Reem Al Hashimy: 'You'll have a remarkable experience at Expo 2020 Dubai'

'The National' caught up with the Expo director general who is thrilled to welcome visitors this weekend

LIVE BLOG: Latest coverage from Expo 2020 Dubai

Visitors will have a "remarkable experience" at Expo 2020 Dubai, its director general says.

Reem Al Hashimy told The National she was thrilled to welcome people to the site this weekend.

"It's so exciting to see visitors come in and explore all of the different pavilions," said Ms Hashimy, who is also Minister of State for International Co-operation.

The UAE's hosting of the world's fair has been in the works since 2013.

Since then, a dedicated site the size of 600 football fields has been created in Dubai South.

"We've opened our doors after eight years, nine years of work and one year of a delay because of the pandemic, Ms Hashimy said.

"We're continuing to stay safe with our masks, requiring vaccination and negative PCRs but by and large this is remarkable.

"It's a little bit warm so come dressed with your sneakers, a bottle of water and stay in the shade and hopefully you will have a remarkable experience here."

A young visitor enjoys the spectacular lightshow at the Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

The night view of Expo 2020 Dubai from the the Garden in the Sky ride. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors are bathed in light at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National

A panoramic view of the glittering Expo 2020 Dubai site. Victor Besa / The National

Visitors watch the stunning Al Wasl Plaza dome lightshow. Victor Besa / The National.

Visitors stroll beneath a spectacular illuminated bird design display. Victor Besa / The National

Expo visitors are silhouetted by the lights on the Al Wasl Plaza dome. AP Photo

Beams of light reach up into the night sky at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Dancers perform at the Kuwait pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. AP Photo

Acrobats on stilts reach new heights at Expo 2020 Dubai. AP Photo

Spectacular lighting on the Russia pavilion. AP Photo

Dancers perform at the opening ceremony of the Russian pavilion. The National

A giant puppet roams the streets of Expo 2020 Dubai. The National

A performer at Expo 2020 Dubai. The National

The flag of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan is pictured at the opening ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. Reuters

The Water Feature viewed at sunset at Expo 2020 Dubai. AP Photo

Evening visitors admire the spectacular design on show at Expo 2020 Dubai. AP Photo

The stunning UAE pavilion, inspired by a falcon in flight, viewed at sunset at Expo 2020 Dubai. AP Photo

A panoramic view of Expo 2020 Dubai at sunset. AP Photo