Both cards are underpinned by Mastercard’s secure technology and will be equipped with contactless capabilities for touch-free and seamless transactions….reports Asian Lite News
As a Premier Partner and the Official Banking Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, Emirates NBD Group has joined hands with Mastercard, the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, to create two exclusive new card programmes: Emirates NBD Expo Mastercard Prepaid Card and the Emirates Islamic Expo Mastercard Credit Card.
The limited-edition cards are designed to enhance the Expo 2020 Dubai experience for both residents and visitors from across the globe, while also elevating their time spent in the UAE with memorable and Priceless possibilities to discover year-round.
Both cards are underpinned by Mastercard’s secure technology and will be equipped with contactless capabilities for touch-free and seamless transactions.
Emirates had earlier launched its latest initiative under a global campaign to promote destination Dubai to people from all walks of life this winter season.
The airline’s Early Bird Expo 2020 Dubai deal, launched last week across its global markets, will enable customers to save up to 20 percent on fares to Dubai when they book their flights early.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Dubai truly has something for everyone and this winter, as our home city hosts Expo 2020, the excitement and range of attractions for visitors will ratchet up, including various once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
He added, “As Dubai’s home airline, Emirates is launching a series of initiatives to make it even more compelling for travellers to plan their visit and experience Dubai. Last month, we announced that we’ll give a free Expo Day Pass to every Emirates customer travelling to Dubai during the Expo period, and we introduced an innovative ‘mile a minute’ offer for our Skywards members. Today we are launching an early booking discount on flights to Dubai across all our markets. In the coming weeks, we plan to roll out offers tailored for families, a special Expo edition of our popular ‘My Emirates Pass’ product, a celebratory offer for the UAE’s 50th jubilee anniversary and more, so stay tuned.”
Whether exploring Dubai solo, as a family, or reconnecting with family and friends, there has never been a better time to visit Dubai than this winter season. Emirates’ current special promotions.
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to create huge tangible and intangible economic benefits for the emirate and the wider region…reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to create huge tangible and intangible economic benefits for the emirate and the wider region, with new and expanded infrastructure serving business communities and societies for the long-term, says Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Gulf Region, Cisco.
SHUKRI EID, MANAGING DIRECTOR, GULF REGION, CISCO: “What’s fascinating is the sheer scale of Expo 2020. We are talking about vast investments in infrastructure. District 2020 – as the site will be known after Expo 2020 – will retain more than 80 percent of the infrastructure built as it transitions into a human-centric mixed-use and fully integrated community for businesses, residents and tourists alike. As a ‘city of firsts’, District 2020 will become a global hub for innovation that brings together an inclusive and diverse community of stakeholders to accelerate the future of industries and technologies. Ultimately, the site was designed to create a more resilient, smarter and sustainable urban environment that lives on after the six-month event. Job creation is another aspect of Expo 2020 legacy, not only for the sake of the event itself, but also to benefit Dubai, the UAE and the wider region for years to come. The benefits of Expo 2020 will be felt long after the last day of the event.”
At a time when the need for a collective response to essential global challenges is needed more than ever, Expo 2020 will leverage the convening power of World Expos and the UAE’s unique position as a global nexus to bring together 191 countries and millions of visitors, to inspire meaningful change and create a brighter future for us all.
One of the first events of this scale to take place since the start of the pandemic, and the first World Expo ever held in the MEASA region, the six-month experience will be a beacon of hope for the global business community.
Shukri Eid, Managing Director, Gulf Region, Cisco
It represents an unprecedented opportunity for businesses of all sizes, international organisations and government entities from across the world, to come together to foster a more diversified and resilient global economy, inspire a vibrant business environment and drive sustainable growth.
Eid’s comments came during the latest installment of the “En Route to Expo” video series run as part of the Business Connect platform, launched by Dubai Chamber in partnership with Entrepreneur Middle East.
“At Cisco, we are proud to be playing a role in enabling one of the most technologically advanced expos in the event’s history. We were fortunate to be appointed as the Official Digital Network Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai back in 2018. Since then, we have truly moved full speed ahead to build on the promise of making Expo 2020 Dubai a highly immersive, informative and once-in-a-lifetime experience,” he added.
