Inayat-Ur-Rahman, Business Editor

Dubai made history today. Another jewel has been added to Dubai’s crown, as the much-anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai formally opens its doors to the world on Friday.

The Dubai’s star-studded opening ceremony on Thursday was beamed from over 430 locations across the UAE, giving everyone the chance to participate in the mind-blowing spectacle, wherever they might be.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, expressed his pride at receiving the representatives of 192 countries participating in the Expo 2020 Dubai in the land of tolerance and possibilities, who aim to benefit from the global gathering and propose solutions to challenges based on international cooperation.

In his exclusive statement to a local daily Arabic newspaper published on Thursday , His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid said, “The nation is proud of the 10-year preparations for the largest global event that will last for six months, with the participation of 192 countries, underscoring the international trust in our country. Once again, the UAE people have demonstrated their unique ability to excel in every task when serving humanity. We have proven to the world the UAE is a fruitful tree that can welcome everyone who dreams of a better future for this planet.”

“With the launch of the expo, I remember the late founding fathers Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, and I would say to them, this is your legacy, and this international trust is the outcome of your far-sighted vision and determination to overcome challenges. Today, the world is being inspired by this vision. Civilisations are established and developed by challenges. That was the first and key lesson we learnt from you, which we convey to future generations and present to the world today,” he added. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed stressed the approach followed by President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, with the monitoring of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, have sent the UAE’s ambitions to infinity, because the determination and perseverance of the Emirati people have led the region to re-establish civilisation and participate with humanity in strengthening the process of development, proving the region’s people can defy the impossible.

He then pointed out that over the past decade, the UAE has fulfilled its promise to organise a historic and unprecedented edition of the expo, which has a global agenda aimed at finding solutions to the challenges facing the world today, such as the environment, education, health, poverty and harnessing sciences, technology and innovation to positively change people’s lives. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed welcomed the event’s participants, stating, “You are home, and our development experience is at your service. Today, the expo city has gathered us to participate together in shaping a better future for generations to come. We have one shared destiny and our peoples are anticipating the strengthening of international cooperation to change their reality into a brighter and more sustainable one, as well as to establish a roadmap for the key economic, developmental and cultural trends for the post-COVID era. We hope that the start of the event will be the breakthrough in terms of cooperation, tolerance and peace.”

In a statement addressed to visitors from around the world, he stressed, “The UAE is your country, a bridge of peace and tolerance for all communities. This is an opportunity for everyone to connect at the largest human gathering of expertise, ideas, cultures and achievements. This is our chance to explore our similarities. During the event, we will have the opportunity to realise that diversity is an advantage that will encourage human interactions and promote the values of giving and cooperation, as well as confirm the fact that human solidarity will overcome all challenges. This is our chance to establish an international cooperation system that will benefit everyone, and this gathering is an ideal platform for highlighting the importance of human solidarity and cooperation. This is the unprecedented experience that our world needs.”

To the team that managed the expo’s 10-year preparations, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed said, “We are proud of you and your innovation, and the entire world is thanking you. I salute each and every one of you. You have the right to be proud, you are stars in the sky and role models of organisation and giving. You are national treasures and global icons. You, the 50,000 employees and 30,000 volunteers, are trustworthy and believed in the nation’s visions, whose results we are seeing today and are impressing the world. You have raised the name of the country high, you have fulfilled our expectations, you are the team of possibilities that the Emirati people are proud of.” Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region under the theme ‘’Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’’, and will run from October 2021 to March 2022. Its six-month program is packed with experiences to suit all ages and interests, including a rich line-up of themed weeks, entertainment, and edutainment. Art and culture fans as well as food and technology enthusiasts can explore exhibits, workshops, performances, live shows and more.

The USA Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will share “the American spirit of freedom” that inspires people to create and innovate, according to a top US official.

“America was built on freedom, which has attracted generations of people to create and to innovate. This spirit endures and thrives today, and we look forward to sharing our story with Expo visitors,” said Robert Clark, Commissioner General of the US Pavilion. In an exclusive interview with Emirates News Agency (WAM) on Thursday, he added, “The USA Pavilion will safely welcome millions in-person and online as we tell the story of ‘Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of the Future.’

This powerful theme celebrates the people, ideas, and American contributions that have changed and improved lives in the United States and around the world.”

Clark revealed that his own life was an example of realising those values. “Throughout my life in the United States, I have witnessed these values in action. Over 35 years ago, I started a construction company with a team of two - myself and one employee. Through dedication to customer service, positive outcomes, and community engagement, we grew from two to 3,000 employees, constructing some of America’s most remarkable buildings,” he said.

“I am convinced that my country’s embrace of liberty and individuality paved the path for me and many others to determine our own futures,” the Commissioner General stressed.

He was quite impressed by Dubai’s ambience after landing in the city during the weekend.

“This past weekend, my wife Jane and I arrived in Dubai, the city we will call home for the next six months. I have been struck by the safe and vibrant atmosphere, a welcome feeling as the city prepares to host the largest global event to take place during the pandemic. Expo 2020 Dubai will bring visitors from near and far, and I am so proud to be a part of it.”