Discover the future of tourism and mobility in the digital age

Everyone has the basic need to connect with one another. Connections – be they physical or virtual – are the bedrock of healthy and empowered societies, ensuring we all benefit economically, socially and intellectually, by sharing and learning.

Yet few areas have experienced as much change and expansion as travel and connectivity. How is this reshaping the way we work, play, communicate and live? And how can we can balance the impact of the expansion of the digital world with our physical reality?

These questions are at the heart of Expo Talks: Travel and Connectivity, a virtual event that will explore connectivity across key sectors, such as mobility, transport and logistics, governance, education and travel – as well as championing digital connectivity as a universal human right for all.

Live streamed from 1030 on 16 February, the event will open with keynote remarks from Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, and feature Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid, President of Estonia; Sir Tim Clark, President of Emirates Airline; and Hatem Dowidar, CEO of Etisalat Group.

It will explore digital solutions in the new reality of COVID-19, and includes Emirates ‘fireside chats’ focusing on the evolution of on-board connectivity, as well as a discussion on how Emirates is supporting and nurturing an ecosystem for innovation in travel and aviation in Dubai. Another session, moderated by the World Tourism Organization, will bring together countries, including Bhutan and Portugal, to debate the future of sustainable tourism

In parallel, many International Participants will also host talks on their own channels.

A World Majlis, ‘In Tech We Trust? Understanding & Trusting New Technology’, will wrap up proceedings, featuring Osama Al-Zoubi, CTO for Cisco, Digital Network Partner of Expo 2020, and Elham Al Qasim, CEO of Digital14, Official Cyber Security Provider of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Travel and Connectivity is the seventh in a series of 10 thematic talks – launched in October 2020 with Space – that bring together influential policymakers, thought-leaders, Expo participants and the public to help shape the thought-provoking content and conversations taking place during Expo 2020.