Denmark confirms Expo 2020 Dubai participation

The Danish government has confirmed its official participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, partnering with the Danish Business Council for the event.

The country’s official letter of participation was handed by Danish ambassador Franz-Michael Mellbin, who has been appointed commissioner general for Denmark at Expo 2020, at the end of last week’s International Participants Meeting (IPM) in Dubai.

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The Danish pavilion, located in the Mobility District, features an 18-metre-tall observation tower. The pavilion superstructure is now complete and the full fit-out is expected to be completed by the end of July, a statement said.

It will host several high-profile Danish companies, including mobility experts such as DSV and Maersk, alongside Rockwool and Ege.

The pavilion will also showcase the country’s export and investment potential alongside the strength of its relationship with the UAE.

With less than five months to go until the Expo officially opens in October, businesses and organisations from across Denmark are being encouraged to take part in its pavilion, the statement said.

Close to 1,000 Danish SMEs are expected to participate, it added.

“As the world economy slowly begins to reopen, Danish companies are keen to participate and share their expertise, innovations and vision with the world for a cleaner, safer, healthier future,” said Mellbin.

Jens Lund, president of the Danish Business Council, added: “We are putting the finishing touches to our pavilion and look forward to working closely with our country to share the best of what Denmark has to offer with people from all corners of the planet when Expo opens on October 1.”

The first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 Dubai will run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

For the first time in Expo history, every participating nation will have its own pavilion, with countries clustered under Expo 2020’s three subthemes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability.

The event is anticipated to welcome more than 190 nations and millions of visitors.

Mohammed Al Shehhi, director for European Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, said: “The need for nations from all corners of the world to unite with a common purpose to build a stronger, cleaner, safer planet has never been greater, and we are delighted to welcome the Danish government on board, alongside our existing partners from the Danish Business Council.”

Fatema Al Mazrouei, ambassador of the UAE in Denmark, added: “Denmark’s participation shows how countries can overcome the coronavirus pandemic by getting closer together and enhancing their cooperation to win over its challenges.”