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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Mohammed bin Rashid visits pavilions of Singapore and Jordan at Expo 2020

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today visited the pavilions of Singapore and Jordan at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Jordanian Prime Minister Bisher Al Khasawneh during his visit to the Jordan pavilion.

“The UAE welcomes the culture, history and people of Jordan in the UAE. Our fraternal relations with Jordan will continue to develop steadily,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.

The Kingdom’s pavilion sheds extensive light on Jordan’s history, tourism potential and future plans.

“Today, I also visited the pavilion of Singapore at Expo 2020 Dubai. The meeting of the world with us in Dubai over six months at the Expo is amazing. It will reflect positively on the development drive in our country,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted following his visit to the Singapore pavilion which showcases the country’s latest technologies in the field of environmental sustainability.

Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied during the tour by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; and Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai. (WAM)

ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid meets with President of Burundi

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-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

Rajasthan to pitch for big investments at Expo

A high-level delegation from Rajasthan government will be in Dubai to meet the investors during the week and pitch for the investments, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Rajasthan is geared up to offer big-bang investment opportunities to the global investors during the State’s week (November 12-18) at Expo 2020 India Pavilion in Dubai.

The sectors in which the state is looking at major investments include chemicals & petrochemicals, fintech, automobile & electric vehicles, renewable energy, infrastructure, mining, tourism, MSMEs, etc. A number of MoUs are slated to be signed during the course of Rajasthan week at the India Pavilion.

A high-level delegation from Rajasthan government will be in Dubai to meet the investors during the week and pitch for the investments. The programme would also feature diaspora connect programmes and tourism prowess of Rajasthan.

The delegation will include Shanti Kumar Dhariwal, Minister for Urban Development & Housing; Parsadi Lal Meena, Minister for Industry; Arjun Singh Bamaniya, Minister of State for Industry; Ashutosh A T Pednekar, Secretary – Industries, Government of Rajasthan; Rukmani Riar, Executive Director, RIICO; Dhiraj Srivastava, Commissioner – Rajasthan Foundation, etc.

Rajasthan
Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot

The Rajasthan Week will kickstart with the inauguration of the state’s pavilion in the India pavilion on Saturday followed by an inaugural session which will be addressed by the Rajasthan government ministers and other top officials. The delegation will have focussed interactions and G2B meetings with a number of companies in Dubai for attracting investments in the state.

Among the specific projects in which the State is looking for investments, is Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR). HPCL Rajasthan Refinery Limited (HRRL), a subsidiary of HPCL is developing this project, which is one of the largest refineries of the country in Barmer, Rajasthan. Rajasthan State Industrial Development and Investment Corporation (RIICO) is developing PCPIR near the refinery to catalyze the investment for the downstream products of the refinery. With a capacity of 9 MMTPA, the Refinery has the potential to generate Rs 15,000 crore investment.

india_pavilion

The other mega project of Rajasthan is FinTech Park at Jaipur. RIICO is pitching Jaipur as destination par-excellence for corporates and start-ups of the financial and Information Technology world by developing a world-class FinTech Park spread over 100 Acres. The State is also planning to develop a textile park at Jodhpur. Considering the current potential and existing ecosystem of textile and apparel sector in the State, RIICO has proposed to develop a dedicated textile park in the city, which is well connected by road, rail, and air.

Investments would also be in the offer for Khushkera Bhiwadi Neemrana Investment Region (KBNIR) along the Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC), Marwar Industrial Cluster and MEDtech Medical Devices Park. RIICO is developing the Medtech Medical Devices Park at Jodhpur with a proposed area of approximately 230 Acres. The park will have a dedicated common facilitation centre (CFC) equipped with high quality laboratory and research and development facility.

ALSO READ – Goyal eyes $1 tn from services exports

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-Top News Dubai UAE News

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with President of Burundi

The two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to boost bilateral cooperation in the context of the UAE’s keenness to strengthen ties with countries of the African continent…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today met with Burundi President Évariste Ndayishimiye and his accompanying delegation at the country’s pavilion at Expo 2020, in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee.

