With the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) scheduled for 2020, Cairo will be a sought-after urban destination for travellers this year, but not the only one. A number of planned events will also attract attention to other cities around the world over the next 12 months. Here is a roundup of what is happening and where.
Dubai (United Arab Emirates)
Expo 2020
The small emirate is determined to capitalise on the upcoming World Expo, which will take place from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, to promote its advantages as a vacation destination. Some 192 pavilions representing as many countries, more than 200 restaurants and 60 daily events will highlight the theme of Expo 2020: "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future."
Vienna (Austria)
250th anniversary of the birth of Beethoven
The 250th anniversary of the birth of the great composer will set the tempo in the Austrian capital throughout the year. An exhibition of original letters and manuscripts opened on December 19 last year, while renowned conductor Marin Alsop will lead the ORF Radio Symphony Orchestra in a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony as part of the "All Together: A Global Ode to Joy" initiative.