Greetings from the President of the United Arab Emirates to the delegations of 192 participating countries. Mohammed bin Rashid and Mohammed bin Zayed witness the opening of "Expo 2020 Dubai," marking the launch of its historic session.
Mohammed bin Rashid:
- "The international moment being created by the UAE includes national teams from all sectors, proud to be part of this global civilizational project."
- "Today, the UAE launches a new station in the future journey that will accelerate more than ever, where all aspirations are achievable through strong will and wise management."
- "The UAE proves to the world that it is a nation capable of facing challenges and emerging from crises by creating opportunities and instilling hope."
- "The launch of Expo 2020 Dubai is a strong boost for global recovery in the post-Covid-19 era, a phase that requires uniting efforts, visions, potentials, and goals."
- "This global event aims to discover new horizons of cooperation and build bridges of trust among peoples, enhancing joint efforts to build a better future for humanity."
- "We promised that this Expo session would be exceptional and a turning point in its history… today we witness the fulfillment of that promise. The world is on our land, offering us its best, and we offer it our best."
- "In the coming months, the UAE will provide the most beautiful global human, cultural, civilizational, and economic experience. Today, all eyes are on the UAE, and the future will be more beautiful and better, God willing."
Mohammed bin Zayed:
- "The UAE, under the leadership of Khalifa bin Zayed, opens its arms and heart to the world on its land… a meeting place for civilizations and cultures throughout history and a homeland of tolerance and coexistence since ancient times."
- "Behind Expo 2020 Dubai stands an exceptional statesman with a clear vision for the present and future, a steadfast will that rises above challenges, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum."
- "Hosting this great event confirms the global trust in the UAE and its pioneering developmental experience, reflecting values and policies that promote good, development, cooperation, and peace."
- "We welcome the participating countries and wish them success in enhancing their economic, technological, and commercial partnerships… exploring further developmental opportunities in the future for the benefit of the world's peoples."
- "A significant step forward in the world’s pursuit to recover from the impacts of the Corona pandemic… a global platform for dialogue and joint work to find effective solutions to global challenges."
- "We thank the national cadres and various nationalities that participated in organizing the exhibition; they are a source of pride for us all."
- "The success of Expo is a national responsibility, and we invite the children of the UAE, residents, and all institutions in the country to participate and cooperate so that the event showcases the image that every Emirati, Arab, and lover of the UAE wishes for."
Dubai, September 30 / WAM / His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai, and his brother His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, welcomed all participants in Expo 2020 Dubai, the first to be held in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. They conveyed the greetings of His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, and his wishes for success to the representatives of 192 countries and delegations from organizations and international institutions participating, who were keen to come to Dubai to start a cultural and creative dialogue extending over six months to shape the future of the world by offering solutions, innovations, and ideas that assist in fulfilling the aspirations of its peoples and finding more efficient mechanisms to activate joint work towards a better tomorrow for all.
This came during their attendance at the opening ceremony of this major global event, which took place in Al Wasl Plaza, the heart of Expo, linking its three themes: "Sustainability," "Mobility," and "Opportunity." The ceremony was attended 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, Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler in the Al Dhafra region, Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, representative of the ruler in Al Ain, Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Council of Abu Dhabi, and numerous officials and diplomats.
A Historic Moment
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum stated that the UAE is witnessing an exceptional historic moment with the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is the most important event globally, gathering 192 countries with their cultures, experiences, and histories. He noted that "this international moment created by the UAE involves national teams from all sectors, proud to be part of this global civilizational project."
He pointed out that "the UAE opens today a new station in the journey of the future that will accelerate more than ever, where every aspiration is achievable through strong will and wise management," confirming that "the UAE proves to the world that it is a state capable of challenges and that it is more able to emerge from crises by creating opportunities and instilling hope, presenting a global developmental model for the future."
He further stated, "Expo 2020 Dubai is a celebration of the finest achievements of nations and their innovations, providing a space for gathering minds, ideas, experiences, and human interactions… while this global event aids in discovering new horizons for cooperation and building bridges of trust among peoples, promoting joint efforts to build a better future for humanity, marked by peace, stability, and prosperity for all."
His Highness emphasized that the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai is a powerful boost for global recovery in the post-Covid-19 era, in a phase that requires uniting efforts, visions, potentials, and objectives for the benefit of humanity.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum praised the tremendous efforts made by the national teams that worked to transform Expo 2020 Dubai into an exceptional experience added to the record of UAE achievements.
