Wednesday, January 30, 2013

Be Part of It! - Ben Ouattara

Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE - Ben Ouattara, Dubai Expo 2020 Ambassador
I  suggest you to continue to meet Expo Ambassadors, winners of the competition organized by Expo Dubai 2020, Be a part of it!

Let me introduce Ben Ouattara, Dubai Expo 2020 Ambassador.
After recently moving to the UAE from Germany, Ben believes that “Dubai has it all and can achieve the impossible!” Truly a citizen of the world, Ben speaks Dutch, English, French and Spanish.

His short film was chosen as one of two winners in the competition’s film category.

Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE - Ben Ouattara, Dubai Expo 2020 Ambassador

Ben has made a marvellous animation film to support the Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE.

Very well made, original, and full of true arguments and facts !

But words can't describe this artwork, let's watch it now.


"Why should the Expo 2020 be hosted in the UAE, Dubai?   Enjoy the film!"  With best regards, Ben Ouattara.

Friday, January 25, 2013

Emirates Takes Dubai’s Expo Bid to the Skies

Emirates Takes Dubai’s Expo Bid to the Skies - Expo 2020 Dubai UAE

Emirates is putting the full force of its A380 fleet behind Dubai’s bid to land the 2020 World Expo. The airline is attaching giant stickers to its A380 fleet, promoting the UAE’s bid to hold the event in Dubai in seven years time.

The first aircraft to be dressed with the words “Expo 2020, Dubai UAE, Candidate City” was EK 306, which left for Beijing in the early hours of Thursday morning. In the coming weeks, the airline’s entire A380 fleet – currently standing at 31 – will carry the Expo 2020 message.
World Expo, staged every five years and last held in Shanghai, attract millions of visitors. This would be the first time the event is held in the Middle East, and Emirates, one of Dubai’s great success stories, is a Premier Partner.
“The Emirates’ A380s are such a powerful symbol of progress and represent the rapid economic and infrastructural journey Dubai has undertaken,” said Tim Clark, President, Emirates Airline. “Emirates operates the largest A380 fleet in the world and with the interest generated globally by these magnificent aircraft, they will be a powerful tool to further Dubai’s bid,” added Mr Clark.

Emirates Takes Dubai’s Expo Bid to the Skies - Expo 2020 Dubai UAE
Emirates has 31 A380sand the Expo message will eventually be taken to all of its A380 destinations – currently numbering 21. Most recently, A380 services have been launched to Singapore and Moscow.

The aircraft, known for its quietness, has changed the face of commercial flying. With more generous seats in Economy Class, industry leading mini-pods in Business Class and First Class Private Suites, along with Onboard Shower Spas and an Onboard Lounge, the A380 has generated fans across the world. Should the UAE secure World Expo 2020, the A380 will play major role in bringing visitors to Dubai.
Dubai is competing against four other candidate cities including Ayutthaya in Thailand, Ekaterinburg in Russia, Izmir in Turkey and Sao Paulo, Brazil.

The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 161 member nations of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).

Be Part of It! - Eenas El Sheakh

Expo 2020 Dubai UAE
Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE organized a competition where each participant must tell why Dubai must host the 2020 World Expo.

Winners was selected by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
Each of them were named "Expo Ambassador" and receive a special recognition, and very special opportunities to be part of the bid, including a trip to Paris to represent the UAE as a guest of the Expo 2020 team, during the last BIE General Assembly in november 2012.

Let us introduce one of these winners, Eenas El Sheakh, 30s, Egypt.
A mother of two, Eenas works as a language teacher and a tour guide. Her submission, which was selected as the winning entry in the competition’s  poetry category, is dedicated to the vision Sheikh Zayed and the history of the UAE.

Eenas El Sheakh
Expo 2020 Dubai Uae - Eenas El Sheakh - Expo Ambassador
Once upon a dream of a man with a mission
Whose biggest strive was to fulfill his vision
Of giving the desert a pulse – a heart
Pumping life into each and every part
Of his country that stood up for a future unknown
To become a model proudly shown.

Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahayan

Revealed his dream, his insight, his plan
He united the leaders of all six lands
Who proudly announced their joining hands.

And together the country a unity of seven

Turned the whole place into a green heaven
Vision after vision
The UAE formed its position
With Tolerance, Harmony and Respect
Three simple words yet there to connect.

A place where East meets West

Welcoming all its different guests
Far over two hundred nations who live
Under a generosity only the UAE can give

Kindness and Hospitality

Two genuine foundations of the Emirati mentality
Through Religion, Heritage, Education and Tradition
Its People follow their great ambition
To achieve more and more in their lives
Reaching back to its founder´s strive

Dubai the city – being humble yet noble

Expands its status of being global
Bidding for the EXPO to host in eight years
Once again – the region’s pioneers.
2020 - such a blink of an eye
The WORLD EXPO taking place in Dubai.

