Middle East's first Expo to open in Dubai under shadow of pandemic

Construction workers are seen at the Expo 2020 Dubai site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates September 14, 2021. REUTERS/Alexander Cornwell

DUBAI (Reuters) - The first world fair to be held in the Middle East, Expo 2020 Dubai, opens its doors to exhibitors from almost 200 countries on Oct. 1 after being delayed for a year by the coronavirus pandemic.

The 4.3 sq km (1.7 sq mile) site was desert when Dubai was chosen eight years ago to follow the 2015 Expo in Milan, Italy.