanyone, especially children, being
lost, abducted, abused or harmed.
The Expo 2020 Missing and Found
Persons Programme can be used asa benchmark for future events on
the Expo 2020 site during the legacy
phase.

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The Expo 2020 Missing andFound Persons Programme was
successful due to the support fromthe following advanced technology
tools:• CCTV Cameras/Operators: Expo

2020 implemented an extensive
Close Circuit Television (CCTV)
Programme. Approximately
15,000 cameras were deployedaround the Expo 2020 site. Manyof the CCTV cameras were smart
cameras and were critical to theprogramme’s success.

• SSA Function: The Security

System Analytics (SSA)
Function proved to be atechnologically advanced andleading programme. It served
as an asset to the Missing andFound Persons Programme as it
mapped individuals using facialrecognition. This was instrumental
in tracking down and guiding
the Security Operations andthe Emergency Services toindividuals on the Expo 2020 site.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCASE STUDYLOCKDOWN AND VOID PROGRAMME
Expo 2020 conducted a security Threat and Risk Assessment (TRA) to identify risks using
the available information based on ISO 31000, an international risk management standard.
This exercise was initiated in 2016 and upon completion of the TRA in August 2021, Expo
2020 implemented two initiatives during the pre-event phase to mitigate the identified
risks.
Expo 2020 conducted a security Threat and Risk
Assessment (TRA) to identify risks using the available
information based on ISO 31000, an international risk
management standard. This exercise was initiated in2016 and upon completion of the TRA in August 2021,
Expo 2020 implemented two initiatives during the preevent phase to mitigate the identified risks.
The main risk identified in the TRA was that individuals
could attempt to place threats on-site during the preevent phase. The primary initiative was to design andimplement a series of coordinated searches of the entire
Expo 2020 site by specialist advanced search teams.
This was done in collaboration with the relevant Dubai
authorities.

challenge to minimise the negative impact on thecontractors without compromising the integrity of theinitiatives. Nevertheless, the initiatives were successfully
implemented and had no significant impacts on thecontractors.
The high levels of confidence enjoyed by Expo 2020 andthe Dubai law enforcement authorities was the primary
benefit of the combined initiatives. After the site waslocked down, there were no unauthorised persons or
items on-site. Therefore, the security protocols employedfrom that point ensured that this status remained
throughout the event.

The purpose of Expo 2020’s ‘Lockdown Phase’ activities
was to confirm that there were no unauthorised persons
or prohibited or restricted items on the Expo 2020 site.
Once the search was complete, the site was declaredas ‘locked down’. From that point forward, there werepolicies, procedures, protocols, and practices in place toprevent any reintroduction of materials to the site.
Nonetheless, one significant challenge was that the
lockdown phase would be ineffective if the security
teams could not search the inaccessible voids createdduring construction. These voids could only be searchedusing search dogs and technological equipment, which
was less effective than physical inspections. Therefore, anadditional initiative was implemented to ensure that all
inaccessible voids were inspected at the point of being
created. This initiative was called the ‘Void Programme’.
Expo 2020 developed specific criteria to inspect all
inaccessible voids that were subject to a risk assessment.
It ensured that each inaccessible void was inspected with
documented evidence trail.
The primary challenge was the potential for the initiatives
to delay construction progress and/or incur a financial
burden for the contractors. This created an additional

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

03

THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

THE EXPO LEGACY

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESAEXPO 2020 LEGACYCONTRIBUTION
Creating a sustainable and enduring legacy has been at the core of Expo 2020’s vision fromthe beginning. The six months of Expo 2020 encouraged cultural exchange while promoting
Expo 2020’s core theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and its key subthemesof Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. Building on the success achieved, the Expo 2020
site will transition to Expo City Dubai, fulfilling Expo 2020’s founding vision to continue as an
ecosystem to connect, create and innovate. Expo City Dubai will serve as an ideal platform
to foster collaboration between local and global companies, SMEs, start-ups as well as
government, and academia.

EXPO 2020 LEGACY: DIMENSIONS OF PLANNING

SUPPORTING GROSSDOMESTIC PRODUCT (GDP)GROWTH AND ECONOMIC
DIVERSIFICATIONSTRENGTHENING
EXISTING INDUSTRIESLEGACYPLANNINGECONOMICDEVELOPMENT

SOCIALDEVELOPMENTREPUTATIONAL
DEVELOPMENTENHANCING BILATERALTIES, PERCEPTION OF
THE REGION

PHYSICALDEVELOPMENTENVIRONMENTALRESOURCEEFFICIENCYSUSTAINABLE
DESIGN AND
INFRASTRUCTUREENVIRONMENTAL
DEVELOPMENTNURTURING SMES AND
ENTREPRENEURSHIP

ART, CULTURE AND
CREATIVE DEVELOPMENTJOB CREATION AND
SKILLS TRAININGYOUTH ANDVOLUNTEERISMSCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY,
ENGINEERING, ARTS,
AND MATHEMATICS (STEAM)EDUCATION AND INNOVATIONEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOECONOMIC LEGACY
Expo City Dubai will be a long-term contributor to the
UAE’s economy following the success of Expo 2020.
The economic legacy will be created by contributing to
new business generation, GDP growth and job creation
across the region. Expo 2020 supports the UAE’s vision
for sustainable economic development by driving
growth in key industries such as travel and tourism,
logistics, transport, construction and real estate. The
growth of these sectors provides continual support toeconomic diversification by helping build a more resilient,sustainable, and knowledge-driven economy.

ENVIRONMENTAL LEGACY
Expo 2020 positioned itself as a catalyst forsustainability in the region through its sustainability
strategy and the adoption of sustainability andenvironmental standards and guidelines. It sought toserve as a future model by setting best practices formega-events and driving innovations in sustainability.
Expo 2020’s legacy planning ensured the integration ofenergy-efficient technologies and sustainable design.
Continuing on this path, Expo 2020’s environmental
legacy will be realised through the positiveenvironmental performance of Expo City Dubai and its
efficient use of natural resources.

REPUTATIONAL LEGACYAs the first World Expo ever held in the MEASA region,
Expo 2020 showcased the region’s potential to aninternational audience. Expo 2020 highlighted the UAE’s
capacity to bring the world together to build a global
community across its 200-plus participants, partners,
and millions of visitors from around the world. Together,
Expo 2020 unlocked the potential for individuals andcommunities to shape the future. Through the legacy
phase, Expo 2020 will continue to strengthen multilateralrelations by encouraging the collaboration and crosspollination of thoughts, cultures and ideas.

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03. THE EXPO LEGACYSOCIAL LEGACY
Expo 2020 provided an opportunity to educate, inspire,
and involve its internal and external stakeholders
through the different phases of the event. Expo 2020
imprinted a positive and long-lasting impact on thestakeholders it encountered during its event phaseincluding the visitors, international participants (IPs),
employees, volunteers, and the local community. In
addition, it encouraged innovation by identifying,
showcasing, and celebrating social innovators aroundthe world. Building on Expo 2020’s commitment toinspire the generations of the future, Expo City Dubai willcontinue to offer meaningful educational and culturalexperiences to inspire learning during its legacy phase.
Thereby developing the next generation’s innovativeminds through new channels of knowledge that will
stimulate their curiosity and empower them to become
agents of change. Furthermore, pavilions that promotedsocial development will be retained as part of Expo City
Dubai. One such pavilion is the Women’s Pavilion whichhighlighted women’s contributions to society.

PHYSICAL LEGACY
More than 80 per cent of Expo 2020’s built environment
will live on as Expo City Dubai, which is set to be one of
the world’s most human-centric, smart and sustainable
innovation ecosystems. Expo 2020 will help foster
growth in the region as it embodies the future of living
and working through a new urban experience.

