Tag: Expo 2020

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India Pavilion’s legacy continues

India Pavilion's legacy continues

The India Pavilion successfully represented India’s vast cultural diversity, sectoral expertise, and the business potential of the participating states, reports Asian Lite News

The India Pavilion successfully signed off from the Expo2020 Dubai as curtains came down on the six-month long mega event on March 31. As one of the largest and most iconic pavilions at the Expo, the India Pavilion recorded more than 1.75 million footfalls since its inauguration on October 1 last year.

The Pavilion will remain for posterity as part of India’s legacy in the UAE. Its building will embody India’s commitment to sustainability and will be environment-friendly. Inaugurated by Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, and Leader of the House in Rajya Sabha,Piyush Goyal, the India Pavilion recorded 1,753,889 visitors till the closure of the Expo on March 31. Goyal also participated in India’s Honour Day Celebrations at Expo2020 Dubai on March 29.

Sunjay Sudhir, Ambassador of India to the UAE said: “We are delighted and proud of the way in which India has been able to showcase itself at Dubai Expo. Various sectors and states that participated during the 6 months have been able to utilise every opportunity to expand and grow. Moreover, our bright young minds and entrepreneurs have also capitalised on the opportunity, and we take pride in the fact that the India Innovation Hub is only getting started. The India Pavilion is one of the few ones that will remain for posterity and will continue telling our nation’s story in the years to come.”

India Pavilion’s legacy continues



“Our ties with the UAE have been further strengthened with India’s hugely successful participation at Dubai Expo. We have seen numerous meetings here in the last six months that have initiated a dialogue for future associations and many of them have already led to successful partnerships,” Sudhir added.

The India Pavilion witnessed over 2000 B2B, G2G, and G2B meetings conducted by delegates from various participating states and sectors, discussing investment opportunities & mutual areas of collaboration. The Pavilion also saw over 100 MoUs/ LoIs getting signed in the last 6 months by different states, sectors, and startups.

The ‘Elevate’ pitching series under the India Innovation Hub project of the India Pavilion also showcased over 700 startups in the last 6 months. The Elevate provided opportunities to Indian startups and helped the budding entrepreneurs with the right mentorship, platform, and networking opportunities to scale their businesses.


The India Pavilion successfully represented India’s vast cultural diversity, sectoral expertise, and the business potential of the participating states. Mirroring the theme of the Expo,’Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”, the India Pavilion showcased the country’s sectoral expertise, key business areas from the states, and innovative ideas from budding entrepreneurs across the country. It was also recently recognised among the top three pavilions at Expo2020 Dubai for its exclusive design and innovation, under the ‘People’s choice’ category by the Exhibitor Group.

The Pavilion hosted many states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Goa, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, northeastern states, and UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, which successfully showcased their business attractiveness along with rich cultural heritage and garnered investment opportunities from leading global investors during their participation.

Key sectors such as Media & Entertainment, Water, Steel, Food, Agriculture and Livelihood, Health & Wellness, Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), New & Renewable Energy, Environment, Space, Urban and Rural Development, Oil & Gas, Textile, Knowledge and Learning, and Tourism also held respective weeks at the India Pavilion to highlight the growth and investment opportunities in these areas.

The Pavilion saw high-profile visitors, including Anurag Singh Thakur, Minister of Information & Broadcasting, Youth Affairs and Sports, N.V. Ramana, Chief Justice of India, Ram Chandra Prasad Singh, Union Minister of Steel, M.K. Stalin, Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu, Om Birla, Lok Sabha Speaker, Pinarayi Vijayan, Chief Minister of Kerala, Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas and Minister for Housing & Urban Affairs, Dr. S Jaishankar, Minister of External Affairs, V. Muraleedharan, Minister of State for External Affairs and Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare, Chemicals and Fertilizers, Bhupendra Patel, Chief Minister of Gujarat, Rajeev Chandrasekhar, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology and Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, B.S. Yediyurappa, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, and India’s Foreign Secretary, Harsh V. Shringla, Dr. K. Sivan, Chairman, Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) & Secretary, Department of Space among others.

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Narayan Rane, Minister of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), R.K. Singh, Union Minister of Power, New & Renewable Energy, Darshana V. Jardosh, Union Minister of State for Textile & Railways, Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State for MSME and Satish Mahana, Minister for Industrial Development, Government of Uttar Pradesh (UP), along with various other dignitaries joined virtually.

