The UAE did it again and dazzled the world with its feature of of this year’s Exp2020. An event that has been tactfully organized and designed since the year 2013 when the vote successfuly fell on Dubai to be the host. Once again the UAE proved to the world that not only is it a global country of progression, inclusion and sustainability but that it acquires an exceptional capability and to host present and deliver the event of an era. This year, Dubai’s Expo2020 was the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East, North Africa & South Asia regions.

A small history on Expos. Expos are global events centered on finding solutions to the challenges facing humanity. Expos offer a journey through a chosen theme by creating engaging and captivating activities. The major event is acclaimed for its ability to gather millions of visitors, create new dynamics and encourage positive change in their host cities. The event this year was an immediate success and my country the United Arab Emirates, once again demonstrated to the world its exceptional ability to not only summon this one of a kind global event to the region but to bring together 192 countries and providing each country its very pavilion; something that was never done in the past. The opening ceremony was a breathtaking world wide collaboration centering upon the glory and the history of a country upon which its city Dubai aims to be the happiest city in the world.

The opening ceremony was specatcular bringing together along with the exemplary local artists, world renowned artists and entertainers such as  Andrea Bocelli, British singer Ellie Goulding and Chinese pianist Lang Lang . The global event emphasized the country’s goal to connect, respect and include diverse minds in creating a more prosperous future. Expo2020 in Dubai sends the message to the world that we are a civilisation with deep roots that recognizes the importance of including various civilizations in order to create a centre for innovation, advancement and creativity.

The logo of Expo2020 couldn’t be more beautiful and suiting. It was inspired by an ancient golden artifact found at a UAE archaeological site called Saroug Al Hadeed; an area between the capital Abu Dhabi and Dubai. The golden artifact belonged to a civilization that existed 4,000 years ago. The choice of an authentic, historical Emirati artifact as the inspiration for the logo of Expo 2020 further portrays the country’s history and connection to ancient civilisations. The symbol of the artifact once again proclaims that the United Arab Emirates continues to be a hub that connects the world. Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates couldn’t have phrased it better when he stated that “The UAE may not be the whole world but it is the world within a country.”

Everything was specacular. However if I were to choose one thing I believe could have been done differently in the opening ceremony it would be the choice of the background of the little girl centering the show. An 11 year old Belarusian girl was selected to portray a local, traditional, Emirati girl. As talented and charismatic the 11 year old was, stunningly dressed in a festive Emirati gown adorned with traditional, gold jewelry. Does prioritizing a non local girl for a local girls part indicate our inclusivity and equality with people of different ethnicities or have we perhaps taken that effort a little too far? I believe my country’s significant and proud heritage could have been better represented and restored by one of our many equally talented and well rounded local children be it a girl or a boy. A girl from the very own country hosting such a global event could have sent a more authentic portrayal of the country which already went as far as to invite international artists to compliment that. There will always however be various observations and differences of opinion to such colossal projects and this is just my humble observation as an Emarati woman proud and attached to her country and all that our heritage entails. I am deeply honored and humbled to be from a country that can look beyond boundaries and can accommodate such various international talents even when it came to the very core of its opening ceremony. My nation is a testament to our rich heritage of generosity, hospitality and kindness. Do I wish the girl was local yes out of the love for my lovely country and its people, do I understand why a different choice was made? perhaps. Overall the event that we have been impatiently waiting for since the past 8 years exceeded expectations proving to the world once again the exceptional capabilities, dedication and legacy of the United Arab Emirates, a country rich in history, hospitality and tradition reaching world wide recognition.