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESB
EXPO CITY DUBAI -THE FUTURE
OF TH E EXPO 2020 SITE
Creating a sustainable and enduring legacy has been at the core of Expo 2020’s vision fromthe beginning. The six months of Expo 2020 encouraged cultural exchange while promoting
Expo 2020’s core theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” and its key subthemesof Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. Building on the success achieved, the Expo 2020
site will transition to Expo City Dubai, fulfilling Expo 2020’s founding vision to continue as an
ecosystem to connect, create and innovate. Expo City Dubai will serve as an ideal platform
to foster collaboration between local and global companies, SMEs, start-ups as well as
government, and academia.

EXPO CITY DUBAI
Expo City Dubai is planned to be a smart and futuristic
destination driven by sustainability, innovation, educationand entertainment. The new city will contribute to
the UAE’s journey towards carbon neutrality and thetransition to net zero by 2050.
Expo City Dubai is the legacy plan of Expo 2020, as
forward planning has always been an integral componentof Expo 2020’s development. Strategically located in
Dubai South, midway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai,
Expo City Dubai is one of the five urban centres identified
in the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan. Moreover, thesite can be easily accessed from UAE’s main airports
and seaports. The site will also be connected by major
highways and a dedicated Route 2020 Metro Station.

The Al Wasl Plaza, Garden in the Sky observation tower and theSurreal water feature.

Expo 2020’s popular attractions such as the Al Wasl
Plaza, Garden in the Sky observation tower and theSurreal water feature, will remain as part of Expo City
Dubai. Moreover, Alif – the Mobility Pavilion, and Terra– the Sustainability Pavilion, will be repurposed asinteractive educational experiences. The Opportunity
Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Museum to highlightthe history and impact of World Expos and celebrate thesuccess of Expo 2020. Other attractions set to remain
include the Woman’s Pavilion and the Vision Pavilion.
Building on the momentum and success of Expo 2020,
Expo City Dubai seeks to boost efforts to reinforce
Dubai’s position as a leading destination for global
exhibitions and events. Thus, DEC will continue to host
local and international events.

The Opportunity Pavilion

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAICONFERENCE OF THE
PARTIES (COP28)
Expo City Dubai was appointed
to host the 28th session of theConference of the Parties (COP)to the United Nations Framework
Convention on Climate Change(UNFCCC). The selection of Expo
City Dubai as a venue for COP28
builds on the legacy and message
of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the
Future’, and affirms Expo 2020’s
commitment to the themes of
Sustainability, Opportunity andMobility. Expo 2020 is ideal to host
COP28 as it is a city designed andoperated following sustainable
principles, with an establishedplatform for change-makers fromdifferent nations and societies.

EXPO DUBAI GROUP
Expo 2020 established the Expo Dubai Group (EDG), a new entity that willtake forward the legacy phase of Expo 2020. EDG’s main purpose is tocontinue fostering meaningful international cooperation by disseminating
the lessons learnt from Expo 2020. EDG will be based in Expo City Dubai andwill offer a wealth of opportunities to partner with governments, corporates
and individuals. EDG aims to provide a space that serves as a platform todemonstrate how technology can be integrated within cities to achieve
optimal, sustainable, and efficient ways of operating.
Expo 2020 will leverage its experience and expertise to tackle the challenges
of today across three interconnected and interdependent pillars:• Expo City Dubai Insights - the habitats designed and built.
• PPP Advisory and Events - the communities and networks brought
together.

• Creative Storytelling - the stories shared with one another.

Expo 2020 will continue to drive the conversations and outcomes initiated during the event phase. In order toreinforce the firm bonds forged and to harness the torrent of innovation and creativity unleashed in service of humandignity, prosperity and progress.
EXPO CITY DUBAI BLUEPRINT

5G-ENABLED
NETWORKSMARTMETERSSUSTAINABLE
BUILDINGSENVIRONMENTALSUSTAINABILITYHEALTH AND
WELLNESS

Expo City Dubai is
set to be the largest
city in the world tobe fully coveredby a 5G-enabled
network.

Expo City Dubai will
incorporate builtin smart meteringand sensors tomonitor the energy
consumption andefficiency of power,
light, water andclimate conditioning
systems.

Expo City Dubai
comprises 123
LEED-certified
buildings,
epitomising thehighest levels ofsustainable design,
construction andoperations.

Expo City Dubai
is focused onoffering alternative
green transport
solutions to ensure
the availabilityof sustainabletransport andpromote a healthy,
secure, and walkable
lifestyle. Additionally,
Expo City Dubai
is focused onprotecting andpromoting local
species and ecology
present within
the site.

Expo City Dubai isfocused on creating
an environment withpositive impacts forhealth and wellness.
Moreover, Expo City
Dubai will have a
10-km-long cycling
track, a five-km
running track and45,000 square
metres of parks andgardens.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCCORPORATE ARC HIVE
Expo 2020 was committed to retaining and transferring the valuable knowledge andresources accumulated over the decade-long journey of planning and delivering the event.
This meant collating organisation-wide knowledge, records, expertise, experiences, bestpractices and lessons learned to preserve the history of Expo 2020. Expo 2020 establishedprocedures by which knowledge was safeguarded and transferred from host cities to national
stakeholders as well as host successors. This was done to position Expo 2020 as a benchmark
for future World Expos and other mega-events.
Expo 2020’s corporate archive was an initiative that assisted with the successful capture and transfer of knowledge.
The corporate archive was established in April 2019 with the appointment of a professional archivist. The objective of
the programme was to capture Expo 2020’s significant records and ensure their availability for beneficiaries, which
include UAE government stakeholders such as the UAE national archives as well as the BIE, the World Expo Museumin Shanghai, and others from industry and academia.

OUTLINE OF THE INITIATIVES WITHIN THE CORPORATE ARCHIVE:
EXPO 2020 ARCHIVE POLICY:
Expo 2020’s Archive Policy wasrolled out across the organisation
to help drive the successful
implementation of the corporatearchive programme.

configured to reflect the file types,
file sizes and the make-up of theorganisation. This ensured that therecords of each Expo 2020 function
were accurately catalogued andprovided with a suitable location.

CORPORATE ARCHIVE LIAISONS:
Under the Expo 2020 Archive Policy,
it was mandatory for each Headof Department (HOD) to appoint a
liaison. The liaison was responsiblefor identifying and transferring
department-specific records to thecorporate archive. By the end of
the event phase, there were morethan 70 liaisons from across theorganisation.

TRANSFER OF KNOWLEDGE:
The transfer of knowledge wasachieved initially through a UAE
national internship programme.
Expo 2020 recruited interns
and trained them in archival
management. In May 2021, an
Emirati employee was trained in thescience of archiving and appointed
to work full time on the project.

CORPORATE ARCHIVE MANUAL:
The corporate archive manualoutlined the step-by-step processes
involved in the identification,transfer, cataloguing, storage, andaccessibility of the records. All Expo2020’s employees had access toboth the policy and manual, alongwith the associated templates
through the organisation’s intranet.
CATALOGUING SOFTWARE:
The cataloguing software for the
corporate archive was continually

STORAGE OF PHYSICAL ASSETS:
All physical assets were
photographed, catalogued, andbarcoded prior to storage in a stateof-the-art off-site storage facility.
They can be retrieved as required.
TRANSFER OF SUITABLE
PHYSICAL ASSETS:
Following the decommissioningof the Expo 2020 site, Expo 2020
ensured that all valuable physicalassets were earmarked for eventual
transfer to the corporate archive.

