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EXPO 2020 introduces Jalsat@Expo

A lively formation of more than 30 performers and celebrated musicians from nations from around the region ensure each show in the series creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for audiences and musicians alike…reports Asian Lite News

Some of the best-known musicians from the Gulf and wider Arab world will come together to showcase the finest Emirati and regional music and culture in new series of shows titled Jalsat @ Expo, at Expo 2020 Dubai, set to kick off in ten days.

Star names who will grace Jalsat @Expo include Saudi singer Aseel Abu Baker, Moroccan artist Asmaa Al-Mnawar, Bahraini singer Mohammed Al Bakri, Bahraini artist Mashael, Yemeni singer-songwriter Fouad Abdelwahad, Saudi singer Dalia Mubarak, Kuwaiti singer Mutref Al Mutref, Kuwaiti singer Alaa Al Hindi, Iraqi artist Majid Al Mohandis and Iraqi singer-songwriter Aseel Hameem.

EXPO 2020 introduces Jalsat@Expo

The six events, held monthly exclusively at Expo 2020 Dubai, take the form of vibrant Khaleeji-led jam sessions, giving visitors to the biggest cultural gathering in the world an exciting introduction to Arabic traditions, the welcoming spirit of the UAE and the essence of Expo’s connecting ethos.

NAHLA ALMHEIRI, DIRECTOR, UAE CONTENT, EXPO 2020 DUBAI: “The heritage of the UAE is rich and deeply-rooted in history. That is why our ancestors intended to preserve it, by telling its story through rhymes, poems, as well as popular performances and folkloric shows, so that it is passed down from one generation to the next over time; and this tradition is common among most GCC countries. Through Jalsat @ Expo, we are giving audiences from around the world a window into distinct features of Khaleeji culture and showcasing some of the region’s Arabic and Khaleeji leading talents.”

A lively formation of more than 30 performers and celebrated musicians from nations from around the region ensure each show in the series creates once-in-a-lifetime experiences for audiences and musicians alike. A total of 18 instrumentalists will focus on instruments including the oud – a type of mandolin popular in the Arab world – saxophone and percussion, accompanied by six back-up singers and six dancers.

ALSO READ: Expo receives ISO certification for sustainability

Kicking off on 12 October 2021, the two-hour shows take place from 2030-2230 on Jubilee Stage once a month for the duration of Expo. Jalsat – which translates to “session” or “sitting” – will operate with enhanced health and safety measures in line with the latest UAE Government guidance.

Expo 2020, which runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022, welcomes visitors to join the making of a new world through a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture, with music providing a unifying, uplifting force.

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Arab News News UAE News

Al Rawabi’s biogas facility is now fully operational

THE project is to help generate 1.3MW of green electricity, reduce the company’s carbon footprint…reports Asian Lite News

Al Rawabi, the leading juice and dairy company in the UAE, announced its large-scale biogas facility is now fully operational. A first of its kind project in the Middle East, the plant will be recycling organic waste from Al Rawabi’s operations into clean energy and is expected to generate 1.3MW of green energy.

The announcement was made to coincide with of Al Rawabi’s participation in WETEX & Dubai Solar Show scheduled on October 5-7 at the Dubai Exhibition Centr in Expo 2020 Dubai. 

H E Abdallah Sultan Al Owais, Chairman, Al Rawabi

HE ABDALLAH SULTAN AT OWAIS, CHAIRMAN, AL RAWABI: “As responsible sustainable company, Al Rawabi now secures a valuable part of its energy consumption from renewable sources by recycling the organic waste into clean fuel. Moving to green energy puts us one step closer to a cleaner, more environmentally friendly operation. Investing in this project is not only great for the planet, but also economical and makes sense from a business perspective.”

According to Al Owais, the biogas facility was developed to fully support the UAE’s sustainability agenda. In replacing conventional and non-renewable sources of energy into cleaner and sustainable alternatives, the company also hopes to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve an 80% reduction in emissions of odorous gases.

The feasibility was done in 2016 in cooperation with a prestigious university from Germany. Extended research was conducted with a UAE-based university a year after, with the biogas laboratory being established as an initial milestone for the project. Construction began in early 2020 by mele® Company from Germany and was completed early this year.

The biogas facility’s sustainable operations will also yield numerous other benefits, such as the production of highly concentrated organic fertilizer of about 10 tons/day and 150 cubic metres of water per day. It will also generate 1.3MW of green heat as well as protect ground water with a 90% reduction in ammonia migration.

