The India Pavilion features an innovative kinetic facade made up of 600 individual colourful blocks…reports Asian Lite News
The India Pavilion features an innovative kinetic facade made up of 600 individual colourful blocks. It is developed as a mosaic of rotating panels that will depict different themes as they rotate on their axis.
Minister Piyush Goyal visits the India Pavilion after inauguration
It represents the theme of ‘India on the move’ and is a unique amalgam of the rich heritage and technological advances of the nation.
A large number of Indian conglomerates and global companies are also participating. India’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai primarily focuses on presenting unlimited opportunities for the global community to participate in the country’s growth story, and benefit from it.
Piyush Goyal with Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade
Piyush Goyal during after a roundtable meeting with the leading importers and businessmen based in UAE
Minister Piyush Goyal visits the India Pavilion after inauguration
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…reports Asian Lite News
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.”
Expo 2020
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.
EXPO 2020
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.
‘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…reports Asia Lite News
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.
France Pavilion launches Notre-Dame AR experience
‘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.
Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday welcomed visitors from across the world to the largest global gathering that will feature architectural marvels and a long list of technological innovations showcasing the ingenuity of more than 190 countries.
France Pavilion launches Notre-Dame AR experience
The first World Expo in the Middle East is now underway, with the gates having opened to the public. Visitors started arriving this morning at the expo site for the first of 182 days of educational discoveries, cultural encounters and immersive experiences under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
Thursday night saw the grand opening ceremony of the world’s greatest show in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, with 192 participating nations, each with their dedicated pavilion.
The Opening Ceremony drew inspiration from the Expo 2020 Dubai theme, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. It invited the audience on an exciting journey, embracing the sub-themes of the global event – Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability – to highlight deep-rooted Emirati values and the vision and goals of Expo 2020 Dubai. It served as the perfect welcome for the 192 countries participating in this extraordinary mega-event.
The Workers’ Monument, designed by renowned London-based architect Asif Khan, features every worker’s name carved into stone structures…reports Asian Lite News
Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai, has unveiled the Expo 2020 Workers’ Monument and paid tribute to the workforce responsible for building the first World Expo held in the Arab world.
She unveiled the striking and emotive structure, which is an expression of the incredible achievement and spirit of more than 200,000 workers from around the world.
Expo 2020
Praising the contribution, dedication and achievement of Expo’s workforce, Reem Al Hashemy said: “We wanted to honour the incredible work of more than 200,000 workers and their contribution to Expo 2020 Dubai. Each and every one deserves to be known, with our sincere thanks and praise, for their tremendous efforts.
“Their dedication to their work has been integral to creating this historic event, the most inclusive World Expo ever. Thanks to your efforts, the planet is able to come together, at a time when international cooperation is most needed, with the collective aim of achieving a better future for us and for future generations.”
The Workers’ Monument, designed by renowned London-based architect Asif Khan, features every worker’s name carved into stone structures. Inspired by the Moon’s metamorphosis in eclipse, the cylindrical columns also reference the traditional science of cartography and the fine engineering seen in astrolabes from the Islamic world.
The colonnade, comprising columns cut from a single monolithic block, is located along the main walkway of Expo’s Jubilee Park, and will be visited by millions from across the world. It reflects a spirit of collaboration that is deeply rooted in the UAE and underpins the vision and ethos of Expo 2020 – the first global event of this size and scale to be held since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since ground was first broken on the vast Expo site in 2015, the 200,000-plus workforce drawn from across the globe has completed in excess of 240 million working hours, transforming what was once a huge expanse of desert into the incredible home of Expo 2020, a world-class city of the future and a beacon of the Dubai Urban Master Plan 2040.
Expo 2020 has also developed the Workers’ Portrait Series, which includes stunning images capturing the diversity and spirit of the Expo workforce, accompanied by their own inspiring quotes, highlighting their achievements and aspirations for the future. These images will be proudly displayed during Expo 2020 on the digital screens around the Public Realm, where they will be seen by visitors from around the world. A selection will also be exhibited at the Expo Media Centre Gallery during Expo 2020.
The Series follows a 2017 audio-visual exhibition that showcased workers’ stories of Expo 2020, told in their own languages.
Throughout construction, Expo 2020 has followed an overarching strategy called Better Together, a positive, values-driven approach to health and safety and worker welfare. Six pillars underpin the strategy – Leadership, Communication, Competency, Engagement, Reward and Recognition, and Continual Improvement – each including a number of different activities and programmes.