RAISING AWARENESS:
The corporate archive raised
awareness of the need to capture
significant Expo 2020 records
through meetings and email
exchanges across the organisation
on a regular basis.
STORIES OF THE NATIONSEXHIBITION:
The corporate archive engaged
with participating countries tocollect physical and digital records
during the event phase. The records
were catalogued and stored, as
appropriate, to be used in the
Stories of the Nations exhibition
and the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum.
The Stories of the Nations exhibition
will be displayed in three separate
pavilions, with one in each Thematic
District — Opportunity, Mobility
and Sustainability. The purposeof the exhibition is to celebrate
the participating countries andshowcase their iconic pieces fromthe event phase that represent Expo2020’s subthemes. The Expo 2020
Dubai Museum will be housed in there-purposed Opportunity Pavilion
with plans to open during 2023.

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES04

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03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020 AND
THE SDGS
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESAEXPO 2020’S CONTRIBUTION
TO THE SDGSThe United Nations launched the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in 2015, which
served as a universal blueprint for the global community to take action and contribute to
17 development goals, measured by 169 targets. They work to address global challenges
including climate change, inequality, economic growth, and global health. The SDGs seek tomobilise worldwide action among governments, civil society, and businesses to set the world
on a sustainable path.
By hosting one of the world’s most sustainable Expos, Expo 2020 committed to aligning its sustainability contributions
and operations with the SDGs. As one of Expo 2020’s main subthemes, sustainability was emphasised throughout
Expo 2020’s operations and initiatives across its pre-event, event and legacy phases. Visitors were able to experienceinteractive exhibits at the Sustainability and Opportunity Pavilions that showcased issues related to the SDGs. Throughshowcasing various initiatives such as the Expo Global Best Practice Programme, Expo 2020 amplified the presenceof projects from around the world that provide real-time solutions to global problems and align with SDG objectives.
Expo 2020 also used its global outreach platform and access to a diverse audience to drive awareness, accountability
and action for the SDGs. Together with the help of its partners, suppliers, vendors, contractors, consultants and others,
Expo 2020 worked to achieve a positive impact for the global community.

THE UNITED NATIONS HUB
AT EXPO 2020
The UN Hub was located in theOpportunity Pavilion, the thematic
pavilion that focused on how to
unlock the potential of individuals
and communities towards creating
positive change for people and planetwith a focus on the SDGs. Throughout
the event phase, the UN Hub hosted
a series of events and activities thatreflected the values of multilateralism
and showcased the role of international
cooperation and joint actions to
overcome global challenges. The UN
Hub, along with other engagementsin the Opportunity Pavilion, wasprogrammed by the UAE UN Country
Team under the leadership of the UN
Resident Coordinator for the UAE.
Therefore, a dedicated team managed
by the UN Resident Coordinator’s
Office for the UAE ensured that the UN
could engage the public in a varietyof activities including exhibits, films,
advocacy campaigns, discussions, andother interactive experiences around
topics related to the SDGs and beyond.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

EXAMPLES OF EXPO 2020 INITIATIVES THAT ARE ALIGNED TO
THE SDGS AND THEIR TARGETS
SDG 3

GOOD HEALTH AND WELL-BEING• Expo 2020 rolled out a vaccination campaign to vaccinate the event phase workforce as part of its
COVID-19 risk management.

• Expo 2020 designed a comprehensive PCR testing programme to ensure the safety of all participants. As
part of this programme, seven PCR testing facilities were built across the Expo 2020 site. Together, they
could conduct more than 20,000 PCR tests per day.

• Expo 2020 developed an Event Health, Safety and Environment Assurance Standards based on relevant
local regulations and international best practice. These standards can be referenced in the future to ensure
the safe delivery of events, regardless of size or scope.

• Expo 2020 organised a Health and Wellness Week, one of its thematic weeks that sought to explore
opportunities to design a healthier and happier global society. The event brought together International
Participants (IPs), partners, influential policymakers, thought leaders, Expo 2020 participants and renowned
global experts for panel discussions and Q&As.

SDG 4

QUALITY EDUCATION• Expo 2020 designed a wide range of initiatives as part of the Expo School Programme to encourage young
learners to explore the global landscape. The Expo School Programme ensured Expo 2020’s subthemes
were more accessible to students through its initiatives. Through the Expo School Programme, a total of
1,003,747 students were able to enjoy immersive experiences.

• Through the Expo University Programme, students were able to connect with experts, explore different
career paths and discover how to build solutions collaboratively for global challenges. It consisted ofthree-day educational programmes centred around five topics (Arts, Architecture and Design; Businessand Entrepreneurship; Engineering and Construction; Innovation and Technology; and Sustainability).
The programme provided students with real-life case studies of the latest inter-disciplinary ideas, thus
complementing and enriching their existing curricula.

• Expo 2020 achieved total training hours of just under 500,000 for its staff, contractors and volunteers.
SDG 5

GENDER EQUALITY• During the reporting period, female representation at Expo 2020 accounted for 53 per cent during the preevent phase and 52 per cent during the event phase, displaying an overall gender-balanced workforce.

• In 2021, Expo 2020 was awarded the Gender Equality European and International Standard (GEEIS)
certificate after undergoing an independent third-party audit.

• The Women’s Pavilion, under the exhibition title of “New Perspectives”, was curated by Expo 2020 incollaboration with Cartier. Through the Women’s Pavilion, Expo 2020 attracted more than 330,000 visitors
to celebrate and honour women’s contributions and achievements locally, regionally and globally.

SDG 6

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION• Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion’s canopy served as a large collection area for stormwater and dew that
replenished the building’s water system.

• Expo 2020’s water strategy focused on reducing demand on water systems through a variety of efficiency
initiatives such as, but not limited to, reducing water consumption in buildings, minimise potable water
consumption through the use of recycled water and incorporating water efficiency requirements into
contracts. Moreover, Expo 2020 focused on reducing usage by applying a water efficiency hierarchy in linewith the UAE Water Security Strategy 2036.
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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

SDG 6

CLEAN WATER AND SANITATION• Expo 2020 significantly reduced its groundwater consumption over the years as part of its efforts to
replace groundwater and potable water with Treated Sewage Effluents (TSE).

• Expo 2020’s 39 signature water fountains, called the Sabeel Fountains, were situated around public spaces
at the Expo 2020 site. Through these public drinking fountains, Expo 2020 aimed to emphasise water as aprecious and shared resource. The fountains’ design allowed for the inclusivity of people of all ages, heights,
and physical abilities to access clean water.

SDG 7

AFFORDABLE AND CLEAN ENERGY• A total of 123 permanent buildings across Expo 2020 are LEED-certified. Of these, seven buildings acrossExpo 2020 are certified to the LEED Platinum standard, 105 are certified to the LEED Gold standard, nine
are certified to the LEED Silver standard and two are certified to the LEED Certified standard.

• Expo 2020 modelled its energy management in line with ASHRAE 90.1, an internationally recognised
standard for building efficiency.

• Expo 2020 installed renewable energy systems with a combined total capacity of 5.5 megawatts on all
permanent buildings across the Expo 2020 site.

SDG 8

DECENT WORK AND ECONOMIC GROWTH• In 2021, of all the contracts awarded to suppliers, 56 per cent comprised SMEs and 81 per cent wereawarded to UAE-based suppliers.

• In line with the UAE Vision 2021’s economic diversification agenda, Expo 2020 contributed to Dubai’s travel
and tourism industry.

SDG 9

INDUSTRY, INNOVATION, AND INFRASTRUCTURE• Expo 2020 was awarded eight CEEQUAL ‘Excellent’ certificates for its numerous infrastructure projects.
These awards span Expo 2020’s public realm, Al Wasl Plaza, parks, shading and other infrastructure acrossthe 4.38 sqkm site.

• The Expo 2020 site was one of the most connected sites. A comprehensive 5G network covered the entire
site with over 8,500 mobile access points. Expo 2020’s 5G network achieved the highest median uploadand download speeds of any 5G network at a major international event.

