Expo Milano 2015 marked UAE National Day, starting the 5-year countdown to Expo 2020 Dubai

20 October, 2015

Expo Milano 2015 marked UAE National Day as Italy prepared to bring its World Expo to a close in just under two weeks’ time. The occasion was particularly auspicious as the day is the start of a five-year countdown to the next World Expo, when Expo 2020 Dubai opens its gates.

← The ceremony was attended by members of the Expo 2020 Higher Committee, as well as many members of the local and federal government sector. At the event, Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Board Representative of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and Director General, Bureau Dubai Expo 2020, congratulated Milan on its successful hosting of the Expo and expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to showcase her nation to the world.

Universally admired, the superbly designed UAE pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 has attracted over 1,100,000 visitors, providing the nation with the opportunity to talk with an international audience.

Reflecting on the success of the UAE Pavilion, His Excellency Dr Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State, “It is a privilege to be present here today to commemorate the UAE Day as part of Expo Milano 2015, which will leave a tangible and valuable legacy through the theme of Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life. Since the Great Exhibition of 1851, World Expos have encouraged big ideas, seeded solutions to the world’s toughest problems and propelled society forward. The UAE is extremely proud to be part of this crucial process in Italy and welcomes the opportunity to carrying it forward.”

Commenting on the occasion Her Excellency Reem noted, “Exactly five years from today on October 20th, Expo 2020 Dubai will open its gates to the world. Coming at a time of our Nation’s Golden Jubilee – it is particularly meaningful to have been chosen as the first Nation in our Region to host a World Expo. Today I would also like to pay a public tribute to the success of the volunteers at the UAE’s pavilion in Milan for their efforts in representing the human face of the Emirates and to thank them for all their dedication and hard work.”

The next few months will see a number of developments at Expo 2020 with official registration in November 2015. When Expo 2020 Dubai opens in five years, it is expected to be the most international Expo in history, with 70% of the expected 25 million visits coming from abroad. HE Reem Al Hashimy pointed to the opportunity the UAE had, “to excite, encourage, enthuse and enthrall millions of people from hundreds of countries not just in five years’ time, but in the years that follow Expo 2020 Dubai.”