Training is a key part of the Better Together Competency pillar, and a range of health and safety training courses have been offered to the Expo workforce at all levels of seniority, in a variety of languages and formats. To date, training has been delivered to more than 35,000 frontline workers, 3,000 supervisors, and 2,000 senior leaders and managers, all of whom will be able to take the knowledge they have gained on to subsequent roles.
EXPO
With ‘technology for good’ a key concept at Expo 2020, the Continual Improvement pillar of Better Together included the ambitious Expo Worker Wellness Programme. As part of the pilot programme, Whoop wearable devices were distributed to workers with the aim of enhancing preventative healthcare, leading the global conversation on how technology could be used to create a safer working environment on construction sites around the world.
Expo 2020’s Better Together programme has evolved with the changing global realities. As the world battled the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo who worked quickly to implement a far-reaching programme of precautionary measures across the entire site. In addition, the Worker Welfare team liaised closely with contractors to support the implementation of widespread vaccination programmes across their workforce.
The Better Together strategy continues to evolve as Expo 2020 transitions from a construction site into event time mode. Designed to encourage a shift in behaviour, and set new benchmarks for worker welfare and health and safety, the Better Together programme is set to continue to shape industries around the region, long after Expo closes its doors on 31 March 2022.
Sheikh Mohammed visited the pavilions of the UAE, USA, China and Kazakhstan on day one of the six-month mega global event…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, toured the venue of Expo 2020, on the first day after the grand opening on Thursday evening.
He visited the pavilions of the UAE, USA, China and Kazakhstan on day one of the six-month mega global event.
Sheikh Mohammed Tours Expo Venue on Day 1
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.
Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied tour by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and other ministers.
The Prime Minister 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.
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.
Sheikh Mohammed Tours Expo Venue on Day 1
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.
Speaking on the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed 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.”
He 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.
Sheikh Mohammed Tours Expo Venue on Day 1
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.
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.
Terming Expo 2020 Dubai a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Expo will go a long way in further building India’s “deep and historical relationship” with UAE and Dubai, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk
India’s Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal inaugurated the Indian Pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 on Friday.
The inaugural began with the sounds of the Conch (Shankh) by Nathu Lal Solanki family on the steps of the India Pavilion heralding an auspicious beginning.
‘India’s Pavilion Strategically Located at Expo
Coinciding with India’s celebrations of Amrit Mahotsav, 75 years of Independence, Dubai Expo 2020 is a significant platform for India to showcase its vibrant culture and tremendous growth opportunities for the next six months.
At a time when the whole world is coming together to recover from the pandemic and bring growth back on track, a resurgent India is ready to take on the responsibility of being the frontrunner in this revival process, Goyal said.
“The reforms unleashed in the last seven years by the government under the guidance of Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, and especially during the Corona period, are set to boost the country’s manufacturing and exports potential and make India a global economic hub, besides strengthening its capabilities in the technology space,” Goyal said.
“India is already a leading player in the global markets in IT, Pharma and space technology, and with the development of research and innovation capabilities, the country’s prowess in these areas would help reap the benefits of new-age technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotics.”
“From here, productivity will play a big role in achieving a sustained high growth phase, that India has already embarked upon, leaving behind the impact of Corona — GDP growth in the first quarter of FY22 at a record 20.1% against the contraction of 24.4% in the same quarter of FY21 is not only signalling a strong revival but also the potential for economic rebound in a big way, and grow at a rapid pace.”
“We have a huge advantage in our young populace, and with the help of the New Education Policy (NEP), and its focus on skill development, the productivity levels in the country are set to rise substantially to support the growth objectives,” Goyal said.
The minister congratulated the UAE leadership for being able to deliver this massive enterprise, EXPO 2020, despite the difficult times.
“We are on the way to reaching and surpassing USD 400 billion exports per year target and a GDP growth that will take us to becoming a USD 5 trillion economy, and beyond. The next 25 years are set to symbolise India’s golden growth phase,” Shri Goyal said, and invited the global community to be part of this resurgent ‘New India’ journey.
“The India Pavilion will showcase a modern, robust India — high on technology, while simultaneously exhibiting the beauty of Indian art, culture and cuisine during the 183 days that the event will run,” he said.
Expo 2020 Dubai
‘Deep and historical ties’
Terming Expo 2020 Dubai a historic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the Expo will go a long way in further building India’s “deep and historical relationship” with UAE and Dubai.