• Expo 2020 deployed more than 150 programmable robots across the site, with the help of its Premier
Robotics Partner, Terminus.

• Expo 2020 was able to fund, accelerate and promote creative solutions by innovators who are tacklingsome of the world’s most pressing challenges through Expo Live, its innovation and partnershipprogramme.

SDG 10

REDUCED INEQUALITIES• Expo 2020’s Code of Conduct emphasised treating co-workers respectfully and in a non-discriminatory
manner. Successful adherence to Expo 2020’s values by all Expo 2020 employees resulted in consistently
recording zero cases of discrimination.

• Expo 2020 received the International Board of Sensory Accessibility (IBSA) certification, which was a firstfor an event in the MENA region and the history of World Expos.

• The Worker Welfare Policy and Assurance Standards were formulated in line with applicable UAE laws andinternational best practices. Expo 2020 set new benchmarks for worker welfare in the region and the wider
construction industry.
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SDG 11SUSTAINABLE CITIES AND COMMUNITIES• Expo 2020’s legacy phase was designed as a model for the communities and cities of the future. Expo2020’s physical legacy incorporates becoming a smart and futuristic destination driven by sustainability,
innovation, education and entertainment. During the legacy phase, Expo City Dubai aims to contribute to
the UAE’s journey towards carbon neutrality and the transition to net zero by 2050.

• The majority of Expo 2020’s legacy buildings will use smart technology and have building management
systems in place. Siemens’ MindSphere will be used to monitor services linked to Expo City Dubai’s physicalinfrastructure. The features embedded into the buildings include smart metering and sensors that monitor
the energy consumption and efficiency of power, light, water, and climate conditioning systems.

• During the legacy phase, Expo City Dubai will be one of the five urban centres identified in the Dubai 2040
Urban Master Plan, which maps out a comprehensive plan for a sustainable urban development in Dubai.

SDG 12RESPONSIBLE CONSUMPTION AND PRODUCTION• Expo 2020 developed a Sustainable Materials Guideline to reduce the negative environmental, social, andeconomic impacts of all materials procured. Expo 2020’s efforts focused on using sustainable materials to
avoid the depletion of natural resources, maximise resource efficiency, and reduce cost. The selection andprocurement of sustainable materials required a variety of steps to ensure the use of recyclable content,
embedded carbon, and responsible sourcing.

• For the event phase, Expo 2020 introduced its RISE Guidelines, a set of operational guidelines for
suppliers on integrating sustainability elements into the products and services they provide to Expo 2020
throughout the event. For instance, embedding recycled content into the products supplied at Expo 2020.

• Expo 2020 successfully diverted 88 per cent cumulative waste from landfill during the pre-event phase.
• Expo 2020 launched a Food Rescue Programme in partnership with its Digital Network Partner, Cisco,on World Food Day. As part of the initiative, food surplus from Expo 2020’s restaurants, food halls, andworkforce catering was repurposed and distributed to local charities with the logistical support of the UAE
Food Bank.

SDG 13

CLIMATE ACTION• Expo 2020 implemented a carbon management programme to minimise its Greenhouse Gas (GHG)
emissions. The GHG emission inventory was developed to monitor and report on changes in emissions
from all sources irrespective of ownership or control.

• Expo 2020 encouraged alternative transport methods and practices to reduce vehicle usage andassociated carbon emissions.

• Expo 2020 purchased verified carbon offsets. A significant percentage of offset purchases were chosen
for their co-benefits in line with the SDGs, based on voting by the Expo 2020 workforce and visitors.

SDG 14

LIFE BELOW WATER• The Terra Pavilion offered interactive learning experiences to teach visitors about aquatic life, marine
habitats, and the importance of protecting ocean ecosystems.

• With respect to its internal provisions, Expo 2020 enforced extensive processes to deal with hazardous
chemicals to mitigate water contaminants and preserve the UAE’s scarce water resources.

• Expo 2020 implemented a dedicated Spill Response Procedure.
• Expo 2020’s Environment Assurance Standards prioritised pollution prevention such as marine pollution inorder to reduce adverse environmental impacts and protect marine and coastal ecosystems.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSDG 14

LIFE BELOW WATER• Expo 2020 organised the Water Week, one of its thematic weeks as part of the Programme for People
and Planet. It aimed to address key global challenges such as reversing the impact of pollution on essential
ocean ecosystems and sustaining the blue economy. The events held during this week focused on the
global community’s collective responsibility to better manage and preserve water in the face of climatechange, plastic pollution, over-fishing, and other threats.

SDG 15

LIFE ON LAND• Expo 2020 committed to enhancing the ecological value of the Expo 2020 site by protecting local species
and promoting biodiversity. Expo 2020 supported the conservation of a range of species by showcasing
country pavilions, and journeys that included their commitment towards wildlife. Moreover, Expo 2020
recognised bees as an integral part of the ecosystem and, thus, the Expo 2020 site was home to around 10
active bees’ nests.

• Expo 2020, in partnership with the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Edinburgh Science, hosted a
Conservation for Hope event at the DP World Pavilion under the theme of ‘Advancing Best Practice in
Wildlife & Biodiversity Conservation’.

• Expo 2020 managed 90 per cent of its landscape areas without the use of chemical pesticides, herbicides,
or fertilisers.

• Expo 2020 planted approximately 14,000 trees, 2,500 date palms and more than 3.5 million native andadaptive small plants.

SDG 16PEACE, JUSTICE AND STRONG INSTITUTIONS• Expo 2020 ran a ‘Tolerance and Inclusivity Week’ uniting 192 nations in promoting the principles ofcoexistence, hope and joint action in the UAE and worldwide.

• The Global Tolerance Alliance, a UAE initiative to make tolerance and peaceful coexistence an integral partof people’s lives, was launched during Expo 2020.

SDG 17

PARTNERSHIPS FOR THE GOALS• Expo 2020’s Global Best Practice Programme (GBPP) showcased projects that provided tangible solutions
to the world’s biggest challenges contributing to the SDGs. Through a dedicated exhibition at Expo 2020
called the Best Practice Area, the GBPP featured selected projects and demonstrated how these solutions
yielded positive benefits. The exhibition brought together a variety of stakeholders to learn about andexchange various project components that may be adapted, replicated, or scaled up internationally.

• Expo 2020 brought 192 nations together to address pressing sustainability issues reflecting the 2030
Agenda for Sustainable Development. Expo 2020 closely engaged with the international community andvisitors from across the world to embark on a journey to seek collective solutions to global challenges.

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYAPPENDIX 											
SDGDISCLOSURE

DESCRIPTIONGRI 305-1

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

GRI 305-3

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

GRI 306-1

Water discharge by quality and destination

GRI 306-2

Waste by type and disposal method

GRI 306-3

Significant spills

GRI 401-2

Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided totemporary or part-time employees

GRI 403-2

Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident investigation

MEDIUM RELEVANCESDG 4.3

By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable andquality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university

SDG 4.4

By 2030, substantially increase the number of youth and adults
who have relevant skills, including technical and vocational skills, foremployment, decent jobs and entrepreneurship

SDG 4.5

By 2030, eliminate gender disparities in education and ensure equal
access to all levels of education and vocational training for thevulnerable, including persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples andchildren in vulnerable situations

SDG 4.7

By 2030, ensure that all learners acquire the knowledge and skills
needed to promote sustainable development, including, among others,
through education for sustainable development and sustainable
lifestyles, human rights, gender equality, promotion of a culture ofpeace and non-violence, global citizenship and appreciation of cultural
diversity and culture’s contribution to sustainable development

HIGH RELEVANCE*GRI 401-1

New employee hires and employee turnover

GRI 401-2

Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided totemporary or part-time employees

GRI 401-3

Parental leave

GRI 404-3

Percentage of employees receiving regular performanceand career development reviews