Ahmed Eltigani

PROF. AHMED ELTIGANI, CEO, AL RAWABI: “This is a fully sustainable operation that also brings to life the concept of circular economy, which the UAE has been aggressively pushing as part of its vision to achieve a more sustainable future. The facility has so far generated a higher-than-normal return on investment so far, only a few months since it began its trial operations in June.”

ALSO READ: UAE officials discuss solutions to global challenges

Noted for its high-quality juices and dairy products, Al Rawabi has been a strong advocate of supporting not just the UAE’s sustainable initiatives but also of public health agenda. “Our product portfolio is strongly aligned with addressing important health issues such as high incidents of NCD, obesity and diabetes among the consuming public. At Al Rawabi, we take our corporate social responsibility very seriously, and are looking to be an active leader in promoting public health and sustainability programs,” Eltigani added.

Moving forward, Al Rawabi hopes its biogas facility will enable the company to achieve a 30% clean energy consumption vis-à-vis total energy used in its operations.

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The world’s first Net Zero Carbon building

SEE Institute will be the world’s most sustainable building and a hub to promote knowledge in sustainability…reports Asian Lite News

The Sustainable City in Dubai, the first fully sustainable development in the region unveiled its latest achievement: the world’s first Net Zero Carbon building.

The 50,000 sqf future-ready building will be home to SEE Institute, the sustainability research, development, and professional training arm of Diamond Developers. The state-of-the-art building is unveiled at WETEX & Dubai Solar Show, the annual trade exhibition organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) in Expo 2020.

The world’s first Net Zero Carbon building

The building will be offsetting all its embodied carbon emissions from construction & interiors prior to operations, based on a credible offset scheme.

The building will also produce more than 300% of its operational energy requirements through renewable sources including solar panels and a biogas plant handling organic waste from TSC. From this, 100% will cover the operational energy and 150% will offset emissions from commuting employees, water desalination, and consumable products that operate the Institute. The remaining 50% will enable the building to become carbon positive.

ALSO READ: ‘UAE steadfast in its march towards sustainable recovery’

By exporting this surplus of energy to surrounding buildings and facilities, The Sustainable City will be setting a new precedent in transforming buildings from being pollutant, energy consumers into environmentally friendly, energy generators.

FARIS SAEED, CEO, DIAMOND DEVELOPERS:“SEE Institute is the embodiment of our mission to spearhead the global movement towards sustainable knowledge and learning advancement, in line with the aspirations of the Paris Climate Agreement and the urgency of worldwide climate action. It also paves the way for bringing the UN 2050 targets forward and achieving a Net Zero Carbon future today”.

The world’s first Net Zero Carbon building

“The Institute’s purpose is to accelerate climate action through education, R&D, business incubation, events and conferences. Through targeted collaborations with partners, academic and government entities, we aim to inspire others by sharing knowledge and expertise to ensure a better tomorrow for generations to come.”

The new building will be dedicated to the advancement of sustainability knowledge, technology and innovations through research, training, events and incubation of tech startups working on solutions promoting social, environmental and economic sustainability. Completion is expected in the next few months.

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WETEX and Dubai Solar Show kicked off at Expo

The exhibition features more than 1,200 companies from 55 countries, with 61 sponsors and 10 country pavilions, reports Asian Lite News

The 23rd Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment, Exhibition (WETEX) and Dubai Solar Show, was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020 Dubai, on Tuesday.

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is organising the exhibition under the theme ‘At the Forefront of Sustainability’. The exhibition features more than 1,200 companies from 55 countries, with 61 sponsors and 10 country pavilions.

EXPO 2020

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed was received by Matar Humaid Al Tayer, Chairman of DEWA, and Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of DEWA, Founder and Chairman of WETEX and Dubai Solar Show.

The opening was also attended by Mariam bint Mohammed Saeed Hareb Almheiri, Minister of Environment and Climate Change; Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and Public Security in Dubai; Abdulla Al Basti, Secretary-General of Dubai Executive Council ; along with diplomats and officials from the government and private sector.

“The forward-looking vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has made Dubai a pioneering platform for hosting and organising major exhibitions and events. WETEX and Dubai Solar Show have positioned themselves as one of the largest specialised exhibitions worldwide,” said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed.

