The Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, the high-level taskforce entrusted with steering progress on the largest event ever held in the Arab world, has reviewed final preparations and reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming the world for an exceptional World Expo, during a meeting led by its chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.

 

The meeting was attended by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai; Dr Sultan Ahmad Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology and other senior officials.

 

The Higher Committee discussed the final preparations of the Expo site, as well as the programming that will be on offer to provide a visually striking, intellectually enlightening and emotionally inspiring 182 days for all visitors. 

 

The legacy of the Expo 2020 site was also addressed, with a focus on ensuring that Expo’s plans are fully aligned with the recently unveiled Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, and to contribute to the UAE’s continued development.

 

"In just a few months, Expo 2020 Dubai will open its doors to the world and, soon after, we will mark the UAE’s Golden Jubilee," stated Sheikh Ahmed, who is also the President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group.

 

"This milestone will see us celebrate everything our young yet future-focused nation has achieved, including the extraordinary delivery of the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South East Asia to the highest standards, despite the unprecedented challenges the world has faced this past year," he noted.

 

"Expo 2020 looks forward to welcoming the world to Dubai, and we intend to not only honour the UAE’s incredible accomplishments, but also to enable action toward a better future for both people and planet, delivering further prosperity for our nation for the next 50 years and beyond," he stated. 

 

"Working closely with local and federal UAE Government organisations, our International Participants and Official Partners, plus all categories of the UAE community, we will ensure that Expo 2020 will be an unparalleled experience for all who enter our doors and that its legacy will be a source of pride for the UAE and its people," he added.

 

Al Hashimy said: "We are now mere months away from welcoming the world and launching a platform for collaboration, when it is needed most. Drawing on the UAE’s spirit of hope and optimism, we will work with our partners to deliver real-life solutions to real-life challenges."

 

"Expo 2020 will contribute to the UAE leadership’s strategy, reinforcing the nation’s standing as one that pushes boundaries and achieves things others felt were impossible," she added.

 

During the meeting, Expo 2020 officials also updated the committee on precautionary measures developed and implemented to protect the health, well-being and safety of all visitors. As the positive impact of Covid-19 vaccines being produced and distributed in the UAE and around the world continues to build, Expo 2020’s measures will evolve in line with the latest guidance of the UAE Government and the world’s leading medical, science and health experts. 

 

The Higher Committee further discussed Expo 2020’s plan to provide vaccines to all official representatives of participating countries, ensuring an inclusive, safe and memorable experience.

 

This Expo 2020 brainstorming comes just a month ahead of the final International Participants Meeting (IPM), to be held from May 4 to 5. The IPM will see members of the participating countries review progress and visit their pavilions on the Expo 2020 site.-TradeArabia News Service