The India Pavilion also hosted renowned celebrities including Salman Khan, Ranveer Singh, Ranbir Kapoor, Deepika Padukone, S.S. Rajamouli, Ram Charan, NTR Jr, Janhvi Kapoor, Jaaved Jaaferi, R. Madhavan; singers such as Shaan, Kailash Kher, Salim-Sulaiman, Hariharan, Neha Kakkar, Benny Dayal, Jonita Gandhi; Indian tennis star, Sania Mirza and the famous fashion designer, entrepreneur and filmmaker, Manish Malhotra to name a few.

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-Top News EXPO 2020 UAE News

RTA serves 37 million riders during Expo 2020

The number of usages of Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) services during the period of Expo 2020 Dubai amounted to 37.3 million, which constitutes 67% to the total usage of transport services at Expo…reports Asian Lite News

RTA chief Mattar Al Tayer said the number of riders carried out by public transport modes (Dubai Metro, public buses), taxis and e-hail rides (Careem and Uber) reached 26.3 million. He noted that RTA’s transit means served 37% of Expo visitors, and about 11.038 million motorists used RTA’s parking slots during Expo.

“The integrated infrastructure of road and transportation networks, as well as the master mobility plan developed by RTA in cooperation with strategic partners, was instrumental in facilitating the movement of residents and visitors from Dubai and other emirates to Expo 2020,” said Al Tayer.

Number of Journeys

“From October 1st, 2021 to March 31st, 2022, the Dubai Metro service to Expo 2020 clocked at 8.203 million riders covering more than 5.717 million kilometres. Public buses (Expo Rider) constituted for 15.525 million riders covering more than 7.357 million kilometres. The bus service was run by four types of services: Expo Rider Inter-city had 1.096 million riders, Expo Rider Dubai had 1.414 million riders, Parking Shuttles to the three Gates (Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability) made 10.2 m riders, and People Movers between gates had 2.814 million riders. Taxi and e-hail ride services had 2.584 million riders,” explained Al Tayer.

“RTA managed more than 29 thousand parking slots at the site of Expo at several zones (Opportunity, Mobility, Sustainability, World and Nissan Parking). 11.038 million users used RTA’s parking services. RTA used sophisticated technology to manage parking to ensure a safe and smooth flow of vehicles to and from the parking lots. It included the use of smart messaging signs and the management of parking through a smart system connected to the traffic movement control centre to identify the vacant parking slots at the site. The Call Centre received more than 30 thousand calls, and customers satisfaction rating exceeded 92%,” he added.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 boosts biz growth for Dubai firms

Integrated Infrastructure

RTA has constructed integrated infrastructure to serve Expo 2020 Dubai, costing more than AED 15 billion. High on the list is Route 2020, a 15-kilometre extension of the Dubai Metro connecting seven stations served by newly procured 50 trains.

RTA constructed a wide roads network comprising 138 lane-kilometre and 9 flyovers in addition to deploying more than 200 public buses featuring the highest international specifications. It provided 18 stations and bus stops in Dubai and key cities across the UAE, besides providing more than 15,000 taxis and limousines.

RTA managed more than 29,000 parking spaces at the site of Expo, and employed smart technologies, applications and artificial intelligence to facilitate the movement of Expo visitors via metro, buses and taxis. RTA’s preparations to serve Expo included the construction of the Enterprise Command and Control Centre (EC3), one of the biggest and most sophisticated roads and transport control centres worldwide in terms of employing smart technologies in traffic management.

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo 2020 boosts biz growth for Dubai firms

Expo 2020 boosts biz growth for Dubai firms

Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 98 events during Expo 2020 Dubai, which were attended by more than 25,000 participants from over 130 countries, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Around 76.5% of companies in Dubai registered growth in their businesses during Expo 2020, while 73.5% managed to build new business relations during the world’s greatest show, according to a report commissioned by Dubai Chamber of Commerce.

In terms of services provided by Dubai Chamber during the event, 70.6% of respondents to the survey conducted as part of the report said they benefitted from networking, 47% benefitted from the Global Business Forum series and 47% benefitted from B2B meetings.