ALSO READ: UPS and DP World charge e-vehicles using Expo solar power grid

“The exhibition reflects DEWA’s successful efforts to promote the transition towards using clean and renewable energy for major projects in collaboration with the private sector. Organising the exhibition this year at Expo 2020 Dubai underlines the importance of sustainability which is one of the UAE’s top priorities. This aligns with Dubai and the UAE’s efforts to host the most sustainable world expo ever. Sustainability is ingrained in everything we’ve been doing – from buildings and construction to establishing a lasting legacy long after Expo 2020 Dubai is over.”

Al Tayer said: “The exhibition provides an exceptional opportunity for sponsors, exhibitors, and visitors to be part of the first world Expo in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, and one of the first major events in the world since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to the vision of its wise leadership, the UAE was one of the first countries to recover from the pandemic.”

Expo 2020

“WETEX and Dubai Solar Show are important for organisations, and investors in the water, environment, oil, gas, conventional and renewable energy, green development and relevant sectors from the region and the world to showcase their solutions and products, make deals, build partnerships, and promote green technologies. This is especially important after announcing the ‘Projects of the 50’ through which the UAE aims to enhance public-private partnerships and provide promising investment opportunities in the country,” he added.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed, accompanied by Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer and senior officials, toured the exhibition, country pavilions, DEWA’s pavilion, and other exhibitors including Siemens Energy, Acwapower, Enoc, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, the Sustainable City in Dubai, and Ducab, among others.

Sheikh Ahmed was briefed on the latest technologies, innovations, and new products in energy, water desalination, clean energy, environmental sustainability, oil and gas, Fourth Industrial Revolution, digital transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and R&D for clean and renewable energy.

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Expo receives ISO certification for sustainability

The certification is specifically designed for events and aims to optimise sustainability opportunities, and minimise impacts across the environment, communities and the local economy, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Expo 2020 Dubai has hit a major milestone to host one of the most sustainable World Expos in history after receiving official certification from leading international independent assessment body the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) for its site-wide sustainable event management processes.

Attainment of ‘ISO 20121:2012 Event Sustainability Management Systems’ verifies that Expo 2020 Dubai, which is the first-ever World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA), has embedded sustainability – one of the mega-event’s three key subthemes – across its entire lifecycle.

EXPO 2020

The certification is specifically designed for events and aims to optimise sustainability opportunities, and minimise impacts across the environment, communities and the local economy.

Whether it’s the environmental optimisation of its site-wide infrastructure or the sourcing of sustainable products, Expo 2020 Dubai is pushing the boundaries of sustainability at a local, regional and global level – placing sustainability issues, such as water, energy, waste, ecology, materials and carbon, at the centre of its operations and visitor experiences.

World-leading third-party testing, inspection and certification services provider Bureau Veritas completed the audit, the final crucial step in achieving certification.

ALSO READ: ‘Expo inspires world to design better future for humanity’

Dina Storey, Director, Sustainability Operations, Expo 2020 Dubai, said, “Sustainability is an area we see as fundamental to the future of humanity. As such, it is one of our key subthemes, and our commitment to sustainability is reflected in all aspects of our journey to create a meaningful impact that reaches beyond the Expo 2020 Dubai site and beyond the six months of the event.

Expo 2020

“Attaining ISO 20121 certification to host one of the most sustainable World Expos in history is a testament to the hard work, dedication and excellence of our site-wide team. It fulfils the UAE’s commitment, which was made to the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) during the bid phase, and continues to honour the UAE’s visionary leadership in positioning the UAE as a pioneer in the green economy and sustainable development.”

Marcel Hochar, Senior Vice President, Bureau Veritas Middle East Region, said, “We salute Expo 2020 Dubai for attaining ISO 20121 certification. With this certification, the event organisers have made a strong statement about the importance of sustainability in their event management approach. For nearly 200 years, we have supported our clients to ensure that their assets, products, infrastructure and processes meet standards and regulations in terms of quality, health and safety, environmental protection and social responsibility.”

“We are proud to positively contribute to the world we live in and support organisations in their journey toward more sustainable business and a more sustainable world. This collaboration with Expo 2020 Dubai further illustrates how sustainability plays a critical role in every aspect of the mega-event, benefiting its partners, guests and society as a whole.”

This milestone comes soon after numerous infrastructure projects across Expo 2020 Dubai were awarded the highest possible sustainability ratings from civil engineering assessment giant CEEQUAL, including Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of the Expo site, and its 130-metre x 67.5-metre dome – home to the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface.