The “En Route to Expo” series provides a platform for public and private sector stakeholders to highlight their contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai and discuss its impact and legacy.
On the occasion of the approaching inauguration of Expo 2020, the minister stated that Austria’s participation focuses on presenting future visions…reports Asian Lite News
Margarete Schramböck, Austria’s Minister of Digital and Economic Affairs, has said that Expo 2020 Dubai paves the way for opening new markets, enhances international cooperation, and provides the opportunity to highlight the quality of research and development of Austrian innovations.
On the occasion of the approaching inauguration of Expo 2020, the minister stated that Austria’s participation focuses on presenting future visions, concepts and technologies that promote living together in an increasingly intertwined world.
She stressed that Austria upholds – with its international-oriented startups – the spirit of innovation and technical knowledge, and that its participation in the Dubai Expo aims to offer useful and meaningful solutions and products.
For his part, Harald Mahrer, President of Austrian Federal Economic Chamber, highlighted the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai in strengthening Austria’s communication with other countries at the international level as well as developing the country’s economy.
The Austrian pavilion participating in the exhibition is set to present projects and innovations in various fields, designed and developed by research institutions and companies that have cooperated with universities and technical colleges, and have succeeded in achieving accomplishments that have a positive impact on the environment and climate.
The pavilion, under the theme, “Innovation Towers,” will showcase 53 selected innovations in many areas while highlighting the contributions of Austrian scientists, companies and research institutes to shaping a positive and innovative future in smart cities, the circular economy, renewable energy, digital technology, health and life sciences.
From 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai will welcome 191 countries and millions of visitors, inviting everyone to join the making of a new world through a six-month celebration of innovation, culture, creativity and human progress.
PepsiCo is introducing new ways to snack and drink, from the way we shop products to the way we consume them…reports Asian Lite News
As the Official Beverage and Snack Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, PepsiCo has unveiled leading innovations that are set to transform the F&B industry, from the way we consume to the way we shop. With a commitment to offer products that taste good and do good for the planet, PepsiCo will bring Sunbites® compostable packaging to Expo 2020 Dubai as well as the Aquafina® Water Station, a hydration solution that drives sustainable consumer behavior while delivering personalized, on-the-go experiences. Additionally, on-site at Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors will experience the future of retail, through an AI powered shopping journey that allows for contactless payment with – Pepsi Go.
Aquafina® Fountain Station
Expo 2020 Dubai will open its doors on 1 October 2021, and welcome the world for six unforgettable months, uniting people, communities, and nations to deliver solutions to some of the most pressing issues facing the planet. Leading the charge when it comes to sustainable and consumer-centric innovations within the food and beverage industry, PepsiCo’s new ways to snack and drink will elevate personalization, streamline the shopping experience, and contribute to a healthier planet and people.
AAMER SHEIKH, PEPSICO MENA, AND PAKISTAN GM, PRESIDENT: “At PepsiCo, we’re driving positive environmental impact by investing in innovative offerings that engage and encourage people to make sustainable choices throughout the day. With the Aquafina® Water Station and the compostable Sunbites® packaging, we are introducing drinking and snacking that tastes good, and does good. Pepsi Go unattended store is the result of cross-industry cooperation, allowing industry leaders to collaborate in the incubator of Expo 2020 Dubai and deliver innovations that truly elevate the consumer shopping experience. We look forward to debuting these innovations at Expo 2020 Dubai, creating millions of smiles with every sip and every bite.”
Products that taste good and do good
PepsiCo is taking a leading role in championing sustainability within the food and beverage industry, challenging today to change tomorrow. The introduction of the Aquafina® Water Station and industrially compostable Sunbites® packaging help drive PepsiCo and Expo 2020 Dubai’s ambition to deliver the most sustainable World Expo ever.
As part of Aquafina’s® ongoing commitment to reduce single-use plastic, PepsiCo’s global hydration brand will debut the Aquafina® Water Station at Expo 2020 Dubai. The innovative new hydration platform was designed to provide a personalized and great-tasting experience, while encouraging good water stewardship.