Mohammed bin Rashid meets with President of Burundi

The UAE Vice President and President Ndayishimiye witnessed the exchange of two MoUs reached between the two countries. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, and Albert Shingiro, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Development Cooperation of Burundi, exchanged an MoU on Economic Cooperation; and Reem Al Hashemy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai exchanged an MoU with Shingiro to establish a joint committee for promoting cooperation.

During the meeting the two sides discussed issues of mutual interest and ways to boost bilateral cooperation in the context of the UAE’s keenness to strengthen ties with countries of the African continent. Greater commercial and investment relationships between the private sectors of the two countries and opportunities for exchange of expertise were discussed. The meeting also touched on global and regional developments and the progress in scientific, economic and cultural fields achieved by African nations.

ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid welcomes Prez of Colombia at Expo 2020 Dubai

The UAE Vice President and President Ndayishimiye were later led on a tour of the Burundi pavilion. His Highness was introduced to Burundi’s greatest marvels, unique cultural traditions as well as its human resources showcased at the pavilion.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Cityscape Global signals resurgence of investment flows

The UAE’s Select Group notched up a first day success selling out more than 25% of its 330 Dubai Peninsula Two, Business Bay apartment inventory on the project’s release day…reports Asian Lite News

International real estate investment flows are resurging following a pandemic induced lull with buyers signing up to properties across the Middle East, Asia, Europe and the UK at Cityscape Global, the leading real estate investment show, which continues at Dubai Exhibition Centre, Expo 2020, until Thursday night (November 11).

Arada Developments received strong interest in the 566 smart apartments it launched in its Aljada mega project

As the show’s 21st edition got into its stride the UAE’s Sobha Realty was celebrating a multi-million-dirham first day sales tally. “We achieved sales transactions of more than AED100 million on the first day as we launched Waves Grande, the second residential tower at the Waterfront District in Sobha Hartland,” commented Ms. Jyotsna Hegde, the company’s President.

The UAE’s Select Group notched up a first day success selling out more than 25% of its 330 Dubai Peninsula Two, Business Bay apartment inventory on the project’s release day.

Cityscape Global signals resurgence of investment flows

“It surpassed all our expectations with a good mix of locals and expatriates buyers,” said Georges El Hachem, Commercial Director of Select Group. “We sold over 80% of Peninsula One within a month of the launch last month, and if the market appetite remains intact, we would be hopeful of reaching similar levels of sales with Peninsula Two.”

Sharjah’s Arada Developments received strong interest in the 566 smart apartments it launched in its Aljada mega project. “Right from the show’s opening we started seeing some good sales, so for us it was an extremely strong start,” said Ed Atwood, Chief Communications Officer, Arada Developments.

As UAE developers processed the interest uptake, Middle East buyers and residents were also planning overseas investments with the UK, the Med and Egypt in the main frame.

Regal London reported a first-day sale of a studio apartment in Watford and ongoing negotiations with Gulf buyers for St. John’s Wood properties. “The solid sale was to an Indian gentleman who is resident in Dubai and bought it for his daughter to live in while she studies in London,” explained Jacob Sullivan, Sales & Marketing Director, Regal London. “There is still interest in the London market from people wanting holiday bolt holes in the UK, for investment or for accommodation for family studying in the capital.”

Regal London reported a first-day sale of a studio apartment in Watford

Montenegro’s Lustica Bay development on its first Cityscape showing was sealing the sale of a waterfront villa in the new Mediterranean destination by Egypt’s Orascom. “The buyer is an Egyptian who is looking for a Mediterranean retreat,” said Volia Dzikovich, Sales Manager. “We are here to build awareness of Montenegro and the opportunities, and we have had a steady flow of interest.”

ALSO READ: UAE sends urgent medical aid to Sierra Leone

Egyptian properties were in high demand as first and second homes, according to Ismail Hafez, Marketing Director of Orascom’s Makadi Heights. “Traffic has been better than we expected,” he commented.

The live and in-person event is being held in adherence with Informa AllSecure, an enhanced health and safety standards that raise the bar on safe, hygienic, productive, and high-quality organised event experiences.

