The UAE government has formally requested the postponement of Expo 2020 in a letter to the Expo governing body, the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation wrote to the BIE to propose delaying the start of Expo.
The Expo 2020 Dubai Organising Committee outlined the proposal on social media “The BIE will consider a proposed change of dates for Expo 2020 Dubai, beginning 1 October 2021 and running to 31 March 2022, as formally requested by the UAE Government.”
In his letter, Sheikh Abdullah also requested permission to continue using the name “Expo 2020 Dubai”.
The BIE has convened a virtual meeting of delegates from its 12 elected member states on April 21 to discuss the request.
A final decision on a change of dates can only be made by a two-thirds majority vote.
The UAE’s request follows last week’s meeting of the Dubai Steering Committee with its key stakeholders to discuss the impact of the global COVID-19 crisis on the national priorities of participating countries.


UAE launches 'Abu Dhabi Call to Action' on environmental crime
H.H. Sheikh Hamdan approves strategy for Dubai Longevity Authority
Sheikh Abdullah attends UAE Youth Dialogue at UN General Assembly
UAE delegation holds economic, health talks at UN General Assembly
UAE signs judicial agreements at UN Crime Congress in Abu Dhabi
UAE workshop discusses priorities for People of Determination strategy
UAE highlights need to protect food supplies from global disruptions
Saif bin Zayed meets justice, interior ministers on crime congress sidelines
UAE highlights efforts to advance international judicial cooperation
Sheikh Abdullah holds bilateral talks with global counterparts at UN
Three UAE aid convoys enter Gaza carrying 458 tonnes of supplies
H.H. Sheikh Sultan earns Exeter PhD in Management
RTA launches smart testing facility at Dubai Silicon Oasis
'Abu Dhabi Declaration' adopted as UN crime congress opens
Qatar Emir offers condolences to H.H. Sheikh Mohammed
UAE President meets senior Uzbekistan official
Sheikh Abdullah hosts UNGA reception in New York
UAE expresses solidarity with DR Congo over plane crash
Sheikh Abdullah holds series of meetings at UN General Assembly
UAE allocates $10 million to fight Ebola outbreak in Africa