Titled, ‘Business Integration for Growth, Digital Transformation and Global Partnerships’ the report was developed by the Chamber in collaboration with Oxford Business Group.

In total, Dubai Chamber of Commerce organised 98 events during Expo 2020 Dubai, which were attended by more than 25,000 participants from over 130 countries. The Global Business Forums on Africa, ASEAN and Latin America saw the most participation, as the high-level forums were joined by government and business leaders, who attended in person and virtually.

The 12th edition of the World Chambers Congress and a series of Thematic Business Forums were also hosted by the Chamber, which were attended by chamber and industry leaders. The events identified global challenges and highlighted innovative solutions to drive sustainable economic growth.

Dubai Chamber of Commerce facilitated 1,500 bilateral business meetings between UAE investors and their global counterparts, and received 1,746 visiting delegations from over 60 countries during the mega event, which were joined by 3,350 government and business leaders.

Seven new economic and professional bodies were licensed by the Dubai Association Centre, which was established in collaboration with the Dubai Chamber of Commerce (one of the three chambers under Dubai Chambers alongside Dubai International Chamber and Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy), the Dubai Economy and Tourism and Dubai World Trade Centre.

The report reveals that revenue per available room (RevPAR) in Dubai in January 2022 increased to AED460 ($125) compared to AED293 ($80) in January 2021, marking an increase of 56.3% and outperforming Milan, the host city for Expo 2015, which recorded RevPAR of 54.5% in 2015.

There were 759 hotels and hotel establishments accounted for in Dubai in January 2022 compared to 711 in January 2021, while guest nights in January were at 3.04 million during the same month this year compared to 2.65 million in January 2021.

Arrivals at Dubai International Airport recorded growth of 12.7% in 2021 compared to 2020, while the UAE’s non-oil foreign trade jumped 27% over 2020 and 11% over 2019, a growth trend largely driven by Expo 2020 Dubai.

Commenting on the report, Hamad Buamim, President & CEO of Dubai Chambers, described Expo 2020 Dubai as a historic milestone for the UAE and Dubai, and noted that the pivotal role that Dubai Chamber of Commerce played in facilitating partnerships between UAE companies and their global counterparts during Expo 2020 Dubai, and expanding Dubai’s rapidly growing maturing business ecosystem.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Dubai clocks nearly 23 million visits

“Our goal is to be the best chamber in the world when it comes to driving competitiveness and growth. At Expo 2020 Dubai, we have been able to put this mission and vision into action. Our efforts in supporting the mega-event have helped to strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a place to do business”.

“Building on our long-term strategy to embrace digital transformation, we adopted a hybrid format for the Expo 2020 events. Doing so has enabled us to expand our reach and engage with public and private stakeholders from around the world,” he said.

Buamim emphasised the role of Expo 2020 Dubai as a stepping-stone Expo 2020 Dubai is a stepping-stone to a resilient future shaped by innovation, international cooperation, and a more competitive and diversified economy supported by SMEs.

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EXPO 2020 Gallery

Thank You Expo 2020

A spellbinding ceremony at the Al Wasl Plaza brings down the curtain on Expo 2020 Dubai.

Mira, the young girl from the opening ceremony, took the world on another compelling journey from the heart of Expo 2020, Al Wasl Plaza.

YO-YO MA’s performance at Expo 2020
Mira, the young girl from opening ceremony
The last family to leave Expo 2020 Dubai
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-Top News EXPO 2020 UAE News

UAE, Jordan to boost investments post-Expo 2020

UAE, Jordan to boost investments post-Expo 2020

The joint UAE-Jordan Business Council has underlined the need to utilise the momentum provided by Expo 2020 in the fields of agricultural and food trade, the pharmaceuticals and furniture industry, and the proliferation of fairs and exhibitions around the world…reports Asian Lite News

This came as the Council members convened their 4th meeting today at the premises of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry here, where they called for intensifying visits by the trade delegations from both countries and increasing the number of conferences and workshops to highlight investment opportunities and incentives available in both countries.

The meeting, which was co-chaired by Hamid Mohamed bin Salem, Secretary-General of the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce & Industry and Dr. Mohamed Al-Atoum, Board Member of the Jordan Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the privileged trade relations between the two nations and the necessity of taking advantage of the business opportunities up for grabs over the coming period.

