Expo 2020 Dubai “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” Maximizes Opportunities
By: Sultan Al Harbi – Consul General of the UAE in Toronto
Being the first world expo to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia, Expo 2020 Dubai is the most remarkable event in the region that will run for a six month period between October 2020 and April 2021. It is expected that the event will attract around 30 million visitors, with around 70 percent of them coming from outside the UAE.
Ever since the International Bureau of Exhibitions General Assembly in Paris selected Dubai (back in November 2013) to host Expo 2020, the Emirate adopted the theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" which provides a platform to promote creativity, innovation and collaboration. The theme and subthemes are based on the belief that Dubai will maximize the opportunity to build connections and partnerships with more than 190 participating countries from around the world, including Canada.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai has promised that “Expo 2020 will astonish the world”. Visitors will experience very closely the superb hospitality and warm welcome of Emirati people, as well as the values of tolerance, acceptance, collaborative spirit and respecting cultural diversity. Visitors will enjoy 15 hours of daily entertainment, diversified pavilions, contemporary architecture, fountains, waterfalls, dozens of local and international restaurants and 60 daily live shows.
Representative from participating countries and visitors can go on a fly-through trip across the 4.38sq km Expo 2020 site in the southern part of Dubai next to the nearby Al-Maktoum International Airport.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be a global platform to showcase inventions and innovation, share ideas, and celebrate human values and diversity. Expo will bring together companies, governmental and non-governmental organizations from around the globe. Nearly 38,000 companies, including large corporations, have already registered for the event which is just getting closer and closer to its due date.
Hundreds of pavilions will feature attractive exhibits, including Canada’s pavilion that will showcase the immersive journey through the country’s past, present and future.
Interestingly, Canada selected an intriguing theme for Expo 2020 Dubai “The Future in Mind”, which is consistent with the general theme of Expo and highlights the country’s contribution to advanced technologies and innovation in such sectors as aerospace and artificial intelligence.
Finally, the UAE views Expo 2020 Dubai as an event that affects the entire region, peoples and governments. H.E. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau said: "We have never had this opportunity to showcase our achievements, cultures, heritage and aspirations and dreams to the entire world on a global platform, such as the expo.”
