Expo 2020: UAE story

It was a glittering line up of stars who helped welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai with a memorable opening ceremony watched by millions across the globe. The magnificent Al Wasl Plaza seated 3000 dignitaries across the globe.

His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai delivered the opening remarks about the story of Dubai to the world at Expo 2020. “I am honoured to be with you here today, as we start a new chapter of a story that began almost 50 years ago. A story whose heroes are the leaders and children of this nation. A story of values that have shaped their spirits, ambitions and confidence in their ability to achieve what is best for themselves and others. Allow me to take you back in time to the year 1970 in the city of Osaka, Japan. There our people introduced themselves and our culture for the very first time at a World Expo, in a pavilion inspired by Al Ain’s Al Jahili Fort. That happened a year and a half before the establishment of the United Arab Emirates. What began with utmost faith and cooperation between our foundering leaders – Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum (may they rest in peace) became the vision that now holds the flag of our nation up high.

Seven emirates came together to form one union, joined by an unshakable truth known by heart we are stronger together. We are now Emiratis who belong to one country. We have always strived to create a better life with our leader’s vision in mind. We have focused on investing in human development, expanding our infrastructure, diversifying our economy and creating opportunities for everyone to prosper and grow. Today, in the year of our Golden Jubilee, we share with the world the lessons we have learnt, most importantly that by connecting minds we are able to achieve milestones others thought were impossible. It was this same vision that motivated us back in 2011 to bid to host the World Expo and to choose “Connecting minds, creating the future as its theme.” Today, 192 nations come together, each represented by its own pavilion; a first in the 170 year history of World Expos. Our mere presence here, amid all the challenges the world is facing is proof of our keen commitment and desire to make the world a better place for all. By hosting Expo 2020 Dubai, we aim to convey a message of tolerance and that we are willing to collaborate with all of the world.

By connecting minds, we hope to sow the seeds of progress for the next 50 or even 100 years. This is the vision we must keep in our minds, for every reality throughout history started with a vision. Today, we say to the world welcome to the United Arab Emirates and welcome to Expo 2020 Dubai, which will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Welcome to Expo 2020 Dubai! Together, we will convey from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary, a message of tolerance, coexistence and peace; a message of progress, prosperity and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future
for everyone.”