Expo 2020 Dubai Tips
Triple-check the metro times
The metro times are incorrect in most places. During our stay, the last metro consistently left one hour earlier than advertised, which affected our plans and forced us to take taxis.
Use the Smart Queue function of the Expo 2020 Dubai app
Some pavilions have long lines. Link your ticket to your Expo 2020 Dubai app and schedule up to 10 visits through Smart Queue. Please notice that some pavilions require that you reserve weeks in advance.
Talk to hosting staff
We met a lot of wonderful people and learned about different cultures while visiting pavilions. Hosting staff in most pavilions received us with a smile and were willing to spend some time talking with us. We even attended concerts and tried some of the restaurants together.
Explore the variety of restaurants
Most restaurants on the Expo site are located inside buildings and are hard to find at first sight, but once you find them you'll discover a wide variety of cuisines from around the world.
Do not bring a camera that looks professional
Emirati security is exceedingly sensitive to professional photographers. If you plan to take high-quality pictures but don't have press accreditation, try bringing a camera that doesn't attract the attention of security staff. Also, try not to use tripods, as they guarantee that you'll have security staff asking questions in no time. The same advice applies if you want to take pictures around the city.
Enjoy the view from the Garden in the Sky Tower
Probably the best view you'll have of the Expo site is from the Garden in the Sky Tower. The cost is 30 dirham for about 3 full turns.
Don't focus too much on getting all stamps for your Expo Passport
We know that an Expo Passport full of stamps is a great souvenir, but if you rush through pavilions to get as many stamps as possible you'll miss the unique experience of learning about other people, views, and cultures.