‘Every African Nation’ At Expo 2020 Dubai As World Fair Opens

Published 2 years ago
City skyline in Dubai
The Dubai skyline; Getty Images

With Expo 2020 Dubai opening to a lavish and spectacularly starry night in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), on September 30, the world fair with the theme, Connecting Minds, Creating the Future and a message on global cooperation and a sustainable future, will be well-represented by the African continent.

The opening ceremony featured stunning visuals and world-class acts, at Al Wasl Plaza, where legendary Italian tenor, Andrea Bocelli, enthralled with the song, The Prayer.

Each of the 191 participating countries will have its own pavilion at the six-month event opening on October 1.

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To a query from FORBES AFRICA about Africa’s participation, the organizers had earlier said: “For decades, the UAE and Africa have enjoyed strong economic ties. Africa has a lot to offer, and the Expo will provide a platform for African nations to tell their story and promote a continent that is ready to move forward and a secure place to do business. For the first time in the 170-year history of World Expos, every African nation will participate, each with its own pavilion, while the African Union will also host its own pavilion at Expo 2020. Building on the long-standing friendship between the UAE and Africa – one based on mutual respect and a shared vision – Expo 2020 offers African nations the opportunity to showcase their individual visions for the future.”