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Expo honours Sheikh Mohammed’s teacher

Expo 2020 Dubai has announced that as part of its legacy plans, the Innovation Gallery within Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion will be renamed to honour Muhammed Al Saket Al Falasi, the man who taught Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, during the 1950s…reports Asian Lite News

With UNESCO celebrating the work of educators across the globe, as it has every year since 1994 with World Teachers’ Day on 5 October, Expo 2020 Dubai is participating with its own tributes for 2021, honouring those working in the region and the world, with a nod to the contributions of one teacher in particular.

The role of educators is particularly significant at this current time, as it is teachers shaping the minds of future generations, who must continue to view environmental issues and sustainability as a priority.

Mohammed Bin Rashid

For World Teachers’ Day this year, Expo 2020 Dubai has announced that as part of its legacy plans, the Innovation Gallery within Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion will be renamed to honour Muhammed Al Saket Al Falasi, the man who taught Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, during the 1950s, and who undoubtedly was an influence on the way Dubai has developed.

A commemorative plaque will be unveiled in the coming weeks, honouring the former educator and the important work of teachers around the world, with a small ceremony, and in keeping with the education theme, the Innovation Gallery will feature a children’s innovations exhibit, providing a playful, exploratory experience, seeking to broaden minds and break the cycle of consumerism. Terra itself will be transformed into a Science Museum, promoting sustainable choices for all ages following the closing of Expo on 31 March 2022.

ALSO READ: Hamdan tours UAE pavilion

Education has been at the forefront of Expo 2020 Dubai, with the Expo School Programme organising school visits, with easy access for children and teachers. On World Teachers’ Day, these visits will be promoted on social media, with students holding boards with writing in English and Arabic, pledging thanks to their teachers.

Alya Al Ali, Vice President – Expo School Programme, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is a beacon for connecting minds and creating the future, and the celebration of World Teachers’ Day is our way of thanking educators, past and present, from all corners of the globe, for the tremendous work they do in shaping our future.

Expo 2020 Dubai

“We seek to augment the pioneering involvement of inspiring professors such as Mohammed Al Saket, as well as those who came after him, by opening up a wealth of learning opportunities and engaging schools in the journey to Expo 2020 through initiatives aimed at inspiring the next generation to explore, create and learn in a fun and immersive environment.”

Mohammed Al Saket Al Falasi, who is now 86 years old, taught at Al Ahmadiya School, the first semi-formal school in Dubai. Several years ago, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid spoke of his appreciation for his former teacher, who he described as a virtuous person, and his deep respect for others involved in his education.

Ali Muhammad Al Saket Al Falasi, the son of the pioneering teacher, said that seeing his father honoured by Expo in this way filled him with pride. He added: “Honouring teachers feels natural in the UAE, as it has made such great leaps in the education sector in recent decades. This time the honour is particularly special, as it comes from Expo 2020 Dubai –an event we are all so proud to be hosting, and the first of its kind in the region.

“My father has shared many stories about his time teaching H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, that he was an excellent pupil, and that he saw early on the distinctive qualities that would make him a respected leader, and of great importance in the future.”

The Expo School Programme is dedicated to engaging with schools and students of the UAE in the journey to Expo 2020. On Monday, Jameela Al Muhairi, UAE Minister of State for Public Education, welcomed the first group of students to take part in the Expo School Journeys at Expo 2020 Dubai.

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Hamdan tours UAE pavilion

The Crown Prince said the UAE pavilion tells the country’s inspiring success story, reports Asian Lite News

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, visited the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Tuesday.

Sheikh Hamdan was welcomed by Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Commissioner-General of the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Hamdan tours UAE pavilion

During his tour of the pavilion, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed said that the far-reaching vision of the UAE’s leadership has been the driving force behind the country’s successful development journey and its rise as a leading global business and tourism destination.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman, Chief Executive of Emirates Airline, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; and Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, accompanied Sheikh Hamdan on his tour of the UAE pavilion.

ALSO READ: Royals at the Expo

The Crown Prince said the UAE pavilion tells the country’s inspiring success story. “Our incredible story of progress validates our firm belief that modernity and tradition can go hand in hand to create a world-class model of development,” Sheikh Hamdan noted.

Hamdan tours UAE pavilion

He also praised the creative design of the UAE pavilion which draws inspiration from UAE traditions. Shaped like a falcon in flight, the pavilion, extending across 15,000 square metres, houses various themed areas such as ‘Oasis,’ ‘Desert of Dreams,’ ‘Ajyal’ (Arabic for Generations), and ‘Dreamers Achievers’.

