The UAE opened its pavilion at Expo 2017 Astana, an international exposition which opened yesterday (June 10) to run until September 10 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

Covering more than 980 sq m, 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.

The pavilion was inaugurated by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Emirates Group, and chairman of the Higher Committee of Expo 2020 Dubai.

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 and acquaints visitors with the UAE’s culture, lifestyle and openness to the world.

Through its rich and diverse features and content, 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.

Dr Mohammed Ahmed bin Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Ambassador to Kazakhstan, said: "The UAE’s participation in Expo 2017 Astana holds great significance for the UAE 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 a testament to the country’s achievements and its ambitious future aspirations."

He also commended the large role that Emirati youth volunteers have in operating the UAE Pavilion as they prepare for the highly anticipated Expo 2020 Dubai.

Inspired by the dunes of the Emirati 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, against a backdrop image of the Abu Dhabi skyline. The quote reads, "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 Al Jaber said, "The National Media Council has actively cooperated with all involved 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 across multiple fronts, guided by our wise leadership."

Bridging generations, visitors at the UAE pavilion can also explore the past, present, and future of the UAE's energy and sustainability sectors through a creative 270-degree wrap-around film. Emphasis is placed on the sustainability legacy and environmental stewardship of the UAE through innovation and advanced technologies.

"The Pavilion enables visitors to gain insights into how the UAE has built strong cooperation ties with the international community in various areas and fields. It underlines our country’s key pillars and future-oriented approach to provide future generations with the necessary resources and enablers, setting the foundations for sustainability and stability," Dr Al Jaber added.

He highlighted that sustainable development is a key pillar of the UAE’s future developmental outlook particularly in light of the vast developments that the country is witnessing across multiple areas, which is the result of the UAE leadership’s vision and efforts to build a progressive and modern country that provides its people with all required services.

Al Jaber went on to say that the UAE pavilion is an ideal platform to showcase the country’s national achievements which includes a wide range of initiatives, solutions and projects that have been designed to achieve energy security while integrating socio-economic development and technological and knowledge advancement.

"NMC is looking forward to communicating the UAE’s pioneering experiences at Expo 2017 Astana while effectively promoting the hosting of Expo 2020 in Dubai," he said, adding, "the content and features of Expo 2020 Dubai will reflect its theme, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future' as we look forward to building momentum at Expo 2017 Astana and utilise its positive energy in Expo 2020 Dubai through the UAE’s principles of cooperation and partnership to build a better future around the world."

Al Jaber concluded by saying that Expo 2020 Dubai will be a testament to the unprecedented progress that the UAE has achieved in the last 40 years, and will serve as an ideal platform for the international community to come together to discover new innovative solutions and opportunities in the fields of sustainability and transportation to achieve economic prosperity. As a true catalyst for positive change, Expo 2020 Dubai will also enable participants to exchange knowledge and expertise while drawing in investments, commercial deals and tourism. – TradeArabia News Service