Expo 2020 Dubai is the biggest event ever to be held in the Arab world. It is also the first World Expo in this region. The theme of Expo 2020 is to connect minds for creating a better future. This Expo aims to build new partnerships and inspire ideas for a better tomorrow for all. The event is further divided into overcoming challenges within the three subthemes, which are Opportunity, Sustainability and Mobility through innovation and technology.
This event will mark a six-month celebration of human brilliance, starting from 20 October 2020, to 10 April 2021. It is expected to be visited by 25 million people with 70 percent of them being international visitors. For the first time in the history of World Expo, every country participating will have its own pavilion. This will give visitors a chance to explore cultures, innovations, collaborations and enjoy celebrations from 190 countries participating in the event.
As the countdown for Expo 2020 Dubai begins, preparations for the event are in full swing. Some of the latest developments include Israel’s confirmation to take part in the Expo 2020. Israel’s Foreign Minister Yisrael Katz said that their participation in Expo 2020 will exhibit the rise in the status of Israel and a perfect opportunity to display their achievements and capabilities in technology alongside their vibrant culture. After Israel’s confirmation in December 2019, the construction of their pavilion has begun for the fair as revealed by the Foreign Ministry on 21 January.
Another major Expo 2020 development for the week is Canon being announced as the official imagining and printing partner. Canon is the industry-leading Japanese multinational corporation known for its specialisation in technology innovation pertaining to manufacturing of optical and imaging products. The company will offer equipment loans and maintenance services to media professionals. As Expo 2020 Dubai’s official printing partner, the company will share its expertise cultivated over 80 years all through the event.
Among the latest highlights is also the announcement that was made on 21st January by the Irish government. The Irish government announced $4.4m grant for the construction of their pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai. The Ireland pavilion will be constructed based around Stone Age New Grange—the country’s most magnificent monument. Newgrange was built nearly 5200 years ago. This monument is older than the Stonehenge (the prehistoric monument in Wiltshire, England) and even Egypt’s pyramids. The monument features a 19-metre long passage that leads into a chamber that has 3 alcoves. The chamber and the passage align with the rising sun right at the Winter Solstice on 21st December.
The manager of Asia and Middle East Tourism Ireland, Aisling McDermott said that since the pavilion’s design will be inspired by Newgrange, they will recreate the experience when the light shines in and through the passage and chamber with the help of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Moreover, The Irish Village a famous hospitality venue will also have an outlet at the Expo 2020 near the Irish pavilion. The CEO and vice chairman of The Irish Village said that they were excited to participate in Expo 2020. Dubai is well-known for its technological innovations, quality infrastructure and top-class events, and undoubtedly Expo 2020 will truly be an event to remember. He further added that they are looking forward to welcoming and serving visitors delicious Irish food.
The payment of $4.4m has been made by the government in order to get an event space and a facility in Dubai with proper arrangements so that they can showcase the best of Ireland on the international forum, and make a positive image on the visitors pouring in from across the globe.
Apart from this, another big development that happened last week regarding Expo 2020 was the official announcement made by the National Academy of Sciences of Belarus. It was announced that Belarus will unveil their 4D bio-printer at Expo 2020. This printer is no ordinary printer. It has the ability to reproduce live cells along with the other new and innovative technologies across different sectors such as agriculture, artificial intelligence and healthcare. According to the National Marketing Centre of the Foreign Affairs Belarusian Ministry director Valery Sadokho, Belarus will focus on two areas. On the individual level, they will present talented Belarusians who have played a pivotal role in depictive art and world culture. On the investment side, Belarus will focus on their legislation in order to attract potential investors. Put simply, Belarus will explore innovation theme and also recreate the feel and look of the primaeval forests that the nation treasures.
Additionally, since the preparation for Expo 2020 is in full-throttle, so is the construction work related to Dubai’s Metro Route for 2020. The route is expected to connect the main Red line to the site where Expo 2020 will be held. The construction work is all set to be carried out on 24th January for Expo 2020 on the metro extension. This work will be completed over a span of 3 months. For now, the traffic is diverted from the main road running through a popular community in Dubai.
The junction of the Discovery Gardens will be closed. However, they will make a point for entry and exit from the by-lane to ensure that the traffic passes through smoothly without any hassle.
Another important highlight of the week was the official statement that was released by the US State Department on 15 January regarding its participation in Expo 2020 all thanks to the generosity of the UAE government. The US had earlier failed to generate $60 million funds which put their participation in Expo 2020 in jeopardy. The state Department further added that their participation will provide the international audience to experience the US pavilion. Also, according to Hagir Elawad, UAE lobbyist, US participation will be invaluable on different levels providing a great opportunity to promote commercial interests of the US and public diplomacy efforts.