Earlier this week, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, attended a joint meeting with His Majesty King Abdullah ll ibn Al Hussein of Jordan, Abdel Fattah el-Sisi, President of Egypt, and Dr. Mustafa Al Kadhimi, Prime Minister of Iraq.

ALSO READ: Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai takes baton

The meeting, which was partly attended by HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of Saudi Arabia, addressed ways of enhancing the relations between the participating countries.

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed arrived earlier at King Hussein International Airport in Aqaba, where he was received by His Majesty King Abdullah II and Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II, Crown Prince of Jordan.

During his visit, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan and Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoun Al Nahyan, Advisor for Special Affairs at the Ministry of Presidential Affairs.

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai takes baton

The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai theme is Designing Future Society for our Lives, with the sub themes of Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, Connecting Lives, reports Asian Lite News

As Expo 2020 Dubai came to an end, organisers of Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai revealed they are ready to take on the mantle, with construction well under way, and ideas to emulate certain aspects of the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East.

Four of the team for the next World Expo gave a media briefing; Wakamiya Kenji, Minister for the World Expo 2025, Yoshimura Hirofumi, Governor of Osaka Prefecture, Matsui Ichiro, Mayor of Osaka City, and Ichinoki Manatsu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2020 World Exposition.

Describing Expo 2020 Dubai as “overwhelmingly attractive”, Wakamiya Kenji said, “We will learn a lot from this Expo based upon its legacy. We will do our part, we will relay the baton.”

He expressed particular interest in Expo’s theme weeks, saying they are “a great idea, and we want to capitalise on that kind of insight, and perhaps use a similar strategy to highlight our focuses.”

As part of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet, 10 theme weeks have explored humanity’s most critical challenges and opportunities through a cultural, social, environmental and economic lens.

Ichinoki Manatsu, Deputy Secretary-General of the Japan Association for the 2020 World Exposition, revealed that construction of the site was well underway. He confirmed the artificial island had been filled, the subway was being laid out, and that by April 2023 the land would be ready for the building work to begin, with the aim to be completed by April 2025.

ALSO READ: ‘It’s a new beginning’

The Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai theme is Designing Future Society for our Lives, with the sub themes of Saving Lives, Empowering Lives, Connecting Lives. Yoshimura Hirofumi said: “We want to pursue happiness, and consider what kind of lives are fulfilled lives?”

Matsui Ichiro spoke of the 1970 Expo hosted in Osaka, when the UAE had not yet been formed, but Abu Dhabi had a pavilion. He discussed Osaka’s successes in manufacturing and craft, but described the “hospitable people as the biggest asset.”

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

‘It’s a new beginning’

'It's a new beginning'

Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reports Asian Lite Newsdesk

Expo 2020 Dubai offers the opportunity of “a new beginning” for the UAE and the world, said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

“During the Expo 2020 Dubai journey, we portrayed to the world a different version of ingenuity that touched the hearts and minds of every member of society. Our sons and daughters have proven their ability to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges. And in every moment of this journey, we reflected the values of the UAE – values of affection and hospitality. Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning,” said Sheikh Mohammed in an audio message delivered at the closing ceremony of the mega global event.

“The UAE and Dubai will continue, God willing, to be graceful and strong – and able, to Connect Minds and Create the Future with this exceptional government, and the leadership of my brother Mohamed bin Zayed,” His Highness added.

The ceremony saw the baton for World Expo being handed over to Osaka, Japan, which will host the next Expo in 2025.

Over six months, Expo 2020 Dubai brought together over 190 participating nations, including multilateral organisations and academic institutions, and millions of visitors under the event’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, to exchange new ideas and perspectives, inspire meaningful change and create a brighter future for all. The global event that opened in October 2021 made history as the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the first to be hosted by an Arab nation.

The closing ceremony started with the UAE national anthem, followed by an address by Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, in which he congratulated the UAE leadership on the exceptional success of Expo, which he said “will remain engraved proudly in the memory of history, and the world, as one of our young country’s many achievements.”