The water station allows consumers to customize their drink, choosing between still or sparkling water, with the option of adding a variety of flavors like strawberry, lime, peach and raspberry-lime, as well as controlling the flavor intensity. Further personalization includes adjustable carbonation level and temperature control to ensure every sip meets their personal preferences. Once the user has perfected their order the Aquafina® Water Station’s QR-enabled reusable bottle syncs via a connected system, ensuring a user can get their perfect drink at any other Aquafina® Water Station, seamlessly.
PepsiCo is also bringing compostable packaging for its beloved snack, Sunbites®, exclusively to Expo 2020 Dubai. Industrially compostable and bio-based, the new Sunbites® packaging includes plant-based materials. The packaging also boasts a lower greenhouse gas footprint compared to a traditional snack bag, meaning the entire production line is kinder to the planet. PepsiCo continues its work to develop and deploy packaging materials and new business models for delivering convenient foods and packaging that meet our sustainability goals and is excited to use the platform of Expo 2020 Dubai to showcase its progress and innovative pilots.
Pepsi Go
Revolutionizing the shopping experience
The drive to change the way we snack and drink goes beyond the PepsiCo product portfolio and is channeled into the very future of retail. Using the power of the Expo 2020 Dubai platform to forge strong partnerships with technology and payment entities, PepsiCo has partnered with Mastercard to develop real-world solutions to meet the growing consumer demand for more autonomy and digital shopping experiences. The result of this collaboration is the Pepsi Go unattended store, an AI-powered, unmanned store that will first open its doors at Expo 2020 Dubai.
Pepsi Go will allow visitors to experience the future of unmanned stores and seamless, invisible, check-outs. In partnership with Mastercard, the Pepsi Go experience was designed around shoppers’ needs and brought to life using industry-leading technologies. Customers start their journey by tapping, inserting, or swiping a valid payment card to open the kiosk’s doors. Once inside, the store uses AI and computer recognition technology to track the PepsiCo snacks and beverages shoppers select. To check out, customers simply exit the gates and the Mastercard Payment Gateway Services technology automatically initiates the payment, making checkout queues a thing of the past. The experience is designed to be secure, contactless, and seamless.
Sunbites®
Over the last 18 months, the world has seen the acceleration of digital payments, driven by realities of the pandemic, coupled with a consumer demand for more autonomy and more digital shopping experiences. Pepsi Go not only responds to this demand but it also offers a more efficient and seamless journey.
GAURANG SHAH, SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, PRODUCT MANAGEMENT, DIGITAL PAYMENTS & LABS, MIDDLE EAST AND AFRICA, MASTERCARD: “As the Official Payment Technology Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, we are excited to showcase the future of retail payments at the Pepsi Go store. For over two years, we have been developing this first-of-its-kind checkout experience for the region alongside our strategic partners PepsiCo, and we are thrilled to see it come to life for Expo 2020 Dubai. The gold standard of retail shopping is here, and we welcome visitors to experience this innovation and Start Something Priceless at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
Expo 2020 Dubai and PepsiCo share a vision to make Expo 2020 Dubai the most sustainable World Expo ever, during and beyond the six-month event. Throughout Expo 2020 Dubai, PepsiCo will take a leading role in showing millions of people what sustainable and innovative food and beverage practices look like, challenging today, to change tomorrow.
Expo 2020 Dubai passport will encourage visitors to see as many pavilions as possible during the 182-day event, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Dubai residents and international visitors alike will get a special passport as a souvenir while exploring the 200-plus participating pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The passport will encourage visitors to see as many pavilions as possible during the 182-day event, while allowing them to look back and relive the memories of their experiences after they visit, said a press release issued by Expo 2020 Dubai on Thursday.
Since its introduction at the 1967 World Expo in Montreal, the passport has become one of the most popular Expo souvenirs for visitors who want to keep track of all the different international pavilions they visit, collecting pavilion stamps as a memento.
The Expo 2020 version is inspired by the UAE’s heritage, linking the past with the present. Shaped like an official passport, the 50-page booklet contains designs and pictures of the three Thematic Pavilions (Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion), as well as Al Wasl Plaza – the crown jewel of the Expo site – plus other Dubai landmarks, such as the city’s iconic skyline, and other elements relating to the UAE.
The yellow, customisable passport also comes with its own enhanced security features – a unique number, an area to include a passport-sized photo, personal details and hidden watermarked images on each of its pages, ensuring that no two documents are alike.
