Expo 2020 is a huge national achievement

Sajjad Ahmad, Gulf Today

Mariam Hareb Almheiri, Minister of State for Food Security, has said that Expo 2020 Dubai is a huge national achievement and a stunning testament to the UAE’s ability to organise the world’s largest and most influential events, as it cements the country’s position on the global map and enhances its status as a leading destination for the economy, business and future.

“Expo 2020 Dubai is a global hub that joins the world’s people, cultures and economies under one roof to manifest the greatest values and principles of the UAE based on coexistence, tolerance and humanity. It represents a post-pandemic starting point for a new era of sustainable development and the improvement of people’s lives everywhere.

Under the expo’s umbrella, the global community will witness dialogues and actions that bring together experts, officials and representatives of international organisations to find solutions to the array of challenges facing the world,” the minister said.

Almheiri stressed that Expo 2020 Dubai is a milestone in the history of the UAE and a testament to its wise government’s keenness to maintain the country’s prominent global position and its status as leader among nations.

“By hosting world-class events of such stature as Expo 2020 Dubai, which have a hugely positive impact on the lives of people around the world, the UAE will always be a prime destination for influential decision-makers who set development and prosperity targets for the future and who seek to create new models of international cooperation and partnership,” she added.

Dewa ready to deal with emergencies: Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of Dewa on the Expo 2020 Dubai launch said, “I would like to congratulate the wise leadership of His Highness Sheikh KhalifaBbin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on the launch of Expo 2020 Dubai, the world’s largest event.

It reflects the UAE’s success in becoming one of the first countries to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. It sends a reassuring message to the world that the UAE, the land of opportunities and dreams, can turn challenges into promising opportunities.

This is because we have a wise leadership with a forward-looking vision, strong willpower, and sincere efforts from  a generous nation. We are confident that Expo 2020 Dubai will achieve the success that befits the UAE and will become a global platform that contributes to developing innovative solutions for current and future global challenges with its theme ‘Connecting minds, creating the future.”

He “As the official sustainable energy partner for Expo 2020 Dubai, DEWA has allocated Dhs 4.26 billion to supply the world-class event with electricity and water as well as supporting its electricity and water infrastructure projects using the latest smart systems. We are applying all our efforts, expertise, and capabilities to achieve the vision of our wise leadership to host the best World Expo in its history and make the experience of Dubai visitors unforgettable. I urge all Expo 2020 Dubai visitors to visit DEWA’s pavilion, which highlights our innovative projects and initiatives, especially in renewable and clean energy and using Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies to disrupt the entire business of public utilities and become the world’s first digital utility,” added Al Tayer.

Saeed Mohammed emphasised that Dewa is ready to deal with any emergency during Expo 2020 Dubai, noting that Dewa has proactive plans to swiftly respond to any crisis. Al Tayer made these statements as he inspected Dewa’s Crisis and Emergency Centre to check their preparations and ensure the readiness of the relevant teams to respond to emergencies during Expo 2020 Dubai.

“Dewa is collaborating with the concerned authorities and teams at the Government of Dubai to deal with unexpected emergencies during the Expo 2020 Dubai using the latest smart systems.

This is in line with the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to ensure the highest levels of convenience and safety for all exhibitors and visitors of Expo 2020 Dubai.

We strive to harness our efforts, experiences and capabilities so Expo 2020 Dubai can achieve the success that befits the UAE and promote Dubai’s leadership in organising and hosting major global events,” said Al Tayer.

Al Tayer commended the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management in Dubai, led by Sheikh Mansour Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

The Committee coordinates and follows up on the plans and measures by competent authorities in Dubai to ensure the readiness of all work teams according to the highest standards ahead of the opening of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Al Tayer said that Dewa has the latest smart systems for managing the infrastructure of electricity and water networks at the Expo.  This ensures it provides electricity services according to the highest standards of availability, reliability, and efficiency.  Dewa also has highly qualified and trained technical teams dealing with different emergencies competently and efficiently.

Additionally, Dewa provides mobile generators that can be connected to the electricity grid at Expo 2020 Dubai in case of emergencies. Hussein Lootah, EVP of Transmission Power, and Chairman of the Contingencies & Crises Committee at Dewa said that the organisation had conducted several mock drills for different scenarios in collaboration with the concerned authorities.

These aimed to assess the efficiency of Dewa’s plans to respond swiftly to emergencies according to the best international practices and the standards of the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA).

Dubai Cares, LG Partnership: Dubai Cares, part of Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiatives, has signed a partnership with LG Electronics, to ensure that visitors to its dedicated pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai enjoy a highly immersive journey that invites them to become part of a new chapter in the history of education. To be held under the theme, “The Future is Human”, the Dubai Cares Pavilion will offer visitors from around the world the opportunity to discover Dubai’s story of coming together.

The experience is being brought to life through an array of solutions from “LG Electronics”, which will power the pavilion and support the organisation’s mission to enable equitable access to quality education for children and youth around the world.

Dr Tariq Al Gurg, Commissioner General for the Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai and Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman of Dubai Cares, said, “The Dubai Cares Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai promises to take visitors on an exceptional journey that looks to both the UAE’s rich legacy of philanthropy in improving children’s access to quality education while also highlighting the leading role it is playing in shaping the future of education globally.