Expo 2020 to showcase Canaanite, Egyptian, Renaissance artefacts

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor

The Expo 2020 Dubai will offer visitors a unique opportunity to see three key heritage artefacts from the Canaanite and Pharaonic civilisations, and the Renaissance era.

The artefacts include a copy of the Ugarit alphabet, which is the first alphabet known by humanity, as well as a pharaonic coffin recently discovered in Giza, Egypt, and a 3D version of Michelangelo’s sculpture, “David.”

Visitors to the Syrian pavilion can see a copy of the Ugarit alphabet dating back to 1400 BC, as well as explore the stages of development of writing in many areas of Syria and the global impact of the alphabet until the emergence of the Arabic language, which influenced many other languages.

The event’s visitors can also explore the oldest musical piece in the world, and experience an audio-visual interactive experience by playing and singing the piece written in Ugarit nearly 3,500 years ago.

Ugarit was a major Canaanite city built in the Ras Shamra region of Northern Latakia, Syria.

At the Egyptian pavilion, visitors can witness a rare archaeological piece, which is a recently discovered Pharaonic coffin.

The three-story pavilion, situated in the “Opportunities” area, will highlight the profound historic value and cultural wealth of Egypt and will be built in the pharaonic style engraved with hieroglyphs and an image of the famous Pharaoh, Tutankhamun, while its main entrance will have three angles simulating the pyramids.

The Italian pavilion will showcase a 3D version of Michelangelo’s David.

Michelangelo was a leading figure in art and architecture during the Renaissance era in Europe in the 15th and 16th centuries. His 6-metre-tall statue, David, is a famous artwork completed in 1504.

Israel’s pavilion at Expo 2020 on Wednesday announced its series of cultural and entertainment events that will take place during the Expo 2020 in Dubai, which will open its doors to the public next month.

Israel’s culture and entertainment schedule will include more than 20 events and shows, hosted in the Israeli pavilion, additionally, every Thursday evening, the pavilion will celebrate with a party, Israeli style.

The events will proudly present Israel’s unique culture, which includes a huge amount of cultural, religious and ethnic diversity. As part of Middle Eastern culture, the ongoing dialogue between East and West and between tradition and innovation will be celebrated and felt by all.

Most events will feature musical performances - as according to Josh Bendit, Israel’s Pavilion Director: “Music, as an international language, overcomes language barriers and brings hearts and senses together. Our music beats to the rhythm of unity between different cultures that come together from all over the world.” In addition, the pavilion will host street theatre performances, culinary events and feature key Israeli art exhibitions.

Highlights include; Jan. 9 2022, which will see the celebration of Israel’s National Day. Israel’s High state officials, will be in attendance to launch celebrations. On the 22nd and 23rd there will be a special performance by the Jerusalem East and West Orchestra conducted by Israeli Maestro Tom Cohen.

Among the famous names performing at the Israeli pavilion are: Yemen Blues, led by the musician Ravid KahlaniThe band Anna RF

Quarter To Africa The Gil-Ron Shema Ensemble. The Paran Ensemble.  The Firkaat-El Nur Orchestra and many more.

Israel’s most renowned music group, Infected Mushrooms, is set to stage it’s first ever, large-scale, UAE concert, hosted in the Jubilee Park on December 13th 2021.

Dubai will welcome visitors from every corner of the globe from Oct.1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 to join the making of a new world, as it brings together the planet in one place to reimagine tomorrow.

With the purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 will be the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas, catalysing an exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to real-world challenges.

Expo 2020 will be the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.

Expo 2020’s subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability will inspire visitors to preserve and protect our planet, explore new frontiers and build a better future for everyone.

Expo 2020 and a host of its participating countries will be showcasing a range of developments that will change the way we live in the future. Expo’s specially curated ‘Cities of the Future’ journey will take visitors on a tour to some of these pavilions to illustrate how thinkers, innovators and planners are using advanced materials, smart technology and big data to make citizens safer, healthier, happier and more productive.

By 2050, the world’s population is expected to reach 9.8 billion, with 6.7 billion projected to live in urban areas. As such, the cities of tomorrow will not be accidental.