Staff Reporter, Gulf Today

Home to one of the world’s oldest centres of civilisation, Yemen celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai, reinforcing the country’s influence on the Middle East region and the world at large.

A high-level delegation led by Dr Moeen Abdul-Malik Saeed, Prime Minister of Yemen, was welcomed by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Expo 2020 Dubai and Khalifa Shaheen Almarar, UAE Minister of State, who witnessed the UAE and Yemeni flags raised to fly side by side at Al Wasl Plaza.

Dr Moeen Abdul-Malik Saeed said: “Yemen and the UAE have historical and brotherly relations, as demonstrated by the Emirates’ support to Yemen… including through its outstanding contributions to alleviate the suffering of the Yemeni people, whether through humanitarian, relief or development efforts.

 “Yemen’s participation in Expo 2020 with a standalone pavilion, despite all the challenges it has faced and with the support of our Emirati brothers, conveys to the world the true image of Yemen – an old civilisation with a rich history and culture. The pavilion exemplifies the spirit of Yemenis, who spread virtue and drive progress wherever they go, contributing to the development of neighbouring countries and the wider world. This is why we chose ‘Descendants of Sheba’ as the Pavilion’s slogan, reinforcing that the civilisation of Yemen lives on.”

Khalifa Shaheen Almarar said: “We commend the efforts of the Commissioner General and his team for Yemen’s fruitful participation, which sheds light on how ancient and modern knowledge merge, thereby unlocking unlimited possibilities for humankind.

The pavilion showcases one of the oldest and most knowledge-rich civilisations – under the theme ‘Descendants of Sheba’ – and features ancient original handwritten manuscripts, giving visitors a glimpse into Yemen’s vast and rich heritage.

“The UAE continues to support Yemen’s development across multiple sectors, such as agriculture, industry, mining, renewable energy and health care, and we look forward to expanding the horizon of our cooperation through Yemen’s presence at Expo 2020 and beyond.”

The Yemen Pavilion, located in the Sustainability District under the theme ‘Knowledge to the Power of Infinity’, reflecting the depth of its civilisation. The pavilion allows visitors to learn about multiple aspects of its civilisation, including its historical advancements in agriculture, science, culture and architecture.

National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.

Meanwhile, running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai invites visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture

With countless music awards under his belt, record-breaking albums and a clutch of new tracks Basta, also known as Vasilii Vakulenko, will take the stage of the largest and most recognisable venue in Dubai – Coca-Cola Arena, Dubai’s home of live entertainment – on 5 January, 2022.

The famous rap star has been best known for his tracks  “Sansara”, “My Game”,  “Urban”, “Vipusknoy” and also his collaborations with the major hip-hip and pop artists such as Scriptonite, T-Fest, GUF, Zivert and Gorod 312.

The artist’s tracks have had over 500 million views on YouTube and are constantly broadcasted on the radio and TV. After sold-out concerts in Russia and worldwide, the multi-award-winning artist will perform for his fans in Dubai in the framework of “From Russia With…” festival taking place from 5 January, 2022 till 13 January, 2022 in the framework of the cultural programme of the Russia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“From Russia with ...” - is a festival of Russian culture. The expansive programme will acquaint the guests of the festival with the traditions of Russian culture and its musical diversity. Film and theatre projects, cartoons, contemporary art, music — this and much more will represent such a different, bright, modern and, of course, hospitable Russia.

The theme of the Russia Pavilion at Expo 2020 is “Creative mind: driving the future”. Inside, visitors to the pavilion learn about the scientific and cultural achievements of the past, but also – and just as importantly – about how the creative mind can build a future to benefit all humanity, introducing visitors to the latest achievements of Russian creativity.

Opened in June 2019, Coca-Cola Arena has revolutionised the live entertainment industry in the UAE and throughout the Middle East. Capable of hosting live shows 365 days a year, the fully air-conditioned, 17,000-capacity arena establishes Dubai as a major destination on the global events circuit. Coca-Cola Arena’s unique automated seating design means it can be adapted to international and local events of all sizes, from international touring artists, sporting tournaments, e-gaming, comedy and live theatre and musical performances, to conferences, gala dinners, AGMs and weddings.

Located in the heart of City Walk, Dubai’s lifestyle destination, Coca-Cola Arena is a 15-minute drive from Dubai International Airport and a 5-minute walk from the closest Dubai Metro Station. The region’s largest multipurpose indoor arena, Coca-Cola Arena is an asset of Dubai Holding’s entertainment portfolio and is managed by ASM Global, the world’s leading venue management and services company.

The world is now hailing the vision and courage demonstrated by the leadership of Dubai and the UAE at this special time facing all the challenges and turning the challenges as blessings. About 3 to 5 percent of people visiting Expo 2020 is expected revisiting Dubai or planning to make Dubai their residence post the Expo. In 1851 the Crystal Palace was the centrepiece of London’s Great Exhibition – the first World Expo. It celebrated the man-made industrial wonders of a rapidly changing world. Architecture, contents and a theme, ‘Industry of All Nations’, were combined to create a big idea of nations meeting nations in shared technological and commercial progress. In more recent years, participants in World Expos, including governments, international organisations and companies, have gathered to find solutions to universal challenges and to promote their achievements, products, ideas, innovations, their national brand, and their nations as destinations for tourism, trade and investment.  

World Expos are held under the auspices of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation responsible for overseeing and regulating international exhibitions (‘Expos’) and for fostering their core values of Education, Innovation and Cooperation. Today, four types of Expos are organised under the BIE’s auspices: World Expos, Specialised Expos, Horticultural Expos and the Triennale di Milano.