But as the curtains fall on Expo 2020, we look back with happiness that we finally made it in spite of all the setbacks of pandemic, and a tinge of sadness that the show is over.
Why is Expo 2020 special to UAE?
It is the triumph of grit, resilience, motivation, focus and the vision of the country.
All of us were looking forward to the Expo when the pandemic struck and shutdown the world. None of us were sure whether things will be normal. Air Travel was blocked from many countries. Yet, UAE was determined to stage the biggest show albeit a year later.
And they did it successfully! The opening ceremony was a showstopper! Which unfolded what was to come. And from October 2021 till March 2022, the views were spectacular.
What was Expo 2020 to the government and organizers?
It was a statement to the world that whatever be the adversities, if we are determined, we can still succeed. The odds were many including travel between countries were blocked till the August, the covid cases were surging all over the world. Yet they managed to stage the most spectacular event in the country. HATS OFF TO ALL THE ORGANISERS AND VOLUNTEERS. Expo 2020 was a true show of grit , resilience , focus and motivation.
What was Expo 2020 to the residents of UAE ?
It was a weekend spot for all the residents of UAE. The free Expo riders from all the Emirates at regular intervals helped a smooth and easy movement to the Expo 2020, especially for people without vehicles. Ladies, students and even senior citizens were hopping into the Expo riders and metro to explore the show reiterating the fact the UAE is one of the safest countries in the world, where people could travel even at midnight without any escort! Truly connecting Mind.
It was a place for family get togethers where fun was mixed with learning about the cultures , innovations and future of the world. It was like a family picnic and potluck lunch as families sat to have food together . It was a place where people looked around connectng with people from across countries without any use of mobile phones in the process!. There are only bright smiling faces around and all the hostilities were kept outside the EXPO.
And the knowledge gained about new countries, innovation, food and culture, which we have not even heard of ! The different features like the Observation tower, water feature and countless other innovations of each pavilion were really a treat to watch .
Hats off to all the volunteers who tirelessly worked to make the experience a wonderful one for each visitor. Starting from the volunteers at the bus station who controlled the crowd , the drivers who tirelessly drove the people to and from the venue, the metro workers ,the police, the volunteers at the entrance ready to welcome the visitors, patiently checking the tickets, helping people to move around, those at each of the pavilions welcoming each visitor with a smile and helping them explore the beauties of their country .
EXPO 2020 reiterated the fact