HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and Minister of Defence, HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, stand for the national anthem during the opening ceremony of EXPO Dubai 2020. ( Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs )
DUBAI 1 October 2021: Delegations from across the world were welcomed to World Expo 2020 Dubai at the event’s spectacular opening ceremony by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Participants from 192 countries have converged on Dubai for the mega global event, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region.
Their Highnesses conveyed the greetings and good wishes of President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan to participants in the six-month event that celebrates human innovation, enterprise and achievement, said official news agency Wam.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said the opening of Expo 2020 is a historic moment for the UAE that is the culmination of the collaborative efforts of national teams who have worked with dedication, passion and pride to deliver an exceptional event. Bringing together people from 192 nations representing a vast diversity of cultures and experiences, expo’s opening is a moment of pride for the entire nation.
“Today, the UAE starts another chapter in its journey to the future with a new sense of purpose. It is a journey full of exciting possibilities where new dreams and ambitions can be realised. The UAE has shown the world that it always embraces challenges, and that it is capable of emerging stronger from crises by creating new opportunities for growth and development,” His Highness said.
“Expo 2020 Dubai showcases the best of human accomplishment and excellence. Connecting minds across the world, the event brings countries, cultures and institutions together to share ground breaking ideas and build bridges of understanding. It offers a platform to forge a united worldwide effort to build a more sustainable and prosperous future for all of mankind,” Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid noted.
He said Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a strong impetus to the world’s post-pandemic recovery. “It will generate fresh insights on how we can combine our capabilities and work together as one global community for the greater good of humanity,” he said.
“Expo 2020 reflects the UAE’s inclusive culture which brings together the whole globe in one nation. Today, the world has gathered here to offer the best of what they have, and in return, we will offer the best of what we have. We are committed to deliver the most exceptional Expo the world has ever seen,” he added.