In a message to the India Pavilion at the Expo, he said it is also testimony to the resilience of mankind against the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a historic Expo. It is first once to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region. India is participating with one of the largest pavilions in this Expo. I am sure the Expo will go a long in further building our deep and historical relationship with UAE and Dubai,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the main theme of Expo 2020 is ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’
“The spirit of this theme is also seen in India’s efforts as we move ahead to create a New India. I would also like to congratulate the Government of UAE for organising Expo 2020 in a splendid way. This Expo is also testimony to the resilience of mankind against the once in a century pandemic,” he said.
The Prime Minister said that the theme of India’s pavilion is ‘Openness, Opportunity and Growth’.
“Today’s India is one of the most open countries in the world. Open to learning, open to perspectives open to innovation open to investment. That is why I invite you to come and invest in our nation. Today, India is a land of opportunities. Be it in the field of arts or commerce, industry or academia There is opportunity to discover, opportunity to partner, opportunity to progress,” he said.
“Come to India and explore these opportunities. India also offers you maximum growth. Growth in scale, growth in ambition, growth in results. Come to India and be a part of our growth story,” he added.
Lulu Exchange will be the first exchange house in the UAE to enable debit cards on its payments app LuLu Money…reports Asian Lite News
Mastercard has entered a strategic partnership with Lulu Exchange to enable UAE consumers to carry out simple, speedy, and secure remittances through the Lulu Money mobile app.
Transactions made using Mastercard debit cards will bear no additional ‘merchant transaction fees’, making Lulu Exchange the first exchange house in the UAE to enable such a facility for digital payments. Through this partnership, Mastercard and Lulu Exchange are set out to deploy digital payment solutions and technologies to enable inclusive and sustainable economic growth through the digital economy.
UAE flag
Powered by Mastercard’s Cross-Border Services, Lulu Exchange can seamlessly process digital payments leveraging its global network through a single connection. Furthermore, these cross-border payments can reach almost anywhere in the world with certainty and predictability, and without backend charges. Mastercard’s remittance platform plays a key role in improving worldwide connectivity, by providing new and enhanced innovation across the global digital ecosystem.
“As a multi-rail company, we are delighted to apply our expertise, technology and innovative solutions to transform the way people connect. Partnerships with major financial service providers like Lulu Exchange are an important way for Mastercard to provide consumers with an enhanced payment experience and ensure that the digital economy works for everyone. This collaboration will serve to simplify the lives of consumers, ensuring their transactions are safe while delivering to them the speed and convenience that digital payments offer,” said Gaurang Shah, Senior Vice President, Head of Products, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard.
NARAYAN PRADHAN, VICE PRESIDENT, GCC AND INDIA, LULU FINANCIAL GROUP: “Lulu Exchange remains committed to bridging the gap between our consumers and technology to make the cross-border payments experience hassle-free. Through our partnership with Mastercard, we are making available a familiar payment option on our payment’s app, LuLu Money, that will fit the needs of a wide spectrum of consumers. We are confident that this partnership will be an impetus for our existing and new consumers to transition to digital payments, and more importantly, choose LuLu Money as a viable and secure option.”
As markets around the world continue their recovery since the onset of the pandemic, remittances are playing a key role in supporting the economic rebound. According to a recent study from Oxford Business Group, the World Bank upgraded its forecast for remittances for 2021, with a predicted increase of 2.6% for the Middle East and North Africa region. In 2020, the UAE ranked the second largest sources for remittances globally.
Mastercard’s multi-rail strategy allows it to reach every customer, merchant, and government player, seamlessly connecting stakeholders across the digital payments ecosystem and delivering choice to banks, businesses, and consumers. All Lulu Exchange remittance transaction processed through MPGS will be remitted via Transfast (a company acquired by Mastercard).
October will witness eleven women figures, including ministers, international officials and first ladies, reports Asian Lite News
Expo 2020 Dubai will host a number of influential women from across the globe who specialise in various sectors as part of the ‘Visions and Journeys’ initiative. The sessions will be take place at the Women’s Pavilion and are part of Expo 2020’s commitment to highlight women and gender balance related topics.