With the UAE currently celebrating its Golden Jubilee year, the passport pays homage to the nation’s Founding Father, His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, with a special page stamped in gold foil, and a photograph dating from 1971, when the UAE celebrated the birth of the nation. On 2nd December, visitors to Expo will also receive an exclusive stamp in commemoration of the UAE’s 50th Anniversary.
Priced at AED20, the Expo 2020 Dubai passport is available for purchase from all official Expo 2020 Dubai stores located across the Expo site, the Expo 2020 Dubai store located in Dubai Airports’ Terminal 3 and expo2020dubai.com/onlinestore.
Running from 1st October 2021 to 31st March 2022, Expo 2020 will unite more than 200 participants, including 191 countries, as well as businesses, multilateral organisations and educational institutions. The most diverse World Expo ever will invite millions of visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world during a six-month celebration of human ingenuity, innovation, progress and culture.
Emirates offers discount on airfare
Emirates, the Premier Partner and Official Airline of Expo 2020 Dubai, has launched its latest initiative under a global campaign to promote destination Dubai to people from all walks of life this winter season.
The airline’s Early Bird Expo 2020 Dubai deal, launched this week across its global markets, will enable customers to save up to 20 percent on fares to Dubai when they book their flights early.
Adnan Kazim, Emirates’ Chief Commercial Officer said: “Dubai truly has something for everyone and this winter, as our home city hosts Expo 2020, the excitement and range of attractions for visitors will ratchet up, including various once-in-a-lifetime experiences.”
He added, “As Dubai’s home airline, Emirates is launching a series of initiatives to make it even more compelling for travellers to plan their visit and experience Dubai. Last month, we announced that we’ll give a free Expo Day Pass to every Emirates customer travelling to Dubai during the Expo period, and we introduced an innovative ‘mile a minute’ offer for our Skywards members. Today we are launching an early booking discount on flights to Dubai across all our markets. In the coming weeks, we plan to roll out offers tailored for families, a special Expo edition of our popular ‘My Emirates Pass’ product, a celebratory offer for the UAE’s 50th jubilee anniversary and more, so stay tuned.”
Whether exploring Dubai solo, as a family, or reconnecting with family and friends, there has never been a better time to visit Dubai than this winter season. Emirates’ current special promotions.
Global Village hosts internationally acclaimed Burn The Floor dance production for the first time in MENA region during…reports Asian Lite News
Global Village, the UAE and wider region’s leading multicultural family destination for culture, shopping, and entertainment, has given guests the latest sneak peak of what to expect this coming season with confirmation that internationally-renowned dancing show Burn The Floor is making its way to the park. A jam-packed entertainment calendar is an integral part of the Global Village guest experience. The renowned show will be starring on the Global Village main stage in March 2022 and the talented “Burn The Floor” artists will be appearing for the very first time in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). The show is the ultimate high-voltage theatrical dance experience exploding with jaw-dropping choreography, heart-pounding music and breath-taking moves.
Burn The Floor Show
SHAUN CORNELL, DIRECTOR OF ENTERTAINMENT, GLOBAL VILLAGE: “We are delighted that Burn The Floor is joining our entertainment line-up for the new season. For 20 years, this production has lit up stages around the world. The show has revolutionised ballroom dancing and thrilled audiences in over 130 cities worldwide. At Global Village, we work hard to bring the world’s biggest shows to people who wouldn’t normally have the chance to see them. Burn The Floor’s debut next spring is a fantastic example of this. We are putting the finishing touches on our extensive entertainment calendar and our guests are promised an unforgettable entertainment experience this Season.”
Shaun Cornell – Entertainment Director at Global Village
Since 1997, Burn The Floor has performed in over 30 countries, breathing new life into traditional dances such as the Viennese Waltz and Foxtrot with groundbreaking moves and choreography. The production has headlined Broadway in New York City and the West End in London, embodying the passion of the Tango and Paso Doble and revels in the sheer energy of the Cha Cha, the Samba, Rumba and Jive. The show has also featured several alumni of various international versions of Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. As such, Burn The Floor’s performance at Global Village is already a “must attend” event for guests and all those with a passion for dance.
