Opening ceremony unites millions
Dubai opened Expo 2020 in an extravagant ceremony on October 1, 2021 that bathed the site’s signature central dome in light, a symbolic beacon for the city-state’s hopes that the world’s fair will draw tourists despite the coronavirus pandemic.
Delayed a year by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Expo 2020 has over 190 countries taking part in the event that will last six months. The futuristic extravaganza, complete with individual pavilions feels like an entire city, built on what were once rolling sand dunes on Dubai’s southern edges.
After spending $7 billion on the site, Dubai hopes it will attract new businesses and draw more foreigners to buy properties in the commercial hub of the United Arab Emirates. However, it also renewed long-standing criticisms of this skyscraper-studded sheikhdom built largely by low-paid workers where speech and assembly remain strictly controlled.
Aside from the 3,000-strong audience inside Al Wasl Plaza, millions across the globe tuned in to virtually view the eagerly awaited event. With the golden ring of connectivity – the inspiration for the Expo 2020 Dubai logo – raised to the trellis of the magnificent Al Wasl Plaza, the beating heart of the Expo site and the spectacular setting for the captivating ceremony, the most inclusive World Expo ever was officially underway.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai welcomed the world to Expo 2020 Dubai – and to the UAE – in his speech, saying: “Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a significant platform for all people to connect, discuss and work together. Together, we will convey, from the UAE to the world, on our 50th anniversary, a message of tolerance, coexistence, and peace; a message of progress, prosperity, and growth; a message of brotherhood, happiness and an unwavering will to create a brighter future for everyone.”
Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General, Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), said: “All the world is coming together, for the first time since the pandemic began, to connect, to exchange and to learn on this extraordinary global stage. The time has now come to open Expo 2020 Dubai, an Expo that marks the era, that plays a defining role in the global recovery, and that contributes to a better future.”
The flags of Expo’s 192 participating nations, revealed via a domino effect as flags were opened one by one, was a proud and visually stunning moment that also signified a reawakening of the world.
A feeling of warmth, respect, togetherness and camaraderie was palpable throughout the celebration, which also demonstrated that the world is primed and ready to re-embrace live events. The stage is now set for Expo 2020 Dubai to host the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.
OrganoWood graces Swedish Pavilion with wood at Expo 2020
The World Exhibition in Dubai is a specially built-up district where about 192 countries each with their own pavilion are participating. The Swedish pavilion at the Expo 2020 having “the forest” as its central theme is a holistic sustainability initiative built entirely of wood and is about 2,700 sq.m. in expanse. The focus of the exhibition is sustainability and therefore they have chosen to use OrganoWood on all roof terraces. In total, about 4,000 rm OrganoWood select plus 34×145 has been delivered. The exhibition is open until March 2022.
For the Swedish pavilion the first week of November will have a theme week focusing on wood. At the same time the theme for the entire exhibition the same week will be Urban & Rural Development where OrganoWood will participate. For more info see expo2020.se. Behind the investment is the Swedish government, it is the government’s largest investment in export promotion in modern times.
