Supporting underprivileged communities around the world

Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Finance, on Wednesday met Prince Rahim Aga Khan, Chairman of Environment and Climate Committee at the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Sheikh Maktoum expressed his appreciation for AKDN’s initiatives in various fields including culture, heritage, historic cities, education, community development and the environment.

Sheikh Maktoum further said the values that drive AKDN’s work in supporting underprivileged communities closely match the UAE’s own humanitarian and development ethos. The UAE’s exceptional contributions to humanitarian causes across the world has seen the country becoming the world’s largest donor of development assistance. The value of foreign aid provided by the UAE from 2010 to 2021 totals $56.14 billion.

Prince Rahim Aga Khan praised the UAE’s projects and initiatives to support underprivileged communities around the world, which have contributed significantly to enhancing their welfare. He also commended the UAE’s global humanitarian work during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The meeting also discussed the collaboration between AKDN and Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘Programme for People and Planet’. The AKDN’s wide-ranging partnership with Expo is founded on a shared commitment and recognition that the most pressing challenges facing humanity can best be addressed through cultural, social, environmental and economic initiatives. The AKDN has also contributed to Expo’s ‘Theme Weeks’ on Climate and Biodiversity, Tolerance and Inclusivity, and Knowledge and Learning.

The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansoor Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; Sheikh Nahyan Bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence; and Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau.

Sheikh Maktoum also visited the DP World Pavilion on Wednesday.

“I visited the DP World Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, and saw the pavilion’s perceptions of the future of transport, trade flow and logistics. The participation of our leading institutions in the exhibition is a reflection of our belief that we are contributors with the world in creating the future, leading innovation and strengthening partnerships in various sectors,” tweeted Sheikh Maktoum.

Philippines Pavilion records over 1m visitors: The Philippines Pavilion ‘Bangkóta’ at Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded over one million visitors as of mid-March, driving its unique key message of ‘cultural sustainability’ to Expo’s global audiences.

Kathelyn Nida Mendres and her family stepped within the grounds of the ‘Bangkóta’ to a pleasant surprise when they learned that they were the one millionth visitor marking a historic number of visits to one of Expo 2020 Dubai’s largest pavilions.

To celebrate the visit, the Philippines Pavilion gifted the family with a special gift bag from ‘Bangkóta’ filled with delicious treats shipped straight from the Philippines.

Philippine Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary for the Trade Promotions Group and Philippines Expo 2020 Dubai Alternate Commissioner General Rosvi C. Gaetos highlighted that this milestone affirms the interest of Expo 2020 Dubai’s tourists in the Philippines and its 4,000-year story of the Filipino voyage that piques the curiosity and enthralls the eyes of visitors.

“The Philippines Pavilion sets itself apart with its unique look and message that shares the story of the Filipinos as they embarked a journey for the past 4,000 years – and today, many overseas Filipinos continue on that track especially here in the UAE where nearly a million Filipinos live, thrive, and contribute to the development of this country,” said Gaetos.

She added that the Organising Committee of the Philippines Pavilion ‘Bangkóta’ has prepared a host of events that celebrates the country’s brand of food, fitness, and fun that visitors could look forward to in the run up to Expo 2020’s closing date.

“We’re proud to join Expo 2020 Dubai’s ‘1 million club’ as we capture and sustain the interest of visitors through the myriad of our exhibits, activities, food, and more that we will be sharing to the world as Expo 2020 culminates this month,” added Gaetos.

Exhibitions to marvel at Over the months, the Philippines Pavilion highlighted that visitors lauded the ‘Haliya’ by Duddley Diaz – a bold big blue figure that welcomes all visitors upon entering the Philippines Pavilion premises; the spiral ‘Helix’ by Baby and Coco Anne – considered as the ‘most Instagramable exhibit’ at the Philippines Pavilion; as well as the ‘Soaring High’ by Charlie Co – visible at the upper floors of the pavilion with the scupltures’ patriotic stance of the flying men representing overseas Filipinos.

Visitors also flocked to the in-demand ‘Mangrove Café’ that offers a taste of the Philippines’ best dishes as well as the ‘Go Lokal! x Marahuyo’ store where visitors can take home a piece of the Philippines.

Activities you shouldn’t miss Philippines Food Fiesta, until March 27: Visitors can enjoy different Filipino food at the entrance of the Philippines Pavilion. Filipino restaurants will showcase some of their offerings for their ‘Bangkóta Meals’ to share the authentic taste of delicious Filipino food at discounted prices that will transport visitors to the kitchens of the Philippines.

Paraluman, March 18: A special afternoon gala in celebration of International Women’s Day, visitors will witness the colours of purple and white within the halls of the Philippines Pavilion on March 18, from 4:30 pm to 7:00 pm, where inspirational speakers from all over the world will share insights on women empowerment, innovation, leadership, healthcare, and more.

Bangkóta Fitfest Finale, March 19: The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Dubai Chapter together with the Filipino International Triathletes will be holding a fitness activity at 10:00 am to stretch and prepare the body for the upcoming ‘Run the World’ marathon.

Performers at The Plaza, March 20, 24, 27 & 30: Visitors will witness talented Filipino musicians and performers that will add to the ambience of the Philippines Food Fiesta. An all-Filipino singing group comprised of 17 talented individuals set to compete in the world championship performing arts in the USA will enthrall visitors with their voices this coming March 20, 27 and 30. In addition, finalists from the recently-held OFW Got Talent Show in Dubai last March 5 will perform live at the Philippines Pavilion Plaza on March 24.

Run the World, Expo 2020 Run Grand Finale, March 26: Fitness enthusiasts and marathon lovers are invited to join and take part in the grand finale of the highly-successful Run the World series at Expo 2020. The marathon, spearheaded by the UAP-Dubai Chapter in Dubai Chapter, will witness runners from the Philippines alongside four other participating countries this March 26, Wednesday at 7:00 am.

PICHE General Assembly, March 27: The Philippines Institute of Chemical Engineers (PICHE) in the UAE will be holding their first General at the Mangrove Café. The assembly will talk about wastewater treatment, ecological systems and halal entrepreneurship.

TELA Pilipinas, March 29: Part of the Bangkóta Apex Speaker Series and presented by the Philippine Embassy in the UAE, the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Textile Research Institute Director Celia Elumba will put a spotlight on the textile industry with a talk titled ‘Textiles Empowering Lives Anew: TELA Pilipinas” this March 29, 7:00 pm at the Terra Auditorium.

GMA Show, March 30: GMA Network, will bring some of its most talented Kapuso artists who will perform at Expo 2020 Dubai! GMA will hold a meet-and-greet with the artists at the Philippines Pavilion Plaza at 12:00 noon on March 30. On the same night, they will perform at the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, from 9:00 pm to 11:00 pm.