Service medals to recognise the contributions of 40,000 Emiratis to Expo 2020 Dubai will be awarded by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The award will go to military and civilian personnel of Dubai Police, military personnel and other people from outside the force who made “outstanding contributions to the success” of the Expo, according to state news agency Wam.
“We have granted the Expo 2020 Dubai Medal to 40,000 Emiratis, including civilian and military personnel, who played a key role in the success of the global event hosted by the UAE,” said Sheikh Mohammed.
“The global experience that our national cadres have acquired has been one of the greatest gains of Expo 2020 Dubai.”
“Once again, the UAE has demonstrated its ability to impress the world and convert challenges into opportunities. Despite the challenges posed by the global pandemic, our national cadres were able to provide an exceptional experience for everyone.”
Lt Gen Abdullah Al Marri of Dubai Police praised the efforts of his colleagues during the Expo, which was attended by more than 24 million people.
“This is an exceptional reward for everyone who has worked hard and relentlessly throughout the duration of the international exhibition and contributed to the success of its events,” he said.
The site of the world’s fair has been transformed since the six-month festival ended in March.
Now a residential and business hub, Expo City Dubai will become a temporary fan zone for the Fifa World Cup that kicks off in Qatar on November 20, with big screens showing live matches.
It will also be a winter venue to host UAE National Day celebrations and 50 days of festive attractions leading up to Christmas and the New Year.
Expo City Dubai opening: in pictures
-
Visitors pictured at Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, on Saturday morning for the official opening of Expo City Dubai. All photos: Antonie Robertson / The National -
Early visitors on Saturday morning at Expo City Dubai. -
There was a low-key opening to Expo City Dubai, but some visitors were happy to get there early. -
Early Saturday morning at Expo City Dubai. -
Tourists Ramanuragi Lohariwala and Devanshi Thard, both from India, were more than impressed with what they saw. -
Inside the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
Rishabh Shah, from India, was among the first visitors to Expo City Dubai. -
Inside the Mobility Pavilion. -
The Mobility Pavilion was one of four pavilions open to the public. -
Visitors take in the attractions at the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
One of the displays at the Mobility Pavilion. -
Some of the Saturday morning visitors to the Mobility Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
One of the interactive displays. -
Inside the Vision Pavilion. -
The Women's Pavilion at Expo City Dubai. -
The Vision Pavilion features a 52-tonne horse's head made from marble. -
One of the attractions at the Vision Pavilion. -
This visitor checks out the Vision Pavilion. -
An early visitor enjoys the attractions. -
The Vision Pavilion is one of the main attractions at Expo City Dubai. -
The Vision Pavilion at Expo City Dubai.
