Intro
YouthConnect 2016 was Dubai Expo 2020’s full-day youth engagement event — bringing together over 1,000 young people aged 16–25 from across the GCC at Meydan’s iconic Sky Bubble venue. The event was opened by UAE ministers and structured around three inspirational talks, six discussion corners, 13 interactive workshops, and 11 Expo 2020 youth labs.
Role
I led the UI/UX design, interaction direction, and information architecture for the official YouthConnect mobile app — the digital companion that helped attendees plan their day, navigate the venue, and engage with Expo content in real time.
Client
Dubai Expo 2020 Youth Connect
The Challenge
Single-day events present a specific design challenge: there’s no time for onboarding, no second chance to re-engage a distracted user, and the schedule is dense enough that missing one session means missing something you can’t recover.
The app needed to be instantly navigable for a young, mobile-native audience who would be using it standing up, mid-conversation, in a busy venue — while also serving the event’s broader purpose of connecting youth to the vision of Expo 2020 Dubai and each other.
Personalized agendas
Users could create customized event schedules by selecting preferred sessions, talks, and workshops. A visual timeline displayed upcoming events with reminders and live updates to enhance personal planning.
Interactive maps
A detailed, zoomable map helped users navigate Expo zones, pavilions, and stages. Location pins, filters, and quick routes made it easy to find key areas, session venues, and amenities on-site.
Networking & Connections
The app enabled participants to discover and connect with others sharing similar interests. Profiles and messaging tools encouraged youth networking, collaboration, and community building throughout the event.
Live Updates & Notifications
Real-time notifications informed users of session changes, upcoming keynotes, and important announcements. A live updates feed also showcased trending topics and event highlights.
Speakers & Sessions Directory
A searchable catalog of speakers, mentors, and panelists allowed users to learn more about participants, view their schedules, and bookmark their sessions.
Media Hub
Embedded videos, galleries, and articles provided immersive content including event recaps, behind-the-scenes coverage, and youth-led stories, extending engagement beyond the physical event.
Search & Filters
Smart filters allowed attendees to browse sessions by theme, time, or location, streamlining discovery within a packed multi-day schedule.
Bilingual Interface
The app supported both English and Arabic, with mirrored layouts for right-to-left reading, ensuring accessibility for diverse users.
IMPACT
Designed for an audience of 1,000+ young people from across the GCC navigating a packed one-day programme, the YouthConnect app gave attendees a clear, mobile-first way to manage their experience across 13 workshops, 6 discussion corners, and 11 Expo Youth Labs — without needing to carry a printed schedule or ask staff for directions.
By putting a personalised agenda, venue map, and live updates in every attendee’s pocket, the app reduced the friction between young people and the programme — letting the event’s substance do its work rather than being obscured by logistics.