Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning – Sheikh Mohammed

Expo 2020 Dubai, the mega event that convened 192 countries and millions of visitors from across the world, has drawn to a close on March 31.

In an audio message delivered at the closing ceremony of the event, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai said: “During the Expo 2020 Dubai journey, we portrayed to the world a different version of ingenuity that touched the hearts and minds of every member of society. Our sons and daughters have proven their ability to overcome unprecedented difficulties and challenges. And in every moment of this journey, we reflected the values of the UAE – values of affection and hospitality. Today is not the end of Expo 2020, but a new beginning.”

“The UAE and Dubai will continue, God willing, to be graceful and strong – and able, to Connect Minds and Create the Future with this exceptional government, and the leadership of my brother Mohamed bin Zayed.”

182 يوم .. 192 دولة .. ملايين الزوار .. وداعاً إكسبو ..
جمعنا العالم في أكبر حدث .. وفي أصعب وقت يمر على البشرية .. ضمن أجمل دورة من دورات إكسبو في تاريخه .. وعدنا وأوفينا .. نقول ما نفعل .. ونفعل ما نقول ..
وقادما أعظم بإذن الله ..

— HH Sheikh Mohammed (@HHShkMohd) March 31, 2022

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, also said that Expo 2020 Dubai offers the opportunity of “a new beginning” for the UAE and the world.

The closing ceremony was attended by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee.

As the curtains fall on #Expo2020, emotions are high and as we say goodbye to 6 amazing months, let us take a moment and appreciate the outstanding work of every individual who made this happen. pic.twitter.com/JXPTYvUlid

— Hamdan bin Mohammed (@HamdanMohammed) March 31, 2022

The ceremony was also attended by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council; Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority; Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner-General of Expo 2020 Dubai; and Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of Expo 2020 Dubai.

The ceremony saw the baton for World Expo being handed over to Osaka, Japan, which will host the next Expo in 2025, official news agency WAM reported.

Expo 2020 Dubai, opened in October of last year and was the first world expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the first to be hosted by an Arab nation.

Jai-chul Choi, President of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) said that this is the first world expo in which more than 190 countries participated with their own pavilions.

“It has been made possible by the UAE’s dedication to hosting a transformational and unifying event, and by the commitment of the BIE, the Organiser and all participants to persevere in the delivery of this wonderful World Expo,” Choi said. “During this tumultuous period, Expo 2020 Dubai has been a beacon to remind us all that, to navigate these challenges, we must join together and work in unison.”

He also said participating countries, visitors and all those who have been part of Expo 2020 Dubai will take away essential lessons for the future based on their experiences at the event.

“When the Expo ends and this site evolves into a new urban district, the enduring spirit of Expo 2020 Dubai will persist, adding new energy and ideas to the meaning of what a World Expo is.”