Day: October 1, 2021

DUBAI, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, toured the venue of Expo 2020, which began in Dubai today.

His Highness visited the pavilions of the UAE, USA, China and Kazakhstan on the first day of the six-month mega global event.

Being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 houses the pavilions of countries participating in the event as well as those of diverse organisations from across the world. The global show runs for 182 days until 31st March, 2022.

Speaking at the beginning of the visit, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed said that under the leadership of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and the follow up of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and the support of Their Highnesses Members of the Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE continues to shine as a beacon of peace, progress, and diversity, as envisioned by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan.

His Highness was accompanied on the tour by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; and H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee along with a number of ministers and senior officials of Dubai entities.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed began his tour of Expo 2020 by visiting the UAE pavilion.

He expressed his appreciation for the iconic architectural design of the UAE pavilion that evokes the wings of a falcon in flight and tells the story of the UAE as a global hub, and the vision of its leaders to create a peaceful and progressive society with ambitious plans for the future. “Following in the footsteps of our founding fathers, we are determined to lead our nation to greater levels of achievement and excellence. With a clear vision, determination and a steadfast focus on our goals, we are making rapid progress in achieving our aspirations,” His Highness said.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed was received at the Pavilion by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

During the visit, His Highness expressed his appreciation for the efforts of all the people who were involved in the construction of the pavilion.

Located in the heart of Al Wasl Plaza, the pavilion designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava is a symbol of the nation’s bold and daring spirit. Created to highlight both the UAE’s rich heritage and bright future, the pavilion’s four storeys cover an area of more than 15,000 square metres. The design of the pavilion also evokes the pioneering spirit and power of connections that transformed the UAE from a collection of small, desert communities into a global connection point.

Featuring an immersive experience that evokes a range of emotions, the 60-minute tour of the pavilion narrates to the visitor the unique history and future aspirations of the UAE. Built with sustainability in mind, the pavilion uses sustainable elements such as photovoltaic (PV) panels that have been produced in the UAE integrated into the roof structure, bringing the entire building to life with the opening of the wings.

The UAE pavilion was designed with the safety of visitors in mind. Precautionary guidelines are stringently observed. The pavilion is open to visitors from 10.00 am to 10.00 pm, with the last tour starting at 8:30 pm. School tours to the pavilion take place on weekdays from 9:00 am to 11:45 am.

Speaking on the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said: “Bringing together participants from 192 countries, Expo 2020 paves the way for a new united approach to overcoming one of the most difficult periods in the planet’s history and forging a new path of sustainable development. Expo 2020 held in the UAE can serve as the catalyst for the emergence of a new interconnected world in which nations come together in a spirit of partnership and cooperation to create a glorious future for mankind.”

His Highness later visited the US Pavilion at Expo Dubai, which extends over an area of 36,000 square feet and provides a unique experience for visitors to celebrate American values and culture under the theme “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future.” The theme reflects the USA’s commitment to promoting prosperity, opportunity, and innovation globally and domestically.

The pavilion highlights the USA’s leadership and achievements in the space sector. It features a one-to-one scale replica of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket. Falcon 9 is the first orbital class rocket capable of re-flight and most-flown operational rocket in the United States. Other exhibits featured at the US pavilion include moon rocks, one of the robotic vehicles that landed on the moon’s surface, and many others.

Guests to the US pavilion are taken on a journey through its exhibits via a moving walkway that meanders through the pavilion. The high-capacity transportation system provides a unique experience that is safe for all ages and abilities.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also visited the China Pavilion, one of the largest country pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai at over 4,500 sqm. Named ‘The Light of China’, the pavilion’s design is inspired by the iconic traditional Chinese lantern.

Under the theme ‘Constructing the Community of Human Destiny – Innovation and Opportunity’, the pavilion showcases the nation’s achievements in the fields of information, science and technology, education, and communications.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed saw a panda robot called Youyou, which serves as a guide for visitors at the China Pavilion and represents the technological prowess that the country is showcasing at Expo 2020.

China’s strong participation at the mega global event reflects the robust ties between the UAE and China. Currently China is both the UAE’s and Dubai’s largest trading partner with total non-oil trade valued at AED174 billion and AED142 billion respectively.

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tour of Expo 2020 Dubai also included a stop at the national pavilion of Kazakhstan. He was received by the Commissioner-General of the pavilion, who gave His Highness a comprehensive presentation of what Kazakhstan is showcasing at Expo 2020.

Featuring three storeys and four exhibition areas, the pavilion highlights Kazakhstan’s dynamic development, cultural diversity, rich human and natural resources, and its tourist, technological and investment opportunities.

Located within the Expo venue’s Opportunity District, the pavilion comprises interactive and tactile surface installations that allow visitors to explore Kazakhstan’s beautiful natural landscapes, resources, culture, biodiversity, and flora and fauna. The pavilion also showcases various projects in several areas including transit and transport potential, digitisation, industrialisation, human capital development and the environment.

