VIDEO: End of Expo 2020 Dubai is just a new beginning, says Sheikh Mohammed
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid during his visit to the Expo 2020 Dubai. File
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Thursday said that Expo 2020 Dubai offers the opportunity of “a new beginning” for the UAE and the world.
In an audio message delivered at the closing ceremony of the mega global event, Sheikh Mohammed told the audience: “During the Expo 2020 Dubai journey, we portrayed to the world a different version of ingenuity that touched the hearts and minds of every member of society. Our sons and daughters have proven their ability to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges. And in every moment of this journey, we reflected the values of the UAE – values of affection and hospitality. Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning.”
“The UAE and Dubai will continue, God willing, to be graceful and strong – and able, to Connect Minds and Create the Future with this exceptional government, and the leadership of my brother Mohamed Bin Zayed,” Sheikh Mohammed added.
Earlier in a tweet Sheikh Mohammed described Expo 2020 Dubai as one of the most beautiful editions in its history.
He tweeted: “182 days, 192 countries, millions of visitors. Farewell to Expo. We brought the world together in the biggest event and at the most difficult time for mankind in the most beautiful editions of Expo history. We promised and fulfilled; we say what we do and do what we say. Greater things are yet to come, God willing.”
Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, accompanied by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, attended the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai, held on Thursday at Al Wasl Square, the beating heart of the six-month global event.
The ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai; Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai; and a number of officials.
The ceremony saw the baton for World Expo being handed over to Osaka, Japan, which will host the next Expo in 2025.
The closing ceremony started with the UAE national anthem, followed by an address by Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai, in which he congratulated the UAE leadership on the exceptional success of Expo, which he said “will remain engraved proudly in the memory of history, and the world, as one of our young country’s many achievements.”
Sheikh Nahyan attributed the success of Expo to the remarkable efforts of its leadership team led by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, as well as to Reem Al Hashimy and her entire team.
Sheikh Nahyan also thanked the thousands of volunteers and the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) for their relentless efforts in presenting the magnificent event.
He also highlighted the various events that took place at Expo 2020 Dubai during the six months of the event, including the celebration of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee.
"The UAE is looking forward to participating in Expo 2025 Osaka Kansai and sharing the unique and rich experiences gained from the organisation of the mega global event in Dubai," Sheikh Nahyan added.
Jai-chul Choi, President of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) thanked the UAE leadership for its support for the success of the event.
He also said that this is the first World Expo in which more than 190 countries participated with their own pavilions, which is a collective achievement and a demonstration of solidarity, fraternity and international coordination.
“It has been made possible by the UAE’s dedication to hosting a transformational and unifying event, and by the commitment of the BIE, the Organiser and all participants to persevere in the delivery of this wonderful World Expo,” Choi said.
“During this tumultuous period, Expo 2020 Dubai has been a beacon to remind us all that, to navigate these challenges, we must join together and work in unison.”