HARLEY MEDCALF, FOUNDER AND PRODUCER OF BURN THE FLOOR: “We have performed around the world, twenty seven counties to date, and never in the Middle East! So, we are really challenged and excited with this opportunity. It’s always inspiring for us to visit a new part of the world and bring our unique show to a fresh audience so the entire company is counting the days! Dance is an international language, and our shared belief that creativity and entertainment unites people from across the globe makes Global Village the perfect destination for our Middle East debut. We can’t wait to share the joy of dance, bringing our ground breaking production to Dubai next spring.”
Harley Medcalf – Founder and Producer of Burn The Floor
Burn The Floor will perform on Global Village’s iconic main stage in March 2022. Guests can experience this incredible show with their Global Village entry ticket. This is just one more reason to purchase the Global Village VIP packs, which go on sale September 4th. More updates will follow as Global Village gets ready to launch Season 26 on October 26.
The International Humanitarian Summit at Expo 2020
The International Humanitarian Summit will address major humanitarian issues such as racism, gender inequality, intolerance, and persecution, at the Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The International Humanitarian Summit was launched on World Humanitarian Day, 19th of August 2021, to be held on the 30th of March 2022, in its mission to solve ongoing issues around the world including COVID 19 challenges and the persisting issues of racism, gender inequality, intolerance, and persecution.
The International Humanitarian Summit will bring together the international community of intellectuals, governmental institutions, human rights and philanthropic institutions, religious institutions, artists, media professionals, cultural associations and the private sector in order to discuss and shed light on the current concerns that need to be addressed, at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
IHS Logo
Today’s crises are larger, more complex, and go on for years at a time. Providing humanitarian assistance has become much more difficult. The International Humanitarian Summit will voice out and discuss these issues in March next year, in order to lead, coordinate, and put efforts towards assistance overseas responding to humanitarian crises, natural disasters and manmade disasters. The International Humanitarian Summit will play a major role in promoting and assisting international humanitarian organizations that can better people’s lives and save more lives.
The United Arab Emirates is proud to host the International Humanitarian Summit, which will shed light on humanitarian workers who are reaching out to the most vulnerable people to save lives and alleviate suffering. In no other time has the generous, bravery, and sacrifice of aid workers been more evident or necessary. Around the world, humanitarian workers haven’t stopped saving lives despite the recent pandemic.
The Covid-19 pandemic was responsible for one of the largest humanitarian crises since the Second World War. Over the past few months, it has severely affected the humanitarian sector. The aid industry has suffered the most severe impact of all the industries affected by the pandemic. Countries from all over the world came together to provide medical supplies and medical professionals, however, other sectors of the aid industry received little support. Even with the global pandemic, the International Humanitarian Summit will continue to voice out issues and be a platform to inspire the world, serving as a catalyst for international crisis response in both diplomatic engagements and humanitarian assistance.
The United Arab Emirates has made its mark at the forefront of countries in the world in providing services and providing humanitarian aid and helping those in need around the world. And to crown this role comes the announcement of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday announced that the UAE would offer Golden Visas to charity and humanitarian aid workers in recognition of their efforts and sacrifices. The announcement to provide long-term residence visas was made on World Humanitarian Day.
Mr.Dawood Al Shezawi
MR. DAWOOD AL SHEZAWI, SECRETARY-GENERAL, BOARD OF TRUSTESS: “ The UAE policies put humanitarian and development work at the center, which is evident by the establishment of hundreds of humanitarian projects and institutions. Globally, the UAE plays a leading humanitarian role, dedicating resources and efforts to empowering communities and removing barriers to sustainable development.”
Gender Equality and Women Empowerment are topics that will be explored at the International Humanitarian Summit to enable private organizations and governments in promoting an equal world. Sessions will focus on creating an inclusive environment for women and people of determination within the society.
Utilizing the latest digital technology via Events10x, the International Humanitarian Summit will take place in the form of a hybrid event, and will be a powerful dialogue platform that will discuss vital issues in order to achieve a peaceful, healthy and liveable society based on mutual respect and understanding.
The summit is powered by the most anticipated Global Leaders Debate who will discuss the increased fragmentation around the world due to extremism and intolerance, which play a destructive role in achieving global happiness and prosperity. The purpose of this debate is to bring together international leaders to discuss policies to counter these problems and to propose initiatives to further boost human fraternity and tolerance.