Sheikh Hamdan expressed his appreciation for the efforts all those involved in the construction of the largest pavilion of the mega event.

Hamdan tours UAE pavilion

Located in the heart of Al Wasl Plaza, the UAE national pavilion was designed to be a symbol of the UAE’s bold and daring spirit. An immersive experience provided by the pavilion allows visitors to learn about the unique history and future aspirations of the UAE.

Expo 2020 Dubai, which features the participation of 192 countries, opened on 1st October, 2021 and will continue until 31st March, 2022. The world’s biggest in-person event to take place since the start of the pandemic and the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai is set to consolidate Dubai’s emergence as a city where promising ideas that can help create a better global future are incubated.

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Airbus to boost cross-border communication between GCC nations

Airbus is working towards supporting the digital transformation objectives of the GCC…reports Asian Lite News

The Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Airbus signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at the ongoing Expo 2020 Dubai to boost cross-border security coordination and communication between GCC nations, starting with a first “proof of concept” implementation between 2 of the members .

The proof of concept (PoC) agreement, signed at the GCC’s exhibition stand at the Expo, will allow Airbus to test the interconnection of public safety critical networks on, and between the territories of two Gulf nations.

Airbus to boost cross-border communication between GCC nations

The MoU was signed by Maj. Gen. Hazaa bin Mubarak El Hajri, Assistant Secretary of Security Affairs, Secretariat General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, and Selim Bouri, Head of Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific for Secure Land Communications at Airbus.

”We welcome our partnership with the Secretariat General of the GCC and we thank them for their trust in our technology,” said Selim Bouri.

“We will use the Inter-System Interface to connect the two Critical Communication networks and pave the way for better, faster, and more effective collaboration between border security forces from the GCC nations.”

ALSO READ: EU’s first event at EXPO 2020 titled ‘EU Green Deal’

We will leverage the modern features of our Tetra systems to strengthen cross-border communication between Public Safety agencies, which is crucial at a time when we are facing numerous border security challenges.”

“Under our POC agreement, our team of experts will test the key technical and operational aspects of this endeavor while deploying the highest levels of availability, privacy, and security that we provide.”

“Airbus is working towards supporting the digital transformation objectives of the GCC. We are developing a detailed strategy to best address all mission- and business-critical requirements of GCC markets by building secure and seamless communication and collaboration networks. This latest MoU is a testament to this commitment,” Bouri added.

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EU’s first event at EXPO 2020 titled ‘EU Green Deal’

The event also includes debates with industry, representatives of research, innovation and financial institutions on financing innovations for the energy transition and on implementing energy transition projects…reports Asian Lite News

Over 100 international officials, policymakers and innovators recently attended the first European Union event at Expo 2020 Dubai titled, “EU Green Deal: Research & Innovation as a driver towards climate neutrality”.

The event was hosted in partnership with the Sweden Pavilion in the Sustainability District and featured a high-level hybrid workshop, and an EU projects’ networking village showcasing success innovation stories and breakthroughs.

EU’s first event at EXPO 2020 titled ‘EU Green Deal’

ANDREA MATTEO FONTANA, AMBASSADOR, EU COMMISSIONER-GENERAL, EXPO: “The EU is paving a responsible path to becoming the first climate-neutral region in the world by 2050. So, at Expo 2020, we will look at how we can promote green economies, renewable energy, reduce pollution and tackle climate change, thereby ensuring a green economic recovery post-COVID-19.”

The aim of the event, taking place conveniently during Expo’s Climate and Sustainability Week and the EU Climate Diplomacy Weeks currently ongoing, is to highlight the EU’s excellence in research and innovation as a tool towards climate neutrality and sustainability, and the EU’s ambition of cooperating with partners toward the achievement of this global goal.

Mariya Gabriel, the EU Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth, in her message at the event highlighted that research and innovation are at the centre of the EU action against climate change.

“While COVID-19 has presented serious challenges to societies, individuals and businesses. There is today an opportunity to use this disruption as a catalyst for positive change: Building back better, greener and in a more gender-neutral way are key goals,” noted Jan Thesleff, Commissioner-General at the Swedish Committee for the participation at Expo 2020, Co-Chair of the MENA-OECD Women’s Economic Empowerment Forum.