GRI 405-1

Diversity of governance bodies and employees

GRI 406-1

Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken

MEDIUM RELEVANCE

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SDG

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDISCLOSURE

DESCRIPTIONGRI 303-1

Interactions with water as a shared resource

GRI 303-2

Management of water discharge-related impacts

GRI 304-2

Significant impacts of activities, products and services on biodiversity

GRI 306-1

Water discharge by quality and destination

GRI 306-2

Waste by type and disposal method

GRI 306-3

Significant spills

MEDIUM RELEVANCEGRI 302-1

Energy consumption within the organisation

GRI 302-4

Reduction of energy consumption

HIGH RELEVANCEGRI 201-1

Direct economic value generated and distributed

GRI 202-2

The proportion of senior management hired from the local community

GRI 204-1

The proportion of spending on local suppliers

GRI 301-1

Materials used by weight or volume

GRI 302-1

Energy consumption within the organisation

GRI 302-4

Reduction of energy consumption

GRI 303-3

Water withdrawal

GRI 401-1

New employee hires and employee turnover

GRI 401-2

Benefits provided to full-time employees that are not provided totemporary or part-time employees

GRI 401-3

Parental leave

GRI 403-1

Occupational health and safety management system

GRI 403-2

Hazard identification, risk assessment and incident investigation

GRI 403-4

Worker participation, consultation, and communication on occupational
health and safety

GRI 404-2

Programmes for upgrading employee skills and transition
assistance programmes

GRI 404-3

Percentage of employees receiving regular performanceand career development reviews

GRI 405-1

Diversity of governance bodies and employees

GRI 406-1

Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions taken

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SDG

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPODISCLOSURE

DESCRIPTIONGRI 201-1

Direct economic value generated and distributed

03. THE EXPO LEGACYMEDIUM RELEVANCEGRI 102-8

Information on employees and other workers

GRI 401-1

New employee hires and employee turnover

GRI 404-3

Percentage of employees receiving regular performanceand career development reviews

LOW RELEVANCEGRI 306-1

Water discharge by quality and destination

GRI 306-2

Waste by type and disposal method

GRI 306-3

Significant spills

GRI 306-4

Total weight of hazardous waste and non-hazardous waste diverted
from disposal

GRI 306-5

Total weight of waste directed to disposal

LOW RELEVANCEGRI 301-1

Materials used by weight or volume

GRI 302-1

Energy consumption within the organisation

GRI 302-4

Reduction of energy consumption

GRI 303-1

Interactions with water as a shared resource

GRI 303-3

Water withdrawal

GRI 305-1

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

GRI 305-3

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

GRI 306-2

Waste by type and disposal method

GRI 306-3

Significant spills

GRI 302-1

Energy consumption within the organisation

GRI 302-4

Reduction of energy consumption

GRI 305-1

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

MEDIUM RELEVANCE

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

SDG

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDISCLOSURE

DESCRIPTIONGRI 305-3

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

GRI 305-5

Reduction of GHG emissions

GRI 304-2

Significant impacts of activities, products and services on biodiversity

GRI 305-1

Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

GRI 305-3

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

MEDIUM RELEVANCEGRI 305-5

Reduction of GHG emissions

GRI 306-3

Significant spills

GRI 304-2

Significant impacts of activities, products, and services on biodiversity

GRI 305-2

Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

GRI 305-3

Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

GRI 305-5

Reduction of GHG emissions

MEDIUM RELEVANCEGRI 306-3

Significant spills

GRI 102-16

Values, principles, standards, and norms of behaviour

GRI 102-21

Consulting stakeholders on economic, environmental, and social topics

GRI 205-1

Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

GRI 205-2

Communication and training about anti-corruption policies andprocedures

MEDIUM RELEVANCEGRI 205-3

Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken

GRI 307-1

Non-compliance with environmental laws and regulations

GRI 416-2

Incidents of non-compliance concerning the health and safety impacts
of products and services

SDG 17.7

Promote the development, transfer, dissemination, and diffusionof environmentally sound technologies to developing countries onfavourable terms, including concessional and preferential terms, as
mutually agreed

SDG 17.16

Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development,complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilise andshare knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources tosupport the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals in all
countries, in particular developing countries

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SDG

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACYDISCLOSURE

DESCRIPTION

SDG 17.17

Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society
partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies ofpartnerships

SDG 17.19

By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements ofprogress on sustainable development that complement the GDP andsupport statistical capacity-building in developing countries

MEDIUM RELEVANCE

SDG 17.16

Enhance the Global Partnership for Sustainable Development,complemented by multi-stakeholder partnerships that mobilise andshare knowledge, expertise, technology and financial resources tosupport the achievement of the SDGs in all countries, in particulardeveloping countries

SDG 17.7

Promote the development, transfer, dissemination, and diffusionof environmentally sound technologies to developing countries onfavourable terms, including on concessional and preferential terms, as
mutually agreed

SDG 17.17

Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society
partnerships, building on the experience and resourcing strategies ofpartnerships

SDG 17.19

By 2030, build on existing initiatives to develop measurements ofprogress on sustainable development that complement the GDP andsupport statistical capacity-building in developing countries

HIGH RELEVANCE*LOW RELEVANCEMEDIUM RELEVANCEHIGH RELEVANCE

Relevance ranking methodology: Identifying the correlated aligned relevance rank per goal is done by mapping the material GRI disclosures tothe targets associated with each SDG. A percentage is obtained by identifying how many targets are covered through the mapping exercise
against the total number of targets within a goal. Low relevance indicates 1-30 per cent alignment, Medium relevance indicates 31-60 per centalignment, and High relevance indicates over 61 per cent alignment. For example, SDG five has six targets, and the material GRI disclosures alignwith three targets, thus indicating a 50 per cent alignment (medium).
*In the case of SDGs 4 and 17, the high relevance has been determined subjectively and not through the methodology mentioned above. In
order to highlight the contributions offered to each of these goals, the appendix mapping aligns the specific SDG targets met by Expo 2020’s
programmes, initiatives, and policies.

METHODOLOGYThis Sustainability Report showcases the steps in positioning Expo 2020’s material GRI disclosures to SDG target
disclosures. Using the publication developed by GRI and the UN Global Compact, ‘An Analysis of the Goals andTargets’, the methodology in the publication illustrates how the SDG target disclosures can be associated with the
GRI disclosures. By linking Expo 2020’s material GRI disclosures with the SDG target disclosures, the number of goals
has been mapped with the targets they are aligned with. The alignment of the SDGs specifically pertains to the 2021
Sustainability Report and Expo 2020’s material topics. This mapping exercise is a high-level activity and does notreflect the full extent of Expo 2020’s overall alignment with the SDGs.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESB
GLOBAL BEST PRACTICE
PROGRAMME
Expo 2020’s Global Best Practice Programme (GBPP), ‘Small Steps, Big Leaps: Solutionsfor Sustainable Impact’ showcased initiatives and innovation from around the world that
contributed to actualising the SDGs and 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. The GBPP
sought to advance the world’s collective impact towards achieving the SDGs by spotlighting
initiatives that localised the SDGs, provided tangible solutions to the world’s biggest challenges
and yielded positive impact. The programme invited projects that came from nations,international organisations, businesses, educational institutions and communities from acrossthe world.
Expo 2020 defines ‘best practice’ asfollows:

service delivery: Reliable
service provision in urban andrural areas, as well as in fluid
environments such as informal,
nomadic, post-disaster,emergency, and refugeesettlements.

• A simple, tangible and successful

solution or initiative that has been
implemented collaboratively
by individuals, communities oragencies.

• An initiative that addresses

integrated development
challenges, highlighting theinterconnected nature ofinterventions and how ripple
effects play out.

• An initiative that can be adaptedor replicated to scale globally forsustainable impact.