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Dubai UAE News World

Mohammed bin Rashid welcomes Prez of Colombia at Expo 2020 Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the friendly relations between the UAE and the Republic of Colombia…reports Asian Lite News

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, today received Iván Duque Márquez, President of the Republic of Colombia, who is currently visiting the UAE with a high-profile delegation to mark Colombia’s National Day celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Mohammed bin Rashid welcomes Prez of Colombia at Expo 2020 Dubai

During the meeting, which was attended by H.H. Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the two leaders exchanged views on recent regional and global developments including the efforts taken to accelerate global recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting also stressed on the importance of strengthening international cooperation to revitalise vital sectors.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid praised the friendly relations between the UAE and the Republic of Colombia, in light of their mutual views on a number of regional and international issues.

His Highness also highlighted the importance of further boosting bilateral relations for the benefit of the two nations.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his confidence that stronger ties between the two countries will further enhance convergence and cooperation in various fields.

His Highness underscored the opportunities available for Colombia in terms of accessing the region’s markets through utilising the UAE’s established logistics infrastructure and its strong trade and economic ties with other markets.

Mohammed bin Rashid welcomes Prez of Colombia at Expo 2020 Dubai

Furthermore, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed also highlighted the prospects available for the business and investment sectors in the country to access the markets of Colombia and Latin America.

For his part, the Colombian President praised the close ties between the UAE and Colombia, which has witnessed remarkable development over the past years and partnerships in a number of vital sectors, including entrepreneurship and youth development.

President Márquez also congratulated the UAE for hosting Expo 2020 in Dubai, which he described as an ideal opportunity to promote bilateral relations between the two countries As part of the meeting, H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid and President Iván Duque Márquez witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on joint cooperation on government experience and governance.

The MoU, which was exchanged by Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Minister of Cabinet Affairs, and Maria Paula Correa Fernandez, Chief of Cabinet of the Presidency of the Republic of Colombia, reflects the UAE’s keenness to share its pioneering experience in the development of government work.

ALSO READ: Mohammed bin Rashid receives President of DRC at Expo 2020

The meeting was also attended by H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council; H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum; in addition to a number of ministers and high-ranking officials.

The official delegation accompanying the Colombian President includes the Minister of Trade, Tourism and Industry, the Minister of Health, the Minister of Environment and a group of businessmen.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Hamdan receives Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg at Expo 2020

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praised the fast-paced development of Luxembourg as a key global financial and industrial destination…reports Asian Lite News

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, today met with HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg, who is visiting Dubai as part of Luxembourg’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.

The meeting, held at the country’s Pavilion in the presence of H.H. Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, explored ways of strengthening bilateral relations between Luxembourg and the UAE, with a focus on future development and means of expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, technology and culture. The meeting also discussed ways of enhancing partnership between the private sectors of both countries in areas of investment and trade.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed praised the fast-paced development of Luxembourg as a key global financial and industrial destination.

He also expressed the hope that the country’s participation in Expo 2020 in Dubai will facilitate further cooperation between the two countries in areas of mutual interest.

Hamdan receives Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg at Expo 2020

HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg expressed his admiration of the UAE’s comprehensive development drive, which represents an inspiring model of sustainable development.

He also praised the ambitious vision of the UAE for the future, noting Luxembourg and the UAE’s strong ties in the fields of financial services, logistics, space, health and fintech.

H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed and HRH Crown Prince Guillaume of Luxembourg toured the Luxembourg Pavilion being held under the theme ‘Resourceful Luxembourg’.

The design of the Pavilion is based on the idea of ​​the Möbius ribbon, an infinite form, like the circular economy, but also a symbol of openness and dynamism.

ALSO READ: Hamdan visits pavilions of Spain, Hungary, S Korea

Being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 Dubai houses the pavilions of 192 countries participating in the event as well as those of diverse organisations from across the world.

