Each World Expo is a gathering of the achievements of human civilisation. Expo 2020 Dubai, the first ever to be hosted in the Middle East, and also the first World Expo since the start of the global Covid-19 pandemic, shoulders a special historical significance. This is understood well beyond the UAE – particularly in China.
Chinese President Xi Jinping delivered an ebullient speech to wish Expo 2020 Dubai and the operation of the China Pavilion a complete success. China and the UAE are comprehensive strategic partners, and so people in China are full of positive expectations for Expo 2020 Dubai.
The optimism is justifiable: with its forward-looking approach, Expo 2020 Dubai will seek to present a vision of a bright future for mankind. In the past 50 years since its founding, the UAE has sought to embody that spirit, explored a path of development that is not only in line with its own national aspirations, but serves as a model of openness and prosperity in the Middle East and even the world.
Expo 2020 has chosen a grand theme that embodies these principles: “Connecting Minds and Creating the Future”. It will bring together innovative ideas from around the world, putting on display cutting-edge technologies and presenting innovation and models of sustainability to a global audience. This will serve to provide new, much-needed impetus to the project of international development.
The interior of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Visitors enter the Spain pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo visitors take a rest at the foot of a striking artwork in the Philippines pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National.
Dubai opened Expo 2020 with a dazzling ceremony featuring fireworks and light displays. AFP
A young guest enjoys the spectacular light show at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National
The flowing contours of the UAE pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
Visitors follow a foggy path to the summit of the Switzerland pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
The France pavilion features a projection of 'The Rose', a 13th-century stained-glass window from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Tricolours to the fore as France marks its Expo celebration day. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Qabooli with lamb shuwa by chef Nader at Rising Flavours in Jubilee Park. Victor Besa / The National
The Saudi pavilion lit up at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Inside the Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
The Qatar pavilion features a holographic display about the 2022 World Cup. Pawan Singh / The National
Visitors watching a spectacular audio-visual show at the Russia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
A young visitor checks out the Expo's popular water feature. Pawan Singh / The National
Students from Abu Dhabi Police Academy at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
French astronaut Thomas Pesquet speaks to UAE and French representatives on a live feed from space to Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National
A replica of Michelangelo's 'David' in the Italy pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National.
A visitor takes a picture of the spectacular Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Traditional performers outside the Thailand pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
An aerobatics team pass above the Pakistan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
Live music from Sierra Leone performed at Al Wasl Plaza. Antonie Robertson / The National
The Women's Pavilion by Cartier. Antonie Robertson / The National
Visitors to the Garden in the Sky get a panoramic view of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
My Butterfly Kites at Al Forsan Park, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
As the sun sets on another day at Expo 2020, visitors enjoy the activities. Antonie Robertson / The National
Over the next several months, the event will tell a beautiful story of peace and friendship among nations, with the concepts of openness, inclusiveness, diversity and mutual learning skilfully incorporated into its very heart.
Most uniquely, this Expo will, for the first time, give each country its own pavilion – no easy task, considering that nearly 200 countries will participate. Regardless of their size and wealth, every nation will be afforded the dignity of an independent pavilion to showcase its unique culture and vision for national and global development. That will make this the most inclusive and diverse Expo in history.
There has also never been a more important time to host such an event. In the face of severe challenges, including not only the most serious global pandemic since the turn of the century, but also the growing threat of climate change, Expo 2020 Dubai will be an important opportunity for dialogue and mutual learning between different civilisations and cultures. It will be a physical manifestation of the understanding that we are all in the same boat, and that only through friendship, tolerance and shared will can we overcome our greatest challenges.
For China, this Expo will mark the start of another excellent chapter in our deep relationship with the UAE. At the beginning of this century, Dubai and Shanghai became sister cities, laying the foundation for future co-operation on these kinds of events. When Shanghai hosted the Expo in 2010, the carefully designed UAE Pavilion, with a shape of rolling sand dunes, showcased a gorgeous style and became a local superstar at the event. Eleven years later, Dubai continues that magnificent spirit. And China has returned the favour, so to speak, by making great efforts to build a grand pavilion, named “Light of China”. The shape of a traditional Chinese lantern implies the beautiful longing in Chinese culture for brightness, reunion and happiness, and symbolises the friendliness of the Chinese people towards the Emirati people. It also demonstrates China's spiritual pursuit of building a community with a shared future for mankind in the new era.
Looking back on history, the first World Expo 150 years ago demonstrated the vigorous achievements of modern industrial civilisation, with the catchy slogan of “Everything Begins with Expo”. Today, the World Expo starts a new journey from Dubai, full of the hopes and dreams of people all over the world, and outlines a grand blueprint for innovative, smart, inclusive and sustainable international development.
I want to personally wish Expo 2020 Dubai success as the most wonderful Expo ever held! And I hope it brings the UAE and China even closer together.