Louise Mushikiwabo
The sessions will be held throughout the period of Expo 2020. October will witness eleven women figures, including ministers, international officials and first ladies. Speakers will include: Louise Mushikiwabo, Secretary-General of the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie; Natasa Pilide, Minister of Energy, Commerce and Industry; Ndeye Saly Diop Dieng, Minister of Women, Family and Gender of Senegal; Simonetta Di Pippo, Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs; Erika Mouynes, Minister of Foreign Affairs in Panama; Dr. Ferencz Orsolya, Ministerial Commissioner for Space Research in Hungary; Ms. Fazna Ahmed, First Lady of the Maldives; and Marie-Celine Zialo, Minister for Youth, Sports & Family in Seychelles.
Ndeye Saly Diop Dieng
Shamsa Saleh, Secretary-General of the UAE Gender Balance Council, said: “The ‘Visions and Journeys’ sessions serve as an important platform for knowledge exchange between female figures and visitors during Expo 2020 as well as aligning with the broader themes and goals of the global event. The speakers will share their inspiring experiences in the hope that this will provide learning opportunities for aspiring women. Across the years , women have inspired societies around the world with their capabilities , therefore, every effort should be made to empower women and provide them with the right ingredients for success.”
Erika Mouynes
She affirmed the commitment of H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of the UAE Gender Balance Council, and President of Dubai Women Establishment, to gender balance issues in cooperation with the international community as well as promoting equal participation of men and women across development paths in line with achieving the United Nation’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals.
She added: “Through this partnership, Expo 2020 Dubai and the UAE Gender Balance Council will seek to enhance awareness around this topic , as well as shed light on the UAE’s success in supporting women and their achievements across sectors over the past 50 years.”
Simonetta Di Pippo
Hind Alowais, Vice President of Participant Management at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “We are delighted to partner with the UAE Gender Balance Council and we thank H.H. Sheikha Manal bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum for her commitment and continuous support in promoting gender balance in the UAE. This support is fundamental to achieving the goal of a fair balance between men and women across all fields.”
Fazna Ahmed
Alowais added: “Our partnership with the UAE Gender Balance Council will enrich the Women’s Pavilion, which is organised by Expo 2020 in partnership with Cartier. The ‘Visions and Journeys’ initiative consists of numerous common values and strategic goals between the Women’s Pavilion and the Council, and given the initiative’s success in attracting influential women to share their insights and experiences with visitors from all across the world, we hope it will inspire many girls and women to follow this path.”
The event, which will be launched via social media channels, aims to promote the hosting of Expo and encourage the public to use public transport means in commuting from and to the site of Expo…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), in collaboration with Canon Middle East (CME) are launching a photography contest marking the opening of Expo 2020. The event, which will be launched via social media channels, aims to promote the hosting of Expo and encourage the public to use public transport means in commuting from and to the site of Expo.
Several social media influencers are involved in the contest. Through their social media accounts, they will announce each phase of the contest. To make participation easier for the public, the contest has been divided into three phases.
Win Expo passes and cameras in a new photography contest
Phase I will mark Public Transport Day and will be launched in October to encourage participants to make public transport their first mobility choice in travelling from their locations to the site of Expo. The journey covers a ride on Route 2020 of Dubai Metro, and Expo Riders.
Phase II of the contest will be launched in November. Participants will be required to shoot the city landmarks and eye-catching localities they come across while travelling to the site of Expo. This phase is focused on constructed road networks, flyovers, and service roads.
Phase III will be launched in January and marks the final stage of the photography contest. It focuses on the tourist attractions open for visitors, where tourists can make cultural tours, and savour visiting squares and world-class malls.
Detailing the three phases of the contest, Rowdah Al Mehrizi, Director of Marketing and Corporate Communication, Corporate Administrative Support Services Sector, RTA, said: “The initial phase of the contest will mark the Public Transport Day, which is celebrated on November 1st. It avails all individuals a chance to share their pictorial experience of commuting through Route 2020 stations to the site of Expo. Those stations are characterised by innovative engineering designs, high-class services to travellers, such as WiFi internet and shopping outlets, free parking spaces, and pedestrian crossings.
Expo 2020 Dubai
“The contest is based on filming a video clip or taking pictures during the journey to Expo site using Route 2020, and sharing the video clip or photos through the hashtags #EnRouteExpo2020. Participants can also broadcast the content submitted through @canonme and @rta_dubai accounts. Among the key conditions of the contest, the photo has to be genuine and captured by a portable camera without using a selfie stick, or photographic flashlights, to respect the privacy of passengers and abide by the rules of transportation. In regards to the prizes, winners will be presented with cameras and passes to enter the Expo,” added Al Mehrizi.