These words surely melt on the tip of the tongue

‘Once upon a dream’ is where history has begun.

And the dream of Zayed is living on

Through Khalifa raising is country so strong
Elarging the footsteps his father once made
Creating new horizons
Decade after decade.

May this country live ever after so blessed

A heartfelt prayer
So deeply expressed.

Thursday, January 24, 2013

World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos

The UAE to highlight Expo 2020 bid at World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland 

The country’s Expo will be a celebration of innovative partnerships
for global progress, said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State

Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE - Reem Al Hashimy

The Dubai, UAE Expo 2020 team will welcome high-level delegates, including international diplomats and senior officials, to a private country reception held during the World Economic Forum (WEF) Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

The reception highlights the opportunity represented by the UAE’s bid, not only for the country itself, but for economies in the region and globally. Dubai Expo 2020 would be the most international World Expo in history with 70% of the 25 million expected visitors coming from outside the host nation, providing participants with unprecedented global exposure.

Davos 2013 - Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE
A model of the Dubai Expo 2020 Site will be on display showing how the theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future, has been fully integrated into the masterplan with a layout designed to facilitate interaction and collaboration.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE’s Minister of State, in her capacity as Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, commented ahead of the event: “The World Economic Forum at Davos provides us with the ideal platform to speak to the world’s foremost experts about how we will use the unique convening power of the World Expo to tackle and provide solutions to the forces that inspire global development – Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity. The World Expo we have planned will be a celebration of new and innovative partnerships for global progress, offering enduring benefits for future generations.”

As a gateway to emerging markets across the Middle East, Africa and Asia – and with one-third of the world’s population just a four-hour direct flight away – the UAE is strategically situated to serve as a convening location to discuss the major challenges of today and tomorrow.

Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo. The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 163 member nations of the Bureau International des Expositions.

Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Royal Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Expo 1982 Knoxville, USA

"Eternal values in a dynamic nation", the theme of the Saudi Arabian Pavilion, reflects both the continuity and development of Arab civilization.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai BlogYoung Saudis dressed in native garb guide visitors through the pavilion, which is easily recognized by its surrounding arches.

Exhibit areas include Islam; Bedouin Tradition and the Cradle of Civilization; Industriel Development; Human Ressources, and 50 Years of U.S.-Saudi Relations.

From the prophet Abraham and his son Ismael, the Arabs and a distinct Arabian civilization can be dated from 3,500 B.C. Ancient Arab cities were important commercial and cultural centers along the trade routes that extended from Rome to Persia, and gave birth to an empire in the 7th century.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

Stimulated by the spiritual, moral and intellectual power of Islam and its prophet Muahammad, the arab people spread their civilization, language and religion around the world. Currently, Saudi Arabia's lightning-paced industrial and human development signals its re-emergence in world political and economic affairs.

Here is a closer look at these specific areas of the Saudi Arabian Exhibit.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog


Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog
Islam
The centerpiece of the Saudi Arabian pavilion is a 400 square foot display featuring an animated model of the Grand Mosque of Mecca.

It symbolizes the centrality of Islam in Saudi Arabian life and historical experience.

The Kaaba, a black cube-shapped building around which the mosque is built, is the focal point of the prayers of the world's 800 million Muslims and center for yearly pilgrimage.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

Traditional society
A second area of the pavilion focuses on the history of pre-Islamic Arabia, as well as the traditions and values of the Bedouin tribes of the Arabian desert.

The bedouin's life-and-death struggle to survive in a harsh environment is given expression by his philosophical and aesthetic appreciation of life.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog
This is reflected in various art formes, particularly the medium of poetry.


U.S.-Saudi relations
U.S. technology and experience have figured largely in Saudi development, as highlighted in the final exhibit area, U.S.-Saudi relations.

Cooperation and friendship, based on strong commercial and financial ties, have characterized dealings between the two nation. In a part of the world that is politically and geographically strategic, Saudi Arabia's interests coincide with those of the United States in ensuring political moderation and stability in the region.

Saudi Arabia pavilion, Expo 1982 Knoxville - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

Monday, January 21, 2013

Dubai Expo 2020 Ambassadors at Gulf Cup Final Match 2013

Dubai Expo 2020 Ambassadors supported the UAE Football Team at Gulf Cup Final Match 2013 in Bahrain


Thursday, January 17, 2013

Neha Dhupia and Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE

Indian actress Neha Dhupia awards a winner of the Dubai, UAE Expo 2020 Candidate City gold coin during the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Dubai Shopping Festival - Expo 2020 Dubai Blog

Wednesday, January 16, 2013

UAE leads chorus for more clean energy investments

Nissar Hoath / 16 January 2013 KhaleejTimes

The United Arab Emirates, despite being a leading fossil fuel producer, is committed to global energy security with investments in clean and renewable sources, said General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
In his inaugural speech at the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week 2013, the World Future Energy Summit and the International Water Summit in the presence of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, Gen. Shaikh Mohammed said the conferences and meetings of the Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week would be successful in achieving the goals.