He declared, "We announced that the UAE is not just a country but the world in a nation… we promised that this Expo session would be exceptional and a turning point in Expo's history. Today we witness the fulfillment of that promise. The world is here on our land, offering us its best, and we offer it our best," assuring that "the UAE will offer during the coming months the most beautiful global human, cultural, civilizational, and economic experience… and all eyes are on the UAE today; the future will be more beautiful and better, God willing."
The UAE Opens Its Heart to the World
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, stated that the UAE, under the leadership of Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed, opens its arms and heart to the world on its land, historically a meeting place for civilizations and cultures, a point of convergence between East and West, and a homeland of tolerance and coexistence.
He noted during the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai, "Hosting this major international event for the first time in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, confirms global trust in the UAE and its pioneering developmental experience, reflecting values and policies calling for goodness, development, cooperation, and peace."
His Highness added, "Expo 2020 Dubai is backed by an exceptional statesman with a clear vision for the present and future, a steadfast will that rises above challenges, my brother Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who has tirelessly led distinguished national teams to present this event in a manner that honors the UAE and its people and reflects its image on the international stage."
He welcomed the participating countries in the exhibition, wishing them success in enhancing their economic, technological, and commercial partnerships, benefiting from the fruitful dialogues the exhibition will witness for the sake of development and prosperity, while exploring further developmental opportunities for the benefit of the world's peoples.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan pointed out that "Expo 2020 Dubai" represents a significant step forward in the world’s pursuit to recover from the impacts of the Covid pandemic, launching towards new economic and developmental horizons, and providing a global platform for dialogue, exchanging visions and experiences, and joint work to find effective solutions to global challenges, particularly those arising from the pandemic, climate changes, and others.
He expressed his gratitude to the national teams and various nationalities that participated in organizing the exhibition, emphasizing that they are a source of pride for all of us.
His Highness asserted that Expo 2020 Dubai is an unprecedented national event and therefore its success is a national responsibility, urging the UAE's citizens and residents and all state agencies to participate and cooperate to ensure the exhibition reflects the image that every Emirati and Arab desires, along with every lover of the UAE who believes in its experience and what it represents of meanings, values, and symbols.
A Message of Peace and Harmony
His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, delivered a speech reaffirming that the UAE’s journey over the past fifty years represents a story written by its leaders and citizens, showcasing the values that formed the foundation of their aspirations and belief in their ability to achieve better for themselves and others.
He recalled the UAE's first participation in the global Expo platform in Osaka, Japan, in 1970, where the people of the UAE presented their culture to the world within a pavilion designed in the shape of Al Jahili Fort in Al Ain, just before a year and a half of the federation of the United Arab Emirates.
He stated that investing in building human capital is the main focal point in the UAE's journey, in line with the vision of its wise leadership, alongside enhancing infrastructure, diversifying the economy, and creating opportunities for the prosperity of all. The UAE is preparing in its golden jubilee year to share with the world the lessons learned, most importantly that through the communication of minds, we can achieve accomplishments previously deemed impossible.
He noted, "This was the same vision that drove us to present our bid for hosting the international expo in 2011 and was the reason for us choosing the slogan 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.'"
His Excellency explained, "Today, 192 countries are gathering, each represented by its pavilion, an unprecedented occurrence in the 170-year history of international expos. Our mere presence here amid the challenges facing the world is evidence of our commitment and desire to make the world a better place for all."
He added, "Hosting Expo 2020 carries a powerful message, signifying that tolerance is our approach, and we welcome cooperation and collaboration with all nations... By connecting our minds, we plant the seeds of progress over the next fifty and even one hundred years; this is the vision we must carry in our minds because every reality throughout history began with a vision."
His Excellency concluded his speech by emphasizing the UAE's eagerness to enhance opportunities for acquaintance, dialogue, and joint work among all people of the world, welcoming all participants to embark together from the UAE to the world, stating: "Our nation's message is an invitation to tolerance, coexistence, peace, and spreading reasons for goodness, growth, and happiness towards a bright future for all."
An Amazing Story
Dimitri Kerkentzes, Secretary-General of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which organizes global Expos, expressed his deep appreciation for the UAE, its leadership, and its people, congratulating them on the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai at a crucial time as the world prepares to transition into a new era of work and accomplishment. He expressed happiness to be part of this historic moment in the amazing story of Dubai and the UAE, which is celebrating its golden jubilee this year.