Commenting on the announcement, Mai Youssef – Corporate Communications and Marketing Services Director – Canon Middle East, Turkey and Canon Central and North Africa, said: “As an official provider of Expo 2020 Dubai and the first company ever to be the single provider of printing and imaging solutions for a World Expo. Canon will use its heritage and expertise in imagery and technology to help create a safe, secure, digitally connected environment, while also providing exhibitor and visitor access to convenient printing and digital photo services throughout exhibition sites.
”We are excited to announce this competition in collaboration with the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority, which will serve as a platform for content creators to capture their experiences through various routes from their location to Expo, and around the city using Canon’s products and solutions and RTA’s network of transportation. Combining Canon’s cutting-edge technology and RTA’s advanced mobility, with the skills and passion of the participants, this competition serves as an opportunity to share brilliant stories from Dubai to the world through the expressive power of imaging” she added.
The powerful theme celebrates the people, ideas, and American contributions that have changed and improved lives in the United States and around the world…writes Binal Abdulkader
The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will share “the American spirit of freedom” that inspires people to create and innovate, according to a top US official.
“America was built on freedom, which has attracted generations of people to create and to innovate. This spirit endures and thrives today, and we look forward to sharing our story with Expo visitors,” said Robert Clark, Commissioner General of the US Pavilion.
Robert Clark, Commissioner General of the US Pavilion
In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Thursday, he added, “The USA Pavilion will safely welcome millions in-person and online as we tell the story of ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future.’ This powerful theme celebrates the people, ideas, and American contributions that have changed and improved lives in the United States and around the world.”
Own success story of American values
Clark revealed that his own life was an example of realising those values. “Throughout my life in the United States, I have witnessed these values in action. Over 35 years ago, I started a construction company with a team of two – myself and one employee. Through dedication to customer service, positive outcomes, and community engagement, we grew from two to 3,000 employees, constructing some of America’s most remarkable buildings,” he said.
“I am convinced that my country’s embrace of liberty and individuality paved the path for me and many others to determine our own futures,” the Commissioner General stressed.
He was quite impressed by Dubai’s ambience after landing in the city during the weekend.
Dubai’s safe and vibrant ambience
“This past weekend, my wife Jane and I arrived in Dubai, the city we will call home for the next six months. I have been struck by the safe and vibrant atmosphere, a welcome feeling as the city prepares to host the largest global event to take place during the pandemic. Expo 2020 Dubai will bring visitors from near and far, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”
Having seen the Expo grounds, he is in awe of what the government of the United Arab Emirates has accomplished. “They have transformed the sands of the desert into a thriving World’s Fair site, complete with spaces for 192 nations to connect and to shape our collective future. I commend the leaders of the UAE, who have implemented a robust precautionary program to ensure the safety of all visitors. We will work hand in hand with our Emirati partners to ensure we maintain the highest safety standards at the USA Pavilion.”
Talking about the unique features of the US pavilion, Clark pointed out Thomas Jefferson’s copy of the Quran, which will leave the United States for the first time from its home at the Library of Congress in Washington D.C.
A Martian meteorite; an actual piece of the Moon; and a one-to-one replica of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket are the other unique attractions, he added.
About his priorities as the Commissioner General, he said, “I will devote myself to creating opportunities for others – particularly for American companies which are eager to engage with new markets through the Expo platform.
“As a crossroads in the region, Dubai is especially well-placed to bring together companies and customers to create new opportunities for growth. At the USA Pavilion, we will welcome business delegations from American cities and states, as they explore partnerships for investment and development with global counterparts.”
Expo 2020 Dubai
Youth ambassadors represent US diversity
Clark believes that the youth ambassadors at the pavilion will act as America’s cultural ambassadors.
“While I was in Washington, D.C., I was pleased to meet with our USA Pavilion Youth Ambassadors during their orientation. These 75 young Americans are the ‘Faces of America’ serving as greeters and guides. Youth Ambassadors will create an authentic and engaging experience for Pavilion visitors from all over the world.”
He added, “They represent the diversity, culture, and values of America and hail from 47 states, territories and districts of the United States. Their excitement and enthusiasm for Expo is energising, and it will be evident to visitors. I am also excited by our cultural programme, from song and dance to food and sports, over 250 American artists will engage with Expo visitors.”
The Commissioner General emphasised that, “The Expo is more than a moment in time – it is a call to action and a promise of what we can create when the world comes together. I am proud to represent the United States and to lead the USA Pavilion as we champion, “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future” at Expo 2020 Dubai.”
