Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Emirates airline and Group, and chairman of the Higher Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai, inaugurated the UAE pavilion at Expo 2017 Astana on Saturday.

Sheikh Ahmed was accompanied by Dr Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of State and chairman of the board of directors of National Media Council (NMC), the government entity that built, managed and supervised the country's pavilion. Dr Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan, Mansour Al Mansouri, director-general of NMC, and Kairat Lama Sharif, Ambassador of the Republic of Kazakhstan to the UAE, were also in attendance.

The UAE pavilion represents an interactive platform which enables visitors to gain key insights into the UAE's vast development and pioneering role in shaping the future of renewable energy. The pavilion introduces visitors to the UAE's culture, lifestyle and openness to the world. Through its rich and diverse features, the pavilion reflects the country's strategy for diversifying energy resources while shedding light on the country's global partnerships and projects in the field of renewable energy.

Sheikh Ahmed said: "The UAE's participation in Expo 2017 Astana holds great significance as it paves the way to the hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai. As the first expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, the 2020 event is not only a source of pride for all Emiratis and expats, but also a testament to the country's achievements and its ambitious future aspirations."

He also commended the role of Emirati volunteers in operating the UAE pavilion as they prepare for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Inspired by the dunes of the Liwa desert, visitors to the UAE pavilion are greeted by the words of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, founding father of the UAE: "No matter how many buildings, foundations, schools and hospitals we build, or how many bridges we raise, all these are material entities. The real spirit behind the progress is the human spirit, the able man with his intellect and capabilities."

Dr Sultan Al Jaber said: "The NMC has cooperated with all government entities to streamline efforts and ensure that the country's pavilion showcases the UAE's success in maintaining its rich cultural heritage and values and its accomplishments."

Visitors to the pavilion can explore the past, present and future of the UAE's energy and sustainability sectors through a film. Emphasis is placed on the sustainability legacy of the UAE through innovation and advanced technologies.

"The pavilion enables visitors to gain insights into how the UAE has built strong ties with the international community. It underlines our country's key pillars and future-oriented approach to provide future generations with the necessary resources and enablers," Al Jaber added.

He highlighted that sustainable development is a key pillar of the UAE's future development outlook. Al Jaber added that the UAE pavilion is an ideal platform to showcase the country's national achievements which includes a wide range of initiatives and projects designed to achieve energy security while integrating socio-economic development and technological and knowledge advancement.

"NMC is looking forward to communicating the UAE's experiences at Expo 2017 Astana while effectively promoting the hosting of Expo 2020 in Dubai," he said, adding: "We look forward to building momentum at Expo 2017 Astana and utilise its positive energy in Expo 2020 Dubai."

Al Jaber said Expo 2020 Dubai would be a testament to the progress achieved by the UAE in the past 40 years, and would serve as an ideal platform for the international community to come together to discover innovative solutions and opportunities in the fields of sustainability and transportation to achieve economic prosperity.

Covering more than 980sqm, the UAE pavilion is the largest at the Expo and has been designed to receive up to 7,000 visitors per day. A virtual host will guide visitors through the experience, with the overall tour of the pavilion taking nearly 20 minutes to complete.

Source: Khaleej Times