• For the Expo 2020 GBPP,

submissions were made underfive key topics:–

Resilient habitats: Protecting
human, economic and natural
assets in urban, rural and fluid
environments.

–

Livelihoods and enterprisedevelopment: Promoting
alternative employment andincome opportunities, womenin the workplace, competitive
products and services andimproved market access.

–Social development: Reliable,
affordable and appropriate
healthcare and education
systems and delivery.

–

Inclusive and sustainable–

Water, food and energy
security: Smart consumption
and resource management
to better meet increasingwater, food and energy
requirements for a growing
global population.

The projects were assessed on thefollowing parameters:
SUSTAINABLE IMPACT

TRANSFERENCECOLLABORATIONCREATIVE

The GBPP projects were showcasedin a dedicated exhibition at Expo
2020 called the Best Practice Area
(BPA). The BPA was a space todemonstrate to the general public
how these solutions yielded positive
benefits. It also brought together avariety of international stakeholders
with the aim of adapting or scaling
the solutions. The exhibition also
provided a platform for experts
and inquisitive minds to connect,
exchange knowledge. In total, 50
best practices from 39 different
countries were on display. The
solutions rotated monthly during thesix months of Expo 2020 to alignwith the Programme for People andPlanet’s theme weeks, ranging from
Climate & Biodiversity in October
to spotlighting Water solutions inMarch.
In the first phase, more than 1,100
proposals were received from141 different countries. Out of thesubmissions, 25 projects wereselected and invited to showcase in
the BPA. Submissions were reviewed
by a jury comprising international
development organisations andindustry leaders from acrossthe world, followed by a final
recommendation by the programme
Co-Chairs – the BIE and Cambridge
Institute for Sustainability
Leadership. The second phase of the
programme called ‘Untold Stories’
announced a further 20 projects
to exhibit alongside the inauguralcohort of 25 projects. The thirdand final phase of the programme
focused on a Special Edition call for
proposals inviting solutions relating
to COVID-19. Five additional projects
were selected in 2021 to be on
display in the exhibition.
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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

In 2021, the programme called for short and long-term solutions to promote responsibility within the context of
COVID-19. This was based on new and innovative approaches to health services, public spaces, technology, education,
livelihoods and basic amenities, and services to benefit communities and tackle the effects of COVID-19.

FOCUS AREA

PROJECT

DIGITALISATION:

Social distancing under control
LOPOS BELGIUM

Affordable and scalable technological solutions
accelerating progress towards achieving the SDGs andmobilising communities forward.

PROJECT OUTLINE

Lopos SafeDistance is a small, light and portable device that measuresthe distance to other Safe Distance sensors in real time to help ensuresufficient space between employees. This wearable device warns employees
immediately when social distancing is not respected through a sound alarm,
flashing light and vibration. Based in Ghent, the start -up uses revolutionary
Ultra-Wideband (UWB) radio technology that emits low-energy signals athigh speeds and bandwidth, making it uniquely suited for real-time geolocating and distance-tracking wearables such as the SafeDistance.

FOCUS AREA

PROJECTEDUCATION AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT:

Mi casa, Min Cancha” in Spanish – “My Home,My Playground” in English
FUTBOL MAS, CHILE

Promoting effective approaches to impactful learning
experiences for all students, anywhere. communities
forward.

PROJECT OUTLINE

A series of videoclips that seek to promote education and physical activity
for children and adolescents aged six to 14 years old in reduced spaces. The
project provides users with active routines, raising awareness and improving
mental and physical health at home, without the need of sports equipment.
Each episode shows activities and purposeful games to help children to stay
active. During the COVID-19 lockdowns, the project was rolled out in Chile,
Mexico, Peru, Ecuador, Paraguay, Haiti and Kenya.

PROJECT

reach52
REACH52, SINGAPORE

FOCUS AREA

HEALTH AND WELLBEING:
Protecting the mental and physical wellbeing ofhealthcare professionals and the wider community,
ensuring the transmission of COVID-19 is suppressed andthe risk of infection is mitigated.

PROJECT OUTLINE

reach52 is a Singapore-based social enterprise reaching last-milecommunities. reach52 responded to COVID-19 by training frontline
Community Health Workers (CHWs) through a mobile phone eLearning
platform. Rural health units were provided free access, resulting in thousandsof upskilled CHWs and an estimated 200,000 beneficiaries. Delivering
health services through mobile apps and tech platforms to rural and remote
populations in the Philippines, Cambodia and India.

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSPROJECT

Maji Bucket
PROJECT MAJI, UAE / GHANA

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

FOCUS AREA

WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH):
Promoting reliable, affordable and appropriate WASH
practices.

PROJECT OUTLINE

The Maji Bucket is a simple low technology invention designed with avision to ensure safe handwashing practices among rural communities
as a frontline preventative measure against COVID-19. The handwashingstation is foot-operated, eliminating the need for touch by hand, and thus
successfully curbs the spread of germs. Project Maji is a Dubai-based water
non-governmental organisation working in Ghana and Kenya, that aims toincrease sustainable access to safe water.

FOCUS AREA

PROJECTPROTECTING LIVELIHOODS:

SitatByoot and Makesy
SITATBYOOT, JORDAN

Supporting the creation of new enterprises that offer andpromote alternative employment, income opportunities
and greater inclusion of women in the workplace.

PROJECT OUTLINE

SitatByoot works directly with vulnerable communities in Jordan, to empower
them to enter the labour market and grow their businesses online. As aresult of COVID-19, it developed a new vocational training programmecalled Tadreeb Live, revolving around sewing, crocheting, embroidery, andhome-based business skills that can be delivered both online and offline.
As women progressed in the training, they gained skills to 1) accelerate their
online home-based business, 2) access opportunities to be employed by local
garment factories and/or 3) become a certified “Maker” through SitaByoot’ssister eCommerce website, Makesy. Makesy facilitated business opportunities
connecting demand for high-quality garments and handmade goods withthe skilled production capacity of its ‘Makers’, primarily women working fromhome due to COVID-19 lockdowns in Jordan.

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIES

05

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

03. THE EXPO LEGACY

For the Content Index With Reference Pilot Service,GRI Services reviewed that the GRI content index isclearly presented, in a manner consistent with theStandards, and that the references for disclosures
are aligned with the appropriate sections in the
body of the report.
The service was performed on the English versionof the report.

GRI CONTENTINDEX AND TOPIC
BOUNDARIES
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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESAGRI CONTENTINDEXSTATEMENT OF USE

Expo 2020 has reported the information cited in this GRI content index for the period between 1
April 2021 until 31 March 2022 with reference to the GRI Standards.

GRI 1 USEDGRI 1: Foundation 2021

GRI STANDARDDISCLOSURE

PAGE NUMBER(S), DIRECT ANSWERS,
AND REASONS FOR OMISSIONS, IF
APPLICABLE

GRI 2: GENERALDISCLOSURES 2021

2-1 Organizational details

21

2-2 Entities included in the organization’ssustainability reporting15

2-3 Reporting period, frequency andcontact point15

2-4 Restatements of information

No restatement of information from the previous
report.

2-5 External assuranceThis report is not externally assured.

2-6 Activities, value chain and otherbusiness relationships

16-20

2-7 Employees

134-135

2-9 Governance structure and composition

21-22

2-22 Statement on sustainable
development strategy

6-9

2-27 Compliance with laws and regulations

105
Expo 2020 complied with all relevant
regulations set forth by the UAE Federal
Government and Dubai Municipality. During thereporting period, the organisation has not beenin violation of any regulations nor has it received
any complaints or fines.

2-28 Membership associations

Expo 2020 was not a member of any
associations.

2-29 Approach to stakeholder engagement

38-39

2-30 Collective bargaining agreementsCollective bargaining agreements are notpermitted in the UAE.