The mega global show runs for 182 days until 31st March, 2022.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Peter Sagan won inaugural Giro d’ltalia Criterium Dubai at Expo 2020

Peter Sagan today won the inaugural Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai, triumphing in a two-up sprint against 2021 Giro champion Egan Bernal…reports Asian Lite News

In the first ever sporting event to take place at a World Expo, Peter Sagan today won the inaugural Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai, triumphing in a two-up sprint against 2021 Giro champion Egan Bernal.

Peter Sagan won inaugural Giro d’ltalia Criterium Dubai at Expo 2020

The duo went clear with just over a kilometre to go on the final lap of the 63km event, powering away from their breakaway companions Marc Hirschi (UAE-Team Emirates) and Geoffrey Bouchard (AG2R Citroën).

The Giro d’Italia Criterium Dubai consisted of a 30-lap exhibition race held on a 2.1-kilometre circuit, the course forming the shape of the Giro d’Italia’s ‘Amore Infinito’ symbol used to inspire the trophy of the Italian Grand Tour.

Peter Sagan won inaugural Giro d’ltalia Criterium Dubai at Expo 2020

Speaking after his victory, Sagan told reporters: “I’m very happy that I could be here, and this is a special race for all of us from the Giro d’Italia. I think we had the best riders from this year’s Giro. This short criterium is a special thing.

ALSO READ: Dubai Art Expo will bring together more than 500 artists

“It’s nice for the fans. This criterium is special because this is the Expo in Dubai and all the world is here. I’m very happy with this win, a victory is much better than not. I just appreciated that I could be here. I have to say thanks to my teammates because they controlled the race for me and did a really good job.” (WAM)

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-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

India Pavilion Crosses 2 Lakh Footfalls

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai has hosted over 2,00,000 visitors as of November 3 with various sector and state-specific sessions to discuss India’s growth roadmap, reports Asian Lite News

The India Pavilion, inaugurated by Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, on October 1, has successfully completed its first month at the Expo 2020, Dubai.

According to an official release of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, the India Pavilion has hosted over 2,00,000 visitors as of November 3 with various sector and state-specific sessions to discuss India’s growth roadmap.

“It also secured investment opportunities for the country and celebrated several cultural events to attract visitors,” the release said.

India Pavilion

Commenting on the success of India Pavilion, Dr Aman Puri, Consul General of India in Dubai and Deputy Commissioner General for India at Expo 2020 Dubai said, “The October month was a huge success for the India Pavilion. We saw a strong visitor turnout and expect this momentum to continue in the coming months”.

“While the India Pavilion will showcase more business opportunities for collaboration and investment, the popularity of India’s festivals, food, and cultural performances, have been crucial aspects in attracting visitors from across the globe”, he added.

The Pavilion started with the Climate and Biodiversity Week from October 3 to October 9.

Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy conducted various sessions that highlighted India’s renewable energy goals and climate action plan to the world.

These weeks were followed by Space and Urban and Rural Development weeks, where discussions around the future of the sectors, the issues and challenges in the sectors, the role of the government regulations, and incentives were discussed.

Besides sector-specific weeks, the India Pavilion also hosted specific weeks for Gujarat, Karnataka, and UT of Ladakh. The state of Gujarat organized events at the India Pavilion where Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister, Gujarat virtually showcased the state’s vibrant Pharma sector along with its plan for sustainable development.

Similarly, the Karnataka Week also witnessed the presence of Murugesh Nirani, Minister, Large and Medium Scale Industries, Government of Karnataka along with Dr CN Ashwath Narayan, Minister for Higher Education; IT and BT, Science and Technology; Skill Development, Entrepreneurship and Livelihood, Government of Karnataka.

“Additionally, a series of events showcasing opportunities in Ladakh across focus sectors like sustainable infrastructure, connectivity, food processing, and tourism were discussed during the Ladakh Week at India Pavilion,” the release said.

The Ministry informed that the Karnataka week saw an announcement on partnership between the government of Karnataka and Gulf Islamic Investments (GII) to strengthen the investment ties between India and UAE.