The International Humanitarian Summit will feature the Humanitarian Art and Photography Gallery, which allows artists and photographers from around the world to showcase their work while promoting humanitarian values. Through this, visitors will be able to cultivate knowledge, increase awareness and access leading academic archives. Furthermore, the event will also host a digital exhibition where local governments, private institutions and organizations from respective countries will unveil their humanitarian efforts to virtual attendees.
Humanitarian Stories will provide participants with the opportunity to watch encouraging stories about life-changing initiatives from around the world. By doing so, The International Humanitarian Summit will help improve society, as well as highlight individual and institutional efforts in shaping it.
The architecture of Israel’s pavilion is an inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries…reports Asian Lite News
The Israeli pavilion, produced by AVS, a company headed by Malki Shem-Tov, and designed by Knafo Klimor Architects, is 15 meters (M) high and 1,550 square meters (SQM) built up area.
The architecture draws its inspiration from the arid landscapes of Israel and other Middle Eastern countries. The pavilion adopts the shape of sand dunes and shaded Middle Eastern streets. These dunes are framed by seven LED screen gates at 15M high using 630SQM LED panels, creating a significant open space for people to gather, discuss and share ideas. The Israeli pavilion plot area comprises a built indoor area of 765SQM with an additional outer shaded area of 828SQM. The Dune surface area is 986SQM.
360 Degree Room
The dunes sit on a raft foundation, the pavilion has a steel structure prepared in the workshop in Dubai and assembled on-site using dry connections and multiple, approved, cladding materials for the finish. The dune floor is formed using a thin layer of concrete on top of a trapezoidal steel paneled structure to create the dune’s unique geometry, this is then topped with sand-colored, recycled rubber.
David Knafo, Managing Director of Knafo Kilmore architects said: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
The pavilion, spearheaded by the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs uses many unique and smart elements. The LED screen wall can be used by the visitor as a game engagement with people in Israel, as well as have certain control over the live presented content. These LED screens are also the cladding material of the seven gates inner walls. The LED screens will be presenting a variety of images and videos showcasing varied and timely content, such as; reducing world hunger, protecting nature, energy for everyone, water conservation and adaptation for arid countries, health technologies and cyber security. The dune level is also equipped with virtual reality binoculars, allowing visitors to experience the landscape of Israel.
On top of the dune, there is a large, illuminated, feature sign, 15m long and 5m high, using an aluminium structure with a translucent front cover and LED lighting fixtures inside. The sign is formed from letters in “Aravrit”, a font invented by the typographer, Liron Lavi Turkenich. Aravit is a hybrid of two local scripts, combining Hebrew and Arabic characters. Each letter is composed of Arabic on the upper half and Hebrew on the lower half. The meaning of the sign text in both languages is the same, “Towards Tomorrow”.
Seven Gates of the Israel Pavilion
In the main hall inside the pavilion, a 360-degree immersive show on 250SQM of screen, will present the Israeli innovation for a better future. The challenges of our time in medicine and healthcare, in food production and agriculture, in communication and space and in many other critical aspects of human life.
The pavilion creates a microcosm, with a temperate microclimate achieved using shading and sprinklers. The pavilion is designed to be demolished after the expo ends and except for the concrete floor, all the construction material and elements will be recycled.
DAVID KNAFO, MD, KNAFO KILMORE ARCHITECTS: “The Israel pavilion offers an open space, a dune surrounded by seven gates reflecting joy and hope. The dune offers a place where imagination can create a breakthrough for the future of our planet, its ecological diversity and the preservation of human heritage. The present climate and ecological crisis call for urgent mobilisation of global good will, new technologies, inventions and close partnerships, in order to create new horizons for the next generations.”
Elazar Cohen, Commissioner General of the Israel Pavilion said: “Our Pavilion reflects the Israeli spirit, which has made us who we are. We are composed of various peoples and cultures. We may walk different paths but we all share today’s same great challenges. We are looking to connect our minds and solves these challenges together.”
This open space overlooking Expo Park is a place to connect minds and find solutions to today’s human issues. The Israeli pavilion echoes the urgent need to reinvent our future by sharing technology achievements, scientific invention and novel ideas for the benefit of all.