3-1 Process to determine material topics

38-41

3-2 List of material topics

40-41

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPODISCLOSURE

PAGE NUMBER(S), DIRECTANSWERS, AND REASONSFOR OMISSIONS, IF
APPLICABLE

MATERIAL TOPICSGRI 200 ECONOMIC STANDARD SERIESECONOMIC PERFORMANCEGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

58-59

GRI 201:
ECONOMICPERFORMANCE 2016

201-1 Direct economic value generated and distributed

58-59

3-3 Management of material topics

126

205-1 Operations assessed for risks related to corruption

126

205-2 Communication and training about anti-corruption
policies and procedures

126

205-3 Confirmed incidents of corruption and actions taken

126

ANTI-CORRUPTIONGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021
GRI 205:
ANTI-CORRUPTION2016

GRI 300 ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS SERIESMATERIALS
GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

47-48, 90-91

GRI 301:
MATERIALS 2016

301-2 Recycled input materials used91

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

82-84

GRI 302:
ENERGY 2016

302-1 Energy consumption within the organization

84

302-4 Reduction of energy consumption

34

3-3 Management of material topics

85-89

303-1 Interactions with water as a shared resource

85-87

303-2 Management of water discharge-related impacts

88-89

303-5 Water consumption

88-89

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

66-73

GRI 305:
EMISSIONS 2016305-1 Direct (Scope 1) GHG emissions

69

ENERGY

WATER AND EFFLUENTS
GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021
GRI 303:
WATER ANDEFFLUENTS 2018

EMISSIONS

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSGRI STANDARD

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDISCLOSURE

PAGE NUMBER(S), DIRECTANSWERS, AND REASONSFOR OMISSIONS, IF
APPLICABLE

GRI 300 ENVIRONMENTAL STANDARDS SERIESEMISSIONSGRI 305:
EMISSIONS 2016305-2 Energy indirect (Scope 2) GHG emissions

71

305-3 Other indirect (Scope 3) GHG emissions

71

305-5 Reduction of GHG emissions

69

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

93-97

GRI 306:
WASTE 2020306-1 Waste generation and significant waste-related
impacts

93-97

306-2 Management of significant waste-related impacts

93-97

306-3 Waste generated

94-97

306-4 Waste diverted from disposal

93-97

WASTE

SUPPLIER ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENTGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021
GRI 308:
SUPPLIER
ENVIRONMENTALASSESSMENT 2016

3-3 Management of material topics

42-45

308-1 New suppliers that were screened using
environmental criteria

33, 42-45

308-2 Negative environmental impacts in the supply chain
and actions taken

42-45, 64-73, 82-91, 93-97, 105

GRI 400 SOCIAL STANDARDS SERIESEMPLOYMENTGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

134-135

GRI 401:
EMPLOYMENT 2016

401-1 New employee hires and employee turnover136

401-2 Benefits provided to full-time employees that are
not provided to temporary or part-time employees

144

401-3 Parental leave

145

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021
GRI 403:
OCCUPATIONALHEALTH AND SAFETY
2018

3-3 Management of material topics

150-152403-1 Occupational health and safety management
system

150-152403-2 Hazard identification, risk assessment, and incident
investigation

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPODISCLOSURE

PAGE NUMBER(S), DIRECTANSWERS, AND REASONSFOR OMISSIONS, IF
APPLICABLE

GRI 400 SOCIAL STANDARDS SERIESOCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY
GRI 403:
OCCUPATIONALHEALTH AND SAFETY2018

403-3 Occupational health services

157

403-4 Worker participation, consultation, andcommunication on occupational health and safety158403-5 Worker training on occupational health and safety

156-157403-6 Promotion of worker health150-159403-7 Prevention and mitigation of occupational healthand safety impacts directly linked by business relationships

151-155

403-8 Workers covered by an occupational health andsafety management system

150-152403-9 Work-related injuries

159

403-10 Work-related ill health

159

TRAINING AND EDUCATIONGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

145

GRI 404:
TRAINING AND
EDUCATION 2016404-2 Programs for upgrading employee skills andtransition assistance programs

146-147404-3 Percentage of employees receiving regularperformance and career development reviews

147

DIVERSITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITYGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

134-135

GRI 405:
DIVERSITY AND EQUALOPPORTUNITY 2016405-1 Diversity of governance bodies and employees

21-22, 134-135

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

125

GRI 406:
NON-DISCRIMINATION
2016

406-1 Incidents of discrimination and corrective actions
taken

125

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

124

GRI 408:
CHILD LABOR 2016408-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk forincidents of child labor124

NON-DISCRIMINATIONCHILD LABOR

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04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSGRI STANDARD

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESDISCLOSURE

PAGE NUMBER(S), DIRECTANSWERS, AND REASONSFOR OMISSIONS, IF
APPLICABLE

GRI 400 SOCIAL STANDARDS SERIESFORCED OR COMPULSORY LABORGRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

124

GRI 409:
FORCED OR
COMPULSORY LABOR
2016

409-1 Operations and suppliers at significant risk forincidents of forced or compulsory labor124

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

183

GRI 410:
SECURITY PRACTICES
2016

410-1 Security personnel trained in human rights policies
or procedures

183

GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

143

GRI 413:
LOCAL COMMUNITIES
2016

413-1 Operations with local community engagement,
impact assessments, and development programs

63-64, 113-121, 124-125,
140-143, 172-182, 207-209

SECURITY PRACTICESLOCAL COMMUNITIESCUSTOMER HEALTH AND SAFETY
GRI 3: MATERIALTOPICS 2021

3-3 Management of material topics

32-37, 43-45, 157-162

GRI 416:
CUSTOMER HEALTHAND SAFETY 2016416-1 Assessment of the health and safety impacts ofproduct and service categories

32-37, 43-45, 157-162

EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPO

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

03. THE EXPO LEGACYB
TOPIC
BOUNDARIESAs per the GRI Standards,
boundaries refer to theplace or limit to which theimpact has occurred andExpo 2020’s involvementwith these impacts.

SPACE-BASED BOUNDARIES•

On-site: the geographic spatial boundaries where the event occurred. This
does not include Expo Village and Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC)•Off-site: activities which do not take place within Expo 2020’s geographic
spatial boundaries. In addition to this, Expo 2020 also includes temporalboundaries, dividing its operation into three time-related phases.

TEMPORAL BOUNDARIES•••

Pre-event phase: the preparation period before the event
Event phase: the six-month duration of the event
Legacy phase: the period after the event

SITE
BOUNDARY
GOVERNMENTAUTHORITIESEXPO 2020
VISITORS

PARTNERSCONSTRUCTIONCONSULTANTS AND
CONTRACTORS/WORKERSCIVIL SOCIETY
AND NGOSLOCALCOMMUNITY/
VOLUNTEERSRELEVANTSTAKEHOLDERS
INTERNATIONALPARTICIPANTS

VENDORS/
SUPPLIERS

MATERIAL
WITHIN THE
ORGANISATIONEXPO 2020
LLC AND ITSEMPLOYEESMATERIAL
TOPICS

THE BOUNDARIES OF THIS GRI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT FALLS PRIMARILY UNDER THE PREEVENT AND EVENT PHASE, UNLESS STATED OTHERWISE.

