Expo 2020 was a World Expo hosted by Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Originally scheduled for 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United Arab Emirates.
Uganda joined over 190 nations to participate in the Expo 2020 Dubai. Uganda participated under the Opportunity sub-theme and the country theme is “Uganda – Right Place, Right Time.” The objectives of Uganda’s participation were:
- To promote Uganda’s exports and connect with new export opportunities and investors in value-addition. Target products include coffee, tea, fruits and vegetables, fish products and minerals
- To promote its unique tourism and wildlife attractions for increased tourism receipts;
- To showcase investment opportunities, attract and connect with potential investors to attract FDIs into sectors of interest to Uganda especially agriculture, industry, energy, minerals, oil and gas
- To enhance bilateral relations between Uganda and the UAE, the Expo organizers, and other participating countries
PCF main reason for participation was to see opportunities for the private sector in value-addition and increasing bilateral relations between Uganda and UAE.
The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the largest event ever in the Arab world set itself a number of sustainability targets to be met during its creation and staging, including diverting 85 percent of waste from landfill, through different waste treatment facilities and innovative solutions provided by Expo and its partners.