Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri inaugurates the UAE Pavilion at the Expo 2019 Beijing on Monday. WAM

Mansour Ibrahim Al Mansouri, Director-General of the National Media Council, NMC, on Monday officially opened the UAE Pavilion at the Expo 2019 Beijing, taking place in the Chinese capital from April 29 to Oct.7, 2019.

Managed and supervised by the NMC, the Pavilion will bear the theme "Greening the Desert."

This participation, which is the UAE’s first at the Expo’s International Horticultural Exhibition, sheds light on the efforts of the country’s late Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, to develop the agricultural sector.

The Pavilion reflects the vision of the UAE’s wise leadership to develop and enhance the sector, which transformed the desert into a series of green oases, following clear strategies and initiatives, and drawing on the latest and most advanced agricultural technologies. The display also showcases the UAE’s experience and sustainability-centred projects.

"The National Media Council is committed to promoting the UAE’s message of tolerance and openness, and to enhancing its positive image and standing. With that in mind, the Council consistently takes part in international Expos, which offer a prominent platform with international appeal and reach," Al Mansouri said.

He added, "Our participation at the Beijing Expo 2019 – International Horticultural Exhibition is an ideal opportunity to introduce the world to the future-centred vision that our wise leadership has embraced since the days of the late Sheikh Zayed, and that has transformed the local agricultural sector into a major economic and developmental activity for the UAE."

"The UAE has grown to lead the world in terms of the number of palm trees it has – and in a short period of time; this proves the Emirati people’s ability to overcome the challenges and difficulties of our environment, from water scarcity and soil salinity to the harsh weather conditions."

Al Mansouri noted that by taking part in the Expo, the NMC is looking to give visitors a glimpse into Expo 2020 Dubai, extending an invitation for them to attend the prestigious international event. He also thanked Dubai Municipality and Etihad Airways for their support of the UAE Pavilion at the Expo 2019 Beijing, which further enhances the country’s positive image and conveys its message to the world.

Covering an area of 1,850 square metres, 80 per cent of which is a garden, the Pavilion depicts the development of the agricultural sector in the UAE, shedding light on the legacy of Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his efforts towards "Greening the Desert." The display showcases Sheikh Zayed’s agricultural achievements, the agricultural innovations the UAE has embraced, and the country’s achievements in the field.

The National Media Council drew inspiration for the Pavilion’s design from the UAE’s natural environment, palm trees, traditional agriculture, agricultural oases, and the UAE’s progress and achievements in the sector. The Pavilion houses 36 palm trees; 146 other trees of 20 different species; 2,500 plants of 10 different species; and 5,924 vegetables and herbs that will be cultivated throughout the duration of the exhibition.

With more than 110 countries and international organisations present, the Expo 2019 Beijing bears the theme "Live Green, Live Better"; the international horticultural event is dedicated to providing an open platform for communication and for sharing experiences and breakthroughs in the agricultural sector, under the theme.

The launch ceremony was attended by Dr Rashid Khalfan Al Nuaimi, Commissioner-General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2019 in Beijing; Dr Ali Obaid Al Dhaheri, UAE Ambassador to China; Dawood Al Hajri, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; and Najeeb Al Ali, Executive Director of Expo 2020 Bureau Dubai, along with a number of diplomats and senior officials.

WAM