EU’s first event at EXPO 2020 titled ‘EU Green Deal’

Other high-level officials and policymakers addressed the event including Jan Budaj, Minister of Environment of Slovak Republic; Natasa Pilides, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry of Cyprus; Dr. Hannah Neumann, Member of European Parliament chairing the Delegation for Relations with the Arab Peninsula; Dr. Mohamed Al Rashidi, Director of Electricity & Water Department and Acting Director of Energy of GCC General SecretariatL and Gauri Singh, Deputy Director-General of IRENA, among others.

During the workshop, the high-level experts presented the new EU research and innovation programme (Horizon Europe) and discussed ways to promote and finance clean energy innovation, featuring the ambitions activities of Mission Innovation, a key multilateral initiative in the context of the European Green Deal that the EU is presently co-chairing.

The event also included debates with industry, representatives of research, innovation and financial institutions on financing innovations for the energy transition and on implementing energy transition projects.

The networking village featured successful EU projects and breakthroughs that already help deliver the European Green Deal objectives and climate neutrality, including in partnership with Mission Innovation members.

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‘Al Wasl Dome’ a cultural landmark at heart of Expo

The Al Wasl Dome was named after old Dubai and seeks to highlight the expo’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.”…reports Asian Lite News

Cultural landmarks throughout the world have always attracted people’s attention and acquired widespread fame, leading some to invent fictional stories about them. There are also true stories behind the construction of these landmarks, highlighting the ability of people to achieve unique and distinguished works.

Al Wasl Dome Plaza, which is located at the heart of the Expo 2020 Dubai, witnessed the launch of the most important cultural event in the world. The dome, which is shaped like a crown and represents Expo 2020 Dubai’s crown, while having a unique design, also embodies a new Emirati success story in human innovation.

On 1st October, 2021, during the historic inauguration of the Expo 2020 Dubai, the world saw Al Wasl Dome Plaza, which is a new global cultural landmark.

Emirates News Agency has highlighted the balance between architectural perfection and the use of the latest technologies in the construction of this unique cultural landmark.

The Al Wasl Dome was named after old Dubai and seeks to highlight the expo’s theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” Under the dome, people from different cultures and ethnicities are gathering and connecting.

ALSO READ: WJMES kicks off today at Expo Centre Sharjah

Dubai has many iconic landmarks, most notably the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, as well as Burj Al Arab, an international architectural icon, along with the Jumeirah Palm, Dubai Frame, the Museum of the Future and Khor Dubai Tower.

The Al Wasl Dome is a new, captivating cultural landmark at the heart of a city known for its innovation and sustainable ideas, which will be showcased at the Expo 2020 Dubai to thousands of people from around the world.

The countries of the world are gathering under this masterpiece, which was built by the UAE, in cooperation with experts, technicians, and local and international companies from Italy, Mexico, the US, Canada and Finland.

The dome has a diameter of 130 metres and a height is 67.5 meters, while the total length of its iron beams is 13.6 kilometres, equivalent to 16 times the length of the Burj Khalifa.

The dome weighs 350 tonnes, which is equivalent to the weight of an Airbus A380 aircraft used by Emirates Airlines, and its railings are equipped with LED lights.

The arena area is covered by a steel and fabric roof in the form of a dome, whose design was inspired by Expo 2020 Dubai’s slogan, and it also has a giant 360-degree display screen that can be seen from both inside and outside, making the Al Wasl Plaza the beating heart of the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

The weight of the steel used in building the dome is 2,544 tonnes, comprising 1,162 curved steel sections that fuse to form 346 artistic pieces on the main structure of the Al Wasl Dome.

In total, 2,742 LED lamps are used to light the dome, which are linked with over 25,000 metres of electric cables.

Expo 2020

The captivating items inside the dome, from its lighting to a 360-degree display and sound effects, include a major network that runs like veins to supply its various sections with electricity, water and technology.

The dome’s construction and design process aimed to achieve efficiency and practicality and protect the environment, to ensure ease of cleaning and preserve water, which is a key natural resource that must be preserved.

An underground tunnel was also built in the Al Wasl Dome Plaza and its themed areas on its lower level, which includes a road serving the plaza, its sub-themed areas, and the opportunity, mobility and sustainability pavilions. Service rooms and hydraulic lifts were built to expedite services during the expo.

The dome filters sunlight through its cover, which is also used as a giant 360-degree display screen.

The dome has a park surrounded by several multipurpose buildings. The plaza is a public space that rivals the most renowned plazas in the world, being a global destination that will host local and international events and welcome the expo’s guests.