The artefacts include a copy of the Ugarit alphabet, which is the first alphabet known by humanity, as well as a pharaonic coffin recently discovered in Giza…reports Asian Lite News
The Expo 2020 Dubai will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see three key heritage artefacts from the Canaanite and Pharaonic civilisations, and the Renaissance era.
The artefacts include a copy of the Ugarit alphabet, which is the first alphabet known by humanity, as well as a pharaonic coffin recently discovered in Giza, Egypt, and a 3D version of Michelangelo’s sculpture, “David.”
Visitors to the Syrian pavilion can see a copy of the Ugarit alphabet dating back to 1400 BC, as well as explore the stages of development of writing in many areas of Syria and the global impact of the alphabet until the emergence of the Arabic language, which influenced many other languages.
The event’s visitors can also explore the oldest musical piece in the world, and experience an audio-visual interactive experience by playing and singing the piece written in Ugarit nearly 3,500 years ago.
Ugarit was a major Canaanite city built in the Ras Shamra region of Northern Latakia, Syria.
At the Egyptian pavilion, visitors can witness a rare archaeological piece, which is a recently discovered Pharaonic coffin.
The three-story pavilion, situated in the “Opportunities” area, will highlight the profound historic value and cultural wealth of Egypt and will be built in the pharaonic style engraved with hieroglyphs and an image of the famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, while its main entrance will have three angles simulating the pyramids.
The Italian pavilion will showcase a 3D version of Michelangelo’s David.
Michelangelo was a leading figure in art and architecture during the Renaissance era in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. His 6-metre-tall statue, David, is a famous artwork completed in 1504.
Dubai Ruler said all the teams are ready and pavilions are complete for the world’s largest event and the UAE is looking forward to welcoming people from 191 countries, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday visited the Expo 2020 Dubai and reviewed the final preparations being made to host the global event.
The visit comes a month ahead of the official inauguration of Expo 2020 Dubai which was actually scheduled to begin last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Our teams are ready and pavilions are complete for the world’s largest event since the outset of pandemic. The UAE is looking forward to welcoming people from 191 countries,” Sheikh Mohammed said in a tweet.
“We promise people from all over the world an unprecedented Expo. The 6 months of the event will go down in history for the ideas and inventions that will benefit humanity for years to come,” he added.
The global fair is expected to draw 25 million visits during its six-month run starting October 1.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of UAE Armed Forces has said Expo 2020 Dubai builds upon UAE’s longstanding history as a facilitator of cultural dialogue & exchange.
“One month from today, the UAE will proudly host Expo 2020 Dubai, one of the world’s largest cultural events. Delivered under the guidance of my brother Mohammed bin Rashid, the event builds upon our nation’s longstanding history as a facilitator of cultural dialogue & exchange,” he tweeted.
UAE announced the reopening of borders for Indian travellers ahead of the global trade fair. Effective from August 30, 2021, VFS Global has resumed UAE tourist visa services for Indians.
Travellers will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service, which use the QR code system, as well as Rapid PCR test report conducted at the departure airport 6 hours prior to departure, provided with a QR code system.
No GDRFA or ICA approval is required for tourists travelling to the UAE. “The reopening of borders to the UAE is a reassuring move for the travel industry, with the United Arab Emirates being among the most popular destinations for Indians, especially with the Expo 2020 Dubai around the corner. We wish all our customers safe travel,” said Noel Swain, Business Head — Schengen, eVisa and Passport Services, VFS Global.
Meanwhile, India had earlier launched a series of competitions to popularise Expo 2020 Dubai as its preparations gather steam for participation in the event.
“The main purpose of these competitions is to amplify the core message of the Dubai World Expo: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” according to an overview of the contests by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). The representative organisation of Indian business, FICCI is the industry partner for Indian participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.
The India Pavilion intends to identify and felicitate individuals and groups with innovative ideas which merit demonstration at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The contests range from a Digital Services Design Competition and an Ocean Pollution Mitigation Competition to a Future Universities Design Competition and a Global Sustainable Housing Design Competition.
The challenges are collectively themed as “Ideas and Innovations at the India Pavilion”. One contest whose winners are expected to be a big draw at the India Pavilion features success stories of women from India’s villages, concrete examples that have added value to people’s lives.