Sheikh Nahyan attributed the success of Expo to the remarkable efforts of its leadership team led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as well as to Reem Al Hashimy and her entire team.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 Dubai clocks nearly 23 million visits

He also thanked the thousands of volunteers and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for their relentless efforts in presenting the magnificent event. He also highlighted the various events that took place at Expo 2020 Dubai during the six months of the event, including the celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee. The UAE is looking forward to participating in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai and sharing the unique and rich experiences gained from the organisation of the mega global event in Dubai, Sheikh Nahyan added.

Jai-chul Choi, President of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) thanked the UAE leadership for its support for the success of the event. He also said that this is the first World Expo in which more than 190 countries participated with their own pavilions, which is a collective achievement and a demonstration of solidarity, fraternity and international coordination. “It has been made possible by the UAE’s dedication to hosting a transformational and unifying event, and by the commitment of the BIE, the Organiser and all participants to persevere in the delivery of this wonderful World Expo,” Choi said. “During this tumultuous period, Expo 2020 Dubai has been a beacon to remind us all that, to navigate these challenges, we must join together and work in unison.”

He also said participating countries, visitors and all those who have been part of Expo 2020 Dubai will take away essential lessons for the future based on their experiences at the event. “When the Expo ends and this site evolves into a new urban district, the enduring spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai will persist, adding new energy and ideas to the meaning of what a World Expo is. The impact of Expo 2020 Dubai will undoubtfully be woven into the Expo tapestry, an essential part of our shared global narrative,” Choi added.

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Arab News Dubai EXPO 2020

Brazil: Arab Immigration Day celebrated at Expo Dubai 2020

Arab Immigration Day celebrated at Expo Dubai 2020

The Arab Immigration Day – organized by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and supported by Apex Brazil and the Union of Arab Chambers – was held at Dubai EXPO 2020…reports Asian Lite News

The Arab Immigration Day – organized by the Arab-Brazilian Chamber of Commerce (ABCC) and supported by Apex Brazil and the Union of Arab Chambers – was held at Dubai EXPO 2020 to commemorate the migratory tries uniting the two regions.

Aimed at building a strong partnership between Arabs and Brazilians, the event themed ‘The Legacy of the Arab Immigration in Brazil’ witnessed the presence of H.E. Michel Temer, former President of Brazil; Mr. Fernando Igreja, Ambassador of Brazil to the UAE; Mr. Khaled Hanafi, Secretary-General of the Union of Arab Chambers; Mr. Elias Rodrigues Martins Filho, Commissioner-General of Brazil in Expo 2020 Dubai; and Mr. Tamer Mansour, Secretary-General & CEO of the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce.

The event, which celebrated the National Day of the Arab community in Brazil, was also attended by leaders and businesspersons from the UAE and Gulf region, pavilions from different Arab nations exhibiting at Expo 2020 Dubai, members of the Union of Arab Chambers (UAC), in addition to a delegation from the Austro-Arab Chamber of Commerce (AACC), among other groups. It highlighted the path Arab immigrants, and their descendants took in Brazil – from their arrival to work with commerce, to their significant role in developing medicine, law, politics, and other segments in the country. The event was supported by the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil), UAC, and the League of Arab States.

Tamer Mansour, Secretary-General & CEO of ABCC, said: “Despite their modern upbringing, Brazilians of Arab descent are still very much connected with the traditional Arab way of life and culture. This has had a positive impact on the growing alliance between Brazil and the Arab region. We intend to further strengthen these ties by innovative ways of engagement, including such events.”

“The Arab community currently constitutes of 12 million people in Brazil, which is 6 per cent of the country’s population. “Most of the descendants and Arabs who live in Brazil still preserve the culture of their country of origin through cuisine, language, religion, and music,” Mansour added.

ALSO READ: India celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

After the event, guests enjoyed a cocktail party at the venue. Besides this event in the UAE, the ABCC in partnership with São Paulo Immigration Museum also held activities in Brazil to celebrate the National Day of the Arab Community.

The ABCC reiterated its commitment to foster the exchange of goods between Brazil and Arab markets to further strengthen their trade relations and look for other areas, where the cooperation can be reinforced.

The Chamber continues to maintain a strong presence in the UAE through its office in Dubai, acting as a bridge between the local government, Brazilian authorities and companies to ensure secure food supply in the country during these challenging times.