HE Reem Al Hashimi, MoS and MD for Expo 2020 Dubai, Pawan Kapoor, Ambassador to the UAE and CGI Dr. Aman Puri, during the lamp-lighting ceremony at Dubai Millenium Amphitheater for the Diwali celebration.

“GII’s investment approach in India is sector-agnostic and the firm plans to invest another USD 500m (Rs 3,500 crores) in India in the next 3 years and was one of the key achievements for the state of Karnataka,” the Ministry said.

The Climate and Biodiversity week saw virtual participation from dignitaries such as RK Singh, Minister of Power, New and Renewable Energy, Government of India, Bhagwanth Khuba, Minister of State, New and Renewable Energy, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Government of India and Indu Shekhar Chaturvedi, Secretary, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India.

The Space sector sessions were addressed by Dr K Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and Secretary Department of Space and Dr Pawan Goenka, Chairman, Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) and Umamaheshwaran R, Scientific Secretary, ISRO.

The Urban and Rural Development week that started from October 31was attended by senior officials of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Government of India including, Kunal Kumar, Joint Secretary and Mission Director (Smart Cities Mission); Jaideep, OSD (Urban Transport) and Dinesh Kapila, Economic Advisor (Housing).

“The month of October at the India Pavilion also witnessed an array of cultural activities during Dusshera and Navratri celebrations. These included folk dances, storytelling and music for countless visitors and dignitaries. The ongoing Diwali celebrations at India Pavilion comprise of colourful installations, lighting in the form of Swarangoli or LED rangoli, virtual display of firecrackers and performances by leading artists such as Salim-Sulaiman, Dhruv and Rooh bands from India and Dubai,” the release said.

“The enthusiasm of visitors resulted in India Pavilion being one of the most visited Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. The activities and events during October were witnessed by hundreds of visitors with zeal and enthusiasm,” it added. (ANI)

ALSO READ – Glittering Diwali at India Pavilion

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo Celebrates Festival of Lights

Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai will mesmerise viewers with special Diwali-inspired projections inside its large 360-degree projection surface on 4th November, the Diwali night…reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

India Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai marked Diwali, the festival of lights, lights with all the gaiety and festive fervour over four days.

From Bollywood music composer duo Salim-Sulaiman’s musical night with popular playback singer Vipul Mehta to performances by famous bands, dance schools and students, an array of entertainment enthralled Expo visitors.

Expo Celebrates Festival of Lights

On November 4, the main day of Diwali, a special performance that incorporates martial arts and dances by artists in colourful costumes inspired by the festival processions and the Diwali Mela will be held from 9.05pm.

From November 4 to November 6, a special show at the Indian Pavillion at the Expo 2020 Dubai will be broadcast, which will include multiple 12-minute performances.

Expo 2020 Dubai is also offering a colourful bouquet of more than a dozen events for visitors in the run up to and on Diwali.

Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai will mesmerise viewers with special Diwali-inspired projections inside its large 360-degree projection surface on 4th November, the Diwali night. Parallel performances by several bands and musical troupes at the Jubilee Stage and the Millennium Amphitheatre are designed to make the occasion memorable.

Several of the events were available for global viewing through Expo 2020 Dubai platforms and will be picked up by television and digital media worldwide through the courtesy of Expo Media Services. Diwali, India’s biggest festival, is celebrated nationwide and among the Indian diaspora in the Gulf and elsewhere.

The celebrations kicked off two nights prior, on 2nd November, at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Millennium Amphitheatre with a performance by “Rooh”, a Dubai-based band. Rooh fuses music across three languages – Arabic, English and Hindi. The band has won numerous awards, including the Best Asian Band by Masala Awards.

There were also live events and performances at multiple venues to mark Dhanteras, considered auspicious in Indian communities, when they decorate and illuminate their houses in colourful lights. Indian cuisine is a highlight of Dhantera observances, which symbolise love, happiness and creation of wealth. Such events will continue on the eve of Diwali.

The Diwali celebrations will conclude at the Millennium Amphitheatre on the night of 5th November.

