Hundreds of delegates from across the globe have gathered in Dubai to hear about the plans and progress of Expo 2020 Dubai and to help shape the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.

More than 500 representatives from almost 180 countries will attend the International Participants Meeting (IPM) on October 19, which will be the largest gathering of potential Expo 2020 Dubai national participants to date.

The meeting will include updates on site delivery and Expo legacy plans; how Expo 2020 will support the participant journey, including country pavilion design and delivery; marketing and communications plans.

A number of the nations attending are expected to publicly announce their participation in Expo 2020, while many of those who have confirmed will sign their official participation contracts after choosing their theme, budget and pavilion plot.

Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau Director-General, said: "The International Participants Meeting is an important step on the road to Expo 2020 Dubai for the countries, companies and organisations that are taking part."

Source: Khaleej Times