“The UAE always called and calls for concerted efforts and constructive cooperation with the international community at all levels, both with governments, organisations or companies or individuals and innovators in an effort to reach the desired solutions for energy security,” he told an audience comprising 150 VIP delegates, including heads of states, ministers and experts.

French President Francois Hollande called for more investments in renewable energy projects to prepare for the post-oil era and to avoid global warming. “If we don’t spend ... we will have a catastrophe,” Hollande warned the summit.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed urged the international community to double their efforts in energy security and investments in clean and renewable energy: “We have to intensify our efforts in achieving these goals because the future depends on the steps we are taking today,” he said.

Expo 2020 Dubai Blog
Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid and Gen. Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed with Hollande and Argentine President Kirchner at the Abu Dhabi summit. — Wam
He added the UAE’s efforts in energy security and sustainable development were the result of the wise leadership and approach by the President, His Highness Shaikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, that was an extension of the legacy of the Father of the Nation, the late Shaikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

“The UAE has been supplying energy to the world for nearly half-a-century, and we are working to ensure energy, water and food security.This can only be achieved with the sustainable development that provides a decent life for present and future generations,” he said.

Gen. Shaikh Mohammed asserted that Abu Dhabi provided a global platform for cooperation and strategic partnerships “in order to find practical solutions to these challenges and, through initiatives such as the World Summit on Future Energy and the World Summit on Water and hosting the International Agency for Renewable Energy (Irena)”.

Earlier, he inaugurated the three-day Sustainability Week organised along with the two summits, an exhibition organised by Masdar at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre and attended by Vice-President Shaikh Mohammed, French President Hollande and Argentine President Cristina Fernandez de Kirchner.

Other guests include Jordan’s Queen Raia Abdullah, Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Shaikh Hamad bin Jassim Al Thani, Iceland President Olafur Ragnar Grimsson and Kosovo President Yahya Agha among others.

In his opening speech, Dr Sultan Al Jaber, Masdar CEO, said the main themes of the Sustainability Week is to address future energy challenges.

“We are gathered here today because we have a shared and common responsibility that requires us to achieve the delicate balance required between economic and population growth and limited resources. This balance is essential to building a sustainable future that is based on two crucial and interrelated elements... energy and water, and without them we cannot achieve economic and human development, and cannot fight against poverty and avoid conflicts,” he said.

He added that the UAE, which has the fifth-largest oil reserves in the world, believes that water is more important than oil “and believe that the energy and water deserve the same level of interest from world leaders”.

Dr Al Jaber explained that no one can turn a blind eye to the two lifeline resources, pointing out that seven per cent of the energy is used to produce water and at the same time 50 per cent of water is used to generate power and that might increase in the future.

http://www.khaleejtimes.com/kt-article-display-1.asp?xfile=data/government/2013/January/government_January34.xml&section=government

Monday, January 14, 2013

Hello 2020 - Newsletter 08 - January 2013




January 2013 – Issue 08
Download newsletter as a PDF
Welcome to the January edition of Hello 2020. This month’s focus is on sustainability and intelligent sources of energy and water, a key subtheme of the UAE’s bid to host World Expo 2020 in Dubai. The future world needs to rethink approaches to generating and using energy, and the UAE, among other nations, has been demonstrating and developing its capacity to lead the way on this pressing global issue.
This month’s thought leader, Dr Zhengrong Shi, head of Chinese clean energy group Suntech, considers the huge opportunities presented by solar power. He assesses how the world is shifting from fossil fuels to renewable energy, a sector that is expected to be worth US$2.2tn in 2020, and highlights the environmental and economic benefits of this shift in energy focus.

Elsewhere, John Vidal provides food for thought as he addresses the issue of water scarcity and explores the innovative technologies that are available to help limit the amount of water required in farming.

His Excellency Mohamed Ali Al Noman, the Chairman of Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlights the path towards sustainably designed luxury and a more responsible use of natural resources.

Food_for_thought

Q&A Dr Zhengrong Shi’s vision of a solar-powered future

- The Big Picture: Sustainable tourism

- World Expo Legacy: 
The 1910 Brussels World Expo 


Expo 1910 Brussels - Tunisian pavilion.
Expo 1910 Brussels - Tunisian pavilion.

Expo 1910 Brussels - Algerian pavilion
Expo 1910 Brussels - Algerian pavilion

Expo 1910 BrusselsExpo 1910 Brussels