ALSO READ: Expo set to celebrate glittering Diwali

Meanwhile, the India Pavilion is welcoming the visitors with a grand entrance arch designed with floral patterns. On both sides of the arch the Pavilion has larger-than-life diyas (oil lamps traditionally made of clay) with a backdrop inspired by Mandala art. Diyas symbolically destroy darkness and ignorance and usher in hope and knowledge.

Along the walls of the pavilion, a large lotus tree with hanging Akash kandils (light lanterns) will illuminate the surroundings. The lotus tree with rangoli patterns will be a beautiful photo-opportunity for visitors.

The pavilion said it will also have a delightful hamper of larger-than-life firecrackers, including the familiar chakris, ladis and ‘rockets’. Visitors could pose in front of these giant crackers and click pictures.

The events organised by India Pavilion will also be held at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre (DMA) at the Expo 2020 Dubai until November 5.

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Dubai EXPO 2020 UAE News

Citi signs on as official sponsor of the USA Pavilion

Citi joins the USA Pavilion in celebrating “Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future.”…reports Asian Lite News

Citi announced today that it has signed on as an official sponsor of the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, occurring from October 1 until March 31, 2022. The Citi Rocket Stage at the pavilion will be a platform for American innovation, technology, and progress.

Citi x USA Pavillion Logo

Citi will launch the Rocket Garden Stage at the USA Pavilion, a showcase of its longstanding mission to enable growth and progress in the world. The stage will support American performers as they dazzle global audiences at the largest cultural gathering of the year.

Located next to the iconic SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket replica, the third largest structure at Expo 2020, the Citi Rocket Garden Stage will amplify a common vision of progress, mobility, and sustainability. “Enabling progress has been Citi’s mission for over two centuries. As a global bank, connecting millions of people across hundreds of countries and cities, we are thrilled to be part of Expo 2020 Dubai with the USA Pavilion and contribute to shaping the future and building a better world,” said Elissar Farah Antonios, CEO of Citi UAE and MENA Cluster Head. “Citi’s partnership with the USA Pavilion is an opportunity to highlight innovative and forward-thinking American companies that are driving the future at the world’s largest gathering in Dubai.”

ROBERT CLARK, USA PAVILION COMMISSIONER GENERAL: “The partnership between the USA Pavilion and its partners, including Citi, demonstrates the support of American businesses for the USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The USA Pavilion provides an opportunity for businesses to showcase brands, products, and services, while creating opportunities for expansion into new markets. We are grateful for Citi’s generous support in helping to make the USA Pavilion’s Citi Rocket Garden Stage possible.  The USA Pavilion will host many American cultural acts on this stage.”

Citi has had a unique presence in the UAE market since 1964 and continues to present significant opportunities for clients in corporate finance, trade finance, investment banking and wealth management across various client segments (Local Corporates, Public Sector including Sovereign Wealth Funds, Multinationals, Financial Institutions, High Net Worth and Affluent Clients). 

ALSO READ: ‘Expo provides global platform to share insights, perspectives’

Equally, the UAE serves as a regional hub for Citi’s EMEA Emerging Markets cluster and as one of the four Citi Wealth Management Centers in the World. Citi’s global ambitions across the wealth space were underlined earlier this year, with set out plans to triple assets under management to $15 billion in the UAE only.

Citi signs on as official sponsor of the USA Pavilion

“We are the Official Financial Institution Partner of the USA Pavilion. With our digital platforms, research capabilities and talent pool, we remain a top provider of integrated banking services in the country.  We’re looking forward to sharing our vision and showcasing our enhanced brand visibility at Expo 2020 Dubai to millions of expected visitors,” said Dinesh Sharma, Citi Middle East Head of Consumer Banking.

At Expo 2020 Dubai, the United States of America celebrates “Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of the Future.”  This powerful theme reflects America’s commitment to promoting prosperity, opportunity, and innovation globally and domestically.

In 2021, Citi made a major announcement of $1 trillion to sustainable finance by 2030, extending its current environmental finance target from $250 billion by 2025 to $500 billion by 2030. Additionally, Citi laid out last March a bold commitment to accelerate its net zero emissions by 2050.