Founder: Jon Richards, founder and chief executive; Samer Chebab, co-founder and chief operating officer, and Jonathan Rawlings, co-founder and chief financial officer
Based: Media City, Dubai
Sector: Financial services
Size: 120 employees
Investors: 2014: $500,000 in a seed round led by Mulverhill Associates; 2015: $3m in Series A funding led by STC Ventures (managed by Iris Capital), Wamda and Dubai Silicon Oasis Authority; 2019: $8m in Series B funding with the same investors as Series A along with Precinct Partners, Saned and Argo Ventures (the VC arm of multinational insurer Argo Group)
Match info
Manchester City 3 (Jesus 22', 50', Sterling 69') Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 65')
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Fixtures (all times UAE)
Saturday
Brescia v Atalanta (6pm)
Genoa v Torino (9pm)
Fiorentina v Lecce (11.45pm)
Sunday
Juventus v Sassuolo (3.30pm)
Inter Milan v SPAL (6pm)
Lazio v Udinese (6pm)
Parma v AC Milan (6pm)
Napoli v Bologna (9pm)
Verona v AS Roma (11.45pm)
Monday
Cagliari v Sampdoria (11.45pm)
Two-step truce
The UN-brokered ceasefire deal for Hodeidah will be implemented in two stages, with the first to be completed before the New Year begins, according to the Arab Coalition supporting the Yemeni government.
By midnight on December 31, the Houthi rebels will have to withdraw from the ports of Hodeidah, Ras Issa and Al Saqef, coalition officials told The National.
The second stage will be the complete withdrawal of all pro-government forces and rebels from Hodeidah city, to be completed by midnight on January 7.
The process is to be overseen by a Redeployment Co-ordination Committee (RCC) comprising UN monitors and representatives of the government and the rebels.
The agreement also calls the deployment of UN-supervised neutral forces in the city and the establishment of humanitarian corridors to ensure distribution of aid across the country.
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
Who was Alfred Nobel?
The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.
In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
ZIMBABWE V UAE, ODI SERIES
All matches at the Harare Sports Club:
1st ODI, Wednesday - Zimbabwe won by 7 wickets
2nd ODI, Friday, April 12
3rd ODI, Sunday, April 14
4th ODI, Tuesday, April 16
UAE squad: Mohammed Naveed (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Shaiman Anwar, Mohammed Usman, CP Rizwan, Chirag Suri, Mohammed Boota, Ghulam Shabber, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Amir Hayat, Zahoor Khan, Qadeer Ahmed
Saturday Crotone v Spezia (6pm), Torino v Udinese (9pm), Lazio v Verona (11.45pm)
Sunday Cagliari v Inter Milan (3.30pm), Atalanta v Fiorentina (6pm), Napoli v Sampdoria (6pm), Bologna v Roma (6pm), Genoa v Juventus (9pm), AC Milan v Parma (11.45pm)
Cyber crime - This includes fraud, impersonation, scams and deepfake technology, tactics that are increasingly targeting infrastructure and exploiting human vulnerabilities. Cyber terrorism - Social media platforms are used to spread radical ideologies, misinformation and disinformation, often with the aim of disrupting critical infrastructure such as power grids. Cyber warfare - Shaped by geopolitical tension, hostile actors seek to infiltrate and compromise national infrastructure, using one country’s systems as a springboard to launch attacks on others.
The flights
Fly Etihad or Emirates from the UAE to Moscow from 2,763 return per person return including taxes. Where to stay
Trips on the Golden Eagle Trans-Siberian cost from US$16,995 (Dh62,414) per person, based on two sharing.
Match info
What: Fifa Club World Cup play-off Who: Al Ain v Team Wellington Where: Hazza bin Zayed Stadium, Al Ain When: Wednesday, kick off 7.30pm
ULTRA PROCESSED FOODS
- Carbonated drinks, sweet or savoury packaged snacks, confectionery, mass-produced packaged breads and buns
- Margarines and spreads; cookies, biscuits, pastries, cakes, and cake mixes, breakfast cereals, cereal and energy bars
- Energy drinks, milk drinks, fruit yoghurts and fruit drinks, cocoa drinks, meat and chicken extracts and instant sauces
- Infant formulas and follow-on milks, health and slimming products such as powdered or fortified meal and dish substitutes
- Many ready-to-heat products including pre-prepared pies and pasta and pizza dishes, poultry and fish nuggets and sticks, sausages, burgers, hot dogs, and other reconstituted meat products, powdered and packaged instant soups, noodles and desserts
Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
Etihad flies daily from Abu Dhabi to Zurich, with fares starting from Dh2,807 return. Frequent high speed trains between Zurich and Vienna make stops at St. Anton.
Defending champions
World Series: South Africa Women’s World Series: Australia Gulf Men’s League: Dubai Exiles Gulf Men’s Social: Mediclinic Barrelhouse Warriors Gulf Vets: Jebel Ali Dragons Veterans Gulf Women: Dubai Sports City Eagles Gulf Under 19: British School Al Khubairat Gulf Under 19 Girls: Dubai Exiles UAE National Schools: Al Safa School International Invitational: Speranza 22 International Vets: Joining Jack
The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE.