Participants from 192 countries have converged on Dubai for Expo 2020, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. Taking place from 1st October, 2021 to 31st March 2022, the six-month mega global event features more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors who have come together to create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.

The event provides all attendees with the opportunity to celebrate the history and achievements of other countries.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, ‘Notre-Dame de Paris, the Expérience’ – an innovative exhibition on the cathedral’s 850-year history using physical scenography and augmented reality, opened at the France Pavilion today.

The exhibition, which runs until 1 November, takes visitors through the cathedral’s construction in the Middle Ages, its role in the religious, cultural and political life of France, and the restoration work being undertaken following the damage the World Heritage building sustained in a fire in April 2019.

‘Histopads’ – cutting-edge tablet devices developed by the French start-up Histovery – will provide visitors with a virtual and interactive experience of historical events, such as the coronation of Emperor Napoleon I and the construction of the spire of Viollet-le-Duc.

The Histopad’s augmented technology will also enable visitors to understand the complexity of the restoration work and the different trades involved in rebuilding the landmark building.

The experience, which opens the on the eve of France’s National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai, is a precursor to the much larger ‘Notre-Dame de Paris’ exhibition, which will take place in Paris at the Collège des Bernardins in spring 2022. It will then tour throughout Europe, as well as the Americas and Asia, for the duration of the reconstruction project.

The exhibition is presented by the L’Oréal Group, Expo’s Official Beauty Products and Services Partner and one of the donors to the cathedral’s restoration.

Source: Emirates News Agency

ABU DHABI, With the stunning and unprecedented opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE has proved that it can challenge the impossible as desired by its prudent leadership under its vision to explore the future that would open the doors of hope for humanity and reflect in its capability to overcome challenges and difficulties facing the world.

The opening ceremony of the Expo 2020 Dubai, which represented a harmonious and impressive mixture, brought together the whole world with its various spectrums, including different cultures and civilisations in one place.

The event started a new era of excellence and achievement for our dear country in light of the Year of the 50th amid unprecedented domestic, Arab and international media attention. It reflected the country’s stature and potential in light of the coronavirus pandemic. It spread new hope and tranquillity in the hearts of peoples worldwide that through coexistence, convergence and cooperation, humanity can overcome the pandemic and continue on its path towards a better tomorrow.

With the start of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emiratis have proved that they can draw history full of pride and hope for the country, for a shining future that is part of the blessed march based on hard work and loyalty gleaned from the far-sighted vision of the wise leadership as well as a giving people that always strengthens the union.

It is no coincidence that in this great international gathering, when delegations from more than 192 countries, representatives of international organisations, institutions and global companies are working together for a better tomorrow for humanity, our country celebrates its golden jubilee. Today, we begin a new 50 years that commenced with the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai, a special edition by all standards.

In this historic moment, the UAE, its wise leadership and people are recalling the legacy instilled by the Founder of its renaissance, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, which the wise leadership has sustained and aims to accomplish much more.

After eight years of hard work and all possible efforts by distinguished national teams that reflected the mind and talent of the Emiratis, this global event has resulted, spanning over 4.38 km, which mirrors the UAE’s global stature.

While celebrating the opening of this international event that brings together the culture and achievements of the world, the UAE is fully confident of its capabilities and potential to organise an exceptional edition.

For this, the UAE has harnessed and utilised all its resources, potentials and distinguished Emirati cadres in ways that achieve the desired goals for the peoples of the world, which means building a better future for humanity.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, Aside from the 3,000-strong audience inside Al Wasl Plaza, millions across the globe tuned in to virtually view the eagerly awaited event. With the golden ring of connectivity – the inspiration for the Expo 2020 Dubai logo – raised to the trellis of the magnificent Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of the Expo site and the spectacular setting for the captivating ceremony, the most inclusive World Expo ever was officially underway.

In addition to music from some of the most influential artists on the planet and a beautiful live orchestra, a sensory overload of powerful visuals was beamed across Al Wasl Plaza’s dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen. More than 3,000 lighting fixtures, 1,000 speakers, 1,300 costumes and buckets of passion and emotion from every one of the 1,000-plus participating performers and volunteers also contributed to a one-of-a-kind spectacle of masterful artistic collaboration.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai – and to the UAE – in his speech, saying: “Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Together, we will convey, from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary, a message of tolerance, coexistence and peace; a message of progress, prosperity and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future for everyone.”

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), said: “All the world is coming together, for the first time since the pandemic began, to connect, to exchange and to learn on this extraordinary global stage. The time has now come to open Expo 2020 Dubai, an Expo that marks the era, that plays a defining role in the global recovery, and that contributes to a better future.”

The flags of Expo’s 192 participating nations, revealed via a domino effect as flags were opened one by one, was a proud and visually stunning moment that also signified a reawakening of the world.

It was celebrated tenor Andrea Bocelli who brought the house down, rounding off the night’s electrifying proceedings with one of his all-time classics, The Prayer, its lyrics of human connection crescendoing into the grand finale.