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-Top News EXPO 2020 India News

India celebrates National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai

India celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai with cultural celebrations and support from a large, cheering crowd for the official ceremony in Al Wasl…reports Asian Lite News

India celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Tuesday with cultural celebrations and support from a large, cheering crowd for the official ceremony in Al Wasl, with one of the country’s top government ministers looking to the future with optimism.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed Piyush Goyal, Minister of Commerce & Industry, Consumer Affairs & Food & Public Distribution and Textiles, Republic of India.

Sheikh Nahayan said, “We are pleased to conclude our National Day ceremonies on a high-note, with the celebration of the National Day of the Republic of India. The Indian Pavilion demonstrates the country’s advanced technological breakthroughs in innovation, space exploration, smart cities and artificial intelligence, while also highlighting India’s leadership across various fields.

“The UAE is proud to share long-standing bilateral ties with India, and we remain keen to further diversify our means of cooperation at the government and private-sector levels across various areas of mutual interest to our countries.”

Goyal spoke of his excitement for the next 25 years, as India prepares itself for a century of independence, “We wish to see every child having a good, bright future ahead of him. We need to see the world’s best quality healthcare, education and opportunities for our boys and girls.

“Last week, we created history. For the first time we were able to export goods worth over US$400 billion (AED1,470 bn) in one year. Our services exports are also growing by leaps and bounds and we hope to cross US$250 billion [AED918.25 bn] in this current year, I believe we are now at the cusp of growth and development in the years to come, an opportunity that businesses and investors from the UAE will not lose. I’m sure with the cost and trust advantage that India offers, this is the time to be in India, this is the time to invest in India. As partners, we can secure each other’s economic future and strengthen our partnership in the post-COVID world.”

The speeches were followed by a performance from Kavita Krishnamurthy, an Indian playback and classical singer who has recorded more than 50,000 songs in dozens of languages. She was supported by backing musicians and dressed in a colourful sari, with her melodious voice giving life to a selection of classical songs.

ALSO READ: Liberia celebrates National Day Expo 2020

She was followed by an impressive set from violinist Dr. L Subramaniam. The musician, who is also a composer and conductor, has worked with everyone from Yehudi Menuhin to George Harrison.

The India Pavilion proudly displays the country’s art, culture, literature, cinema and cuisine from its 36 states and union territories. Visitors to the impressive four-storey pavilion in Al Forsan are treated to a mix of Ayurveda, yoga and information on the country’s space programme and fast-growing economy. They can also enjoy a 360-degree digital recreation of India’s past, present and future, plus try the nation’s cuisine and watch daily cultural shows.

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-Top News Dubai EXPO 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai clocks nearly 23 million visits

Expo 2020 Dubai recorded more than one million visits last Friday, Saturday and Sunday as visitors say their final goodbyes to what has been a spectacular six months…reports Asian Lite News

More well-wishers are expected to flock to the site in the remaining three days to be part of the world fair’s closing action and entertainment – including what promises to be an unforgettable closing ceremony, complete with fireworks, air shows and world-class performers.

The world fair experienced the busiest weekend across its entire six months driving the total number of visits to 22,937,830.

This means the first World Expo in the region has fulfilled its commitment to attract between 22.9 million and 25.4 million visits, a target range set out in the registration dossier that was officially ratified by Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) member states in 2015, and a remarkable achievement in the context of the global Covid-19 pandemic, a statement issued on Tuesday said.

The last day of Expo 2020 Dubai, on Thursday, will be a historic one, welcoming the UAE Air Force’s Fursan Al Emarat aerobatics team, before an unforgettable climax as Expo hands the baton to the next generation, with a youth-focused ceremony that will see global music icons Christina Aguilera, Norah Jones and Yo-Yo Ma perform beneath Al Wasl’s iconic dome.

Also taking the stage will be the Expo 2020 World String Ensemble and talented Italian pianist Eleonora Constantini. Visitors will be able to watch on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Festival Garden and various Country Pavilions.

At the ceremony, Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, will hand the BIE flag to His Excellency Ambassador Jai-chul Choi and His Excellency Dimitri Kerkentzes, respectively President and Secretary General of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), who will present it to representatives of Expo 2025 Osaka.

Celebrations will continue throughout the night, with firework displays at 12.00am and 3.00am GST, before Expo 2020 Dubai closes its entry portals for the final time.

ALSO READ:Dubai Metro to run for 24 hours