ECONOMIC
Economic
Performance

•

•

•

AntiCorruption

•

•

•

Energy•••Water andEffluents

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

On-SiteOff-Site•

On-Site••On-Site••On-SiteENVIRONMENTAL

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05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESSITEBOUNDARY
GOVERNMENTAUTHORITIESEXPO 2020
VISITORS

PARTNERSCONSTRUCTIONCONSULTANTS AND
CONTRACTORS/WORKERSCIVIL SOCIETY
AND NGOSLOCALCOMMUNITY/
VOLUNTEERSRELEVANTSTAKEHOLDERS
INTERNATIONALPARTICIPANTS

VENDORS/
SUPPLIERS

MATERIAL
WITHIN THE
ORGANISATIONEXPO 2020
LLC AND ITSEMPLOYEESMATERIAL
TOPICS

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGSENVIRONMENTAL
Emissions

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

On-Site

Waste

●

•

•

●

•

•

•

•

•

●

•

On-siteMaterials

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

On-SiteSupplier
Environmental
Assessment

•

•

•

•

•

•

Off-Site
On-SiteSOCIAL
Employment••

Occupational
Health and
Safety

•

•

•

•

•

Customer
Health and
Safety

•

•

•

•

•

Local
communities•

Nondiscrimination

•

•

•

Diversityand Equal
Opportunity

•

•

•

Training and
Education•

Child Labour•

Forced orCompulsory
Labour
Security
Practices••

On-Site••On-Site••On-Site•••On-SiteOff-Site••

On-Site•On-Site•Off-Site
On-Site••Off-Site
On-Site

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Off-Site
On-Site

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

Off-Site
On-Site•EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOGOVERNMENTAUTHORITIESSITEBOUNDARY

03. THE EXPO LEGACYEXPO 2020
VISITORS

PARTNERSCONSTRUCTIONCONSULTANTS AND
CONTRACTORS/WORKERSCIVIL SOCIETY
AND NGOSLOCALCOMMUNITY/
VOLUNTEERSRELEVANTSTAKEHOLDERS
INTERNATIONALPARTICIPANTS

VENDORS/
SUPPLIERS

MATERIAL
WITHIN THE
ORGANISATIONEXPO 2020
LLC AND ITSEMPLOYEESMATERIAL
TOPICS

01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAINON-GRI
Innovation••

Accessibility••

COVID-19••

Business
Resilience••

Environmental
Compliance••

Human Rights
Assessment

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

On-SiteOff-Site

•

•

●

•

On-site••On-SiteOff-Site

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

•

On-Site

•

•

•

•

•

On-Site

•

•

•

•

•

On-Site●220 | EXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021••

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESCACRONYMS ANDABBREVIATIONSACRONYM/
ABBREVIATIONEXPANSION

AED

Arab Emirates Dirham

AR

Augmented Reality

ASHRAE

American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers

ATMs

Automated Teller Machines

B2B

Business to Business

B2G

Business to Government

BAU

Business As Usual

BIE

Bureau International des Expositions

BS 8555

Internationally recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) standard

BS EN ISO 14001

Internationally recognised Environmental Management System (EMS) standard

BS EN ISO 9001

Internationally recognised Quality Management System (QMS) standard

CAP

World Steel Association Climate Action Programme

CCA

Crushed Concrete Aggregate

CCT

Crisis Communications Team

CCTV

Close Circuit Television

CEEQUAL

Civil Engineering Environmental Quality Assessment and Award Scheme

CEMP

Construction Environmental Management Plan

CMST

Crisis Management Support Team

CMT

Crisis Management Team

CO2

Carbon dioxide

COC

Chain of Custody

COP

Conference of the Parties

CSCS

Construction Supervision Consultants

CTO

Certificate in Terminal Operations

CWF

Central Waste Facility

CWMPs

Construction Waste Management Plans

DCAs

Dubai Corporation for Ambulance Services

DCCI

Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry

DED

Department of Economic Development

DET

Department of Economy and Tourism

DEWA

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority

DHA

Dubai Health Authority

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOACRONYM/
ABBREVIATIONEXPANSIONDM

Dubai Municipality

DMED

Dubai Municipality Environment Department

EC

Environment Clearance

ECVM

European Council of Vinyl Manufacturers

EEC

Expo 2020 Emergency Centre

EEG

Emirates Environmental GroupEF

Emission Factors

EIA

Environmental Impact Assessment

ENOC

Emirates National Oil Company

EP

Environmental Plan

EPD

Environmental Product Declaration

ESMS

Event Sustainability Management System

EU

European Union

EV

Electric Vehicle

FAO

Food and Agriculture Organization

FSC

Forestry Stewardship Council

FTE

Full-Time Equivalent

G2G

Government to Government

GBF

Global Business Forum

GBPP

Global Best Practice Programme

GCC

Gulf Cooperation Council

GDP

Gross Domestic Product

GEEIS

Gender Equality European and International Standard

GEWE

Gender Equality and Women's Empowerment

GHG

Greenhouse Gas

GI

Global Innovators

GRI

Global Reporting Initiative

GVA

Gross Value Added

H&S

Health and Safety

HOD

Head of Department

HR

Human Resources

HRD

Human Resources Department

HSE

Health, Safety and Environment

HVAC

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning

IBSA

International Board of Sensory Accessibility

ICE

Institutions of Civil Engineers

ICT

Information Communication Technology

IIGP

Innovation Impact Grant Programme

IIOT

Industrial Internet of Things

ILO

International Labour Organisation

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESACRONYM/
ABBREVIATIONEXPANSION

IOTInternet of Things

IPM

International Participants Meeting

IPO

Initial Public Offering

IPP

International Participants Pavilion

IPS

International Participants

ISInternational Sign

ISO

International Organisation for Standardisation

JAHWTF

Jebel Ali Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility

KHDA

Knowledge and Human Development Authority

KPI

Key Performance Indicator

LEED

Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design

LNC

Liquid Natural ClayLRVLight Reflectance Value

MICE

Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions

MOCCAE

Ministry of Climate Change and Environment

MOCD

Ministry of Community Development

MOH

Ministry of Health

MRF

Material Recovery Facility

MSDS

Material Safety Data Sheet

NCEMA

National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority

NGOs

Non-Governmental Organisations

OEI

Observe, Engage and Improve

OHAS

Occupational Health and Safety

ORF

Observer Research Foundation

PEFC

Programme for the Endorsement of Forest Certification

PMC

Programme Management Consultant

PMO

Project Management Office

POD

People of Determination

PPC

Priceless Planet Coalition

PPE

Personal Protection Equipment

PPP

Programme for People and Planet

PSA

Pedestrian Screening Area

PV

Photovoltaic

PVC

Polyvinyl Chloride

RDF

Refuse Derived Fuel

REACH

Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals

RGB

Red, Green, and Blue

ROHS

Restriction of Hazardous Substances

RTA

Roads and Transport Authority

RT-PCR

Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction

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01. ABOUT EXPO 2020 DUBAI

02. THE FOUNDATIONS OF A SUSTAINABLE EXPOACRONYM/
ABBREVIATIONEXPANSION

SDGs

Sustainable Development Goals

SRI

Solar Reflective Index

SSA

Security System Analytics

STEAM

Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics

STEM

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math

STP

Sewage Treatment Plant

TBF

Thematic Business Forums

TDS

Temporary Demountable Structures

TRA

Threat and Risk Assessment

TSC

The Sustainability Consortium

TSE

Treated Sewage Effluent

UHC

Universal Health Coverage

UNEP

United Nations Environment Programme

UNFCCC

United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change

UNICEF

United Nations Children's Fund

UPS

United Parcel Service

USGBC

US Green Building Council

UV

Ultraviolet radiation

UWB

Ultra-Wideband

VOCs

Volatile Organic Chemicals

VR

Virtual Reality

WASH

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene

WBCSD

World Business Council for Sustainable Development

WHO

World Health Organization

WRI

World Resources Institute

ZSL

Zoological Society of London

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03. THE EXPO LEGACY

04. EXPO 2020 AND THE SDGS

05. GRI CONTENT INDEX AND TOPIC BOUNDARIESEXPO 2020 DUBAI SUSTAINABILITY REPORT 2021

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