The Secretary-General of the BIE emphasized gratitude to the UAE and its wise leadership for possessing the vision and perseverance to host this global exhibition, stressing that the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has been the driving force behind making this important project a vibrant and inclusive experience by all measures.
Dimitri Kerkentzes stated that Expo Dubai represents a highly significant opportunity for millions around the world to reconnect with the globe and participate in finding ways to overcome the challenges they share, showcasing innovative and developed solutions to the problems facing our world today.
He underscored the importance of Expo 2020 Dubai, highlighting that it arrives at a time of significant challenge that has shaken communities around the world, while the event—held under the slogan "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future"—will provide a unique opportunity to help shape a better world, where peoples transcend their differences to unite through diversity in finding effective solutions to overcome this phase, creating a world that is more resilient, compassionate, and collaborative, reducing the gap between the rich and poor, and finding collaborative strategies for environmental, social, and economic sustainability, and enhancing equal opportunities for all.
He added, "World expos are joint endeavors that transcend borders, beliefs, generations, and ideologies, forming a shared vision of peace and human progress. Expo 2020 Dubai will be a landmark and a pivotal turning point in creating new partnerships and establishing meaningful and deep connections to make our world better."
The Official Opening
His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, signaled the start of "Expo 2020 Dubai," stating: "In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful… today the entire world gathers on the land of the United Arab Emirates… today we witness together a new launch… we initiate with Allah's blessing Expo 2020 Dubai, and Allah is our supporter."
A Legendary Celebration
The world experienced a legendary celebration in the heart of Al Wasl Plaza, featuring an unprecedented audiovisual show as part of a series of dazzling performances on the world's largest 360-degree immersive screen, celebrating the values of peace, love, coexistence, and cooperation that the grand event calls for and harmonizing with the UAE's constant message to the world aimed at spreading peace and love among the diverse peoples of the earth.
The opening ceremony, the first event held in Al Wasl Plaza, placed the audience at the heart of the event with the start of the performance on the revolving stage, which utilized the latest theatrical sound, visual technologies, and effects.
The ceremony reflected the Expo 2020 Dubai slogan "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," taking the audience on a mesmerizing journey showcasing the three central themes of the world's largest event: opportunities, mobility, and sustainability, emphasizing the UAE's deep-rooted values and the vision and goals of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcoming the participation of 192 countries on the soil of the UAE.
The opening of such a significant event in the region's history expressed a unique blend of the UAE's authenticity, pride in its rich history, modern characteristics inspired by its ancient civilization deeply rooted in history, openness to the world, and welcoming all dreamers seeking success and distinction. The creative performances included 910 performers from the UAE and 64 countries from around the world.
The ceremony began with the UAE national anthem, coinciding with the raising of the UAE flag, with the Emirati artist Rashid Al-Naimi performing the national anthem. Fireworks colored the sky above Al Wasl Plaza resembling the UAE flag, while the memory of the late founder of the federation, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, may God rest his soul, was honored through his poem "Hayy Al Shihama" performed by Emirati artist Hussein Al Jasmi, paying tribute to those who dedicated their lives to serving the nation.
Following this, there was a stunning theatrical performance creatively narrated through a young Emirati girl, telling the story behind the design of the Expo 2020 Dubai logo, inspired by an ancient gold artifact discovered in the historic site of "Sarooq Al Hadid," dated approximately 3,000 years old, found by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum during one of his excursions in the Dubai desert when he noticed that the sand dunes in that site formed a shape different from the rest of the dunes in the region—a discovery symbolizing a rich and ancient history and a future based on unity, communication, and strength.
The UAE sent an important message to the world through the opening ceremony, which adhered to all precautionary measures, indicating that this major global gathering—the largest since the onset of the Covid-19 crisis since early 2020—demonstrates the beginning of the world entering the post-pandemic phase and the peoples' will to turn a new page in the human achievements record, fueled by creative minds and innovative energies determined to overcome challenges, turning them into opportunities for serving humanity and fulfilling what it seeks for prosperity and stability. The future journey of making the future will launch from the UAE.
Expo 2020 Dubai will take place from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. It is the first international expo to be organized in the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia, showcasing the best in music, architecture, technology, and culture from around the world throughout its duration. It will offer global audiences the opportunity to enjoy celebrations, culture, and arts while gathering the brightest minds worldwide through the "Human and Planet Earth" program, allowing visitors of all ages and interests to enjoy and maximize the benefits of this exceptional event.