With more than 80 million albums under his belt, classical music’s biggest-selling living artist said that performing at Expo 2020 was a “great honour” and that his presence at Al Wasl “reflects all of the affection my audience has been giving me for many years and I hope to give it back”.

Andrea Bocelli said: “We have all gone through a year that no one could ever have imagined. For a year, we have lost the essentials, our freedom in and, in a sense, and even our dignity. Now we finally see the light and I hope that this event will also help to instill in everyone a sense of optimism, a desire to achieve and to put what has been behind us.”

Before that, chart-topping British vocalist Ellie Goulding belted out a resounding, uplifting version of Anything Can Happen; Andra Day enraptured the audience with Rise Up; Chinese concert pianist Lang Lang wowed with his wizardry; and four-time Grammy winning singer-songwriter Angelique Kidjo, together with renowned Saudi singer Mohammed Abdu, sang John Legend’s powerful “If You’re Out There”, with its moving lyrics imploring the world to join together.

Other highlights included the official Expo song, “This Is Our Time”, sung by Arab artists Hussain Al Jassmi, Almas and Mayssa Karaa, while Emirati singing sensation Ahlam Alshamsi completed the formidable regional line-up. The artistic prowess of Oscar-winning composer A.R. Rahman’s all-women ensemble, the Firdaus Orchestra, comprising 50 musicians from across the Arab world, also proved a pivotal part of the ceremony’s inspiring journey.

Scott Givens, Executive Producer, Expo 2020 Opening Ceremony, who co-curated and co-produced the show with Franco Dragone, Artistic Director, said: “We picked artists that had songs that belonged in the ceremony and that tied in with Expo’s themes.

“Of course, we wanted to represent the world, we wanted to be plural and we wanted to reflect the diversity of our planet. I’m very proud of the combination of talent that we’ve brought together to do this and the way they’ve executed the story.”

A feeling of warmth, respect, togetherness and camaraderie was palpable throughout the celebration, which also demonstrated that the world is primed and ready to re-embrace live events. The stage is now set for Expo 2020 Dubai to host the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.

Source: Emirates News Agency

DUBAI, As Expo 2020 Dubai opened its doors to the world for the first time, crowds of visitors flocked to the spectacular site, eager to witness first-hand the first day of the first World Expo in the region.

Excitement levels were already high before the gates were opened at 10am at the Sustainability Entry Portal, with visitors lining up after travelling from all over the UAE and around the world to be among the first to see Expo 2020.

“I woke up at 6 am,” said 17-year-old Mubarak Salah Al Hemeiri, who came with his family from Al Ain, Abu Dhabi emirate, and planned to spend the whole day at the Expo site. “I don’t use social media. I came here to get my own first impression. I’m so excited. I couldn’t imagine seeing this city in the middle of the desert.”

Dubai-based Fabio Berti, from Italy, was also among the early birds, alongside his wife and children. “I am very happy to finally be able to see the Expo. I have been waiting a long time for this.”

It was a sentiment shared by Viju Kumar, a UAE resident for the past 15 years who visited Expo with his wife, Nirmala, after driving from Abu Dhabi. “We have been waiting for this since last year. We are excited to see what’s inside. We’ll stay here for the whole day,” Kumar said. Nirmala travelled to the UAE from India to spend a holiday with her husband and see Expo 2020.

Metra Jayakumar, a network engineer who works in Dublin, Ireland, also travelled to Dubai on holiday and to visit Expo 2020 with her husband, Sid, a business analyst. “I came to Expo to explore!”

Desmond Hayes, also from Ireland, was awed at seeing the world in one place. “I am here on vacation and have visited several different countries at Expo The place in itself is amazing,” he said. “The construction is unbelievable.”

“Making something from nothing” is how Cara Fernando, a digital marketing entrepreneur from the Philippines, referred to how Dubai has developed the Expo site from scratch. “It’s amazing so vibrant,” she said. “We are going to stay here till tonight to also watch the fireworks.”

Shaun Warner, who attended with his wife and two children, said that making something from nothing is “the story of Dubai” and exclaimed that the Expo site is “fantastic!”

“I came here to see the world in one place,” said Farrahana Hashim, an Abu Dhabi resident from Malaysia who was with her husband and four children.

Education was on the agenda for Monica Adamin, who brought a group of students for an awe-inspiring learning experience. “We are bringing students all the way from Italy to take part in some educational laboratories inside the Italy Pavilion. So, we’ll have a general look of the Expo and for the next three or four days, we will be working in the pavilion,” she said.

Business was the priority for Atik Roman, originally from Bangladesh, who travelled from Florida, USA, and said that he “came here to see what kind of opportunities for investment are available”.

With up to 60 live events each day and more than 200 pavilions, the Expo site is coming alive during its 182-day feast for the senses. Its dynamic, diverse and ever-changing entertainment programme features an array of internationally celebrated names and the sounds, rhythms and sights of a global cast of performers.

Expo 2020 Dubai is open every day until 31 March 2022, from 10am to midnight from Saturday to Wednesday and 10am to 2am on Thursday and Friday.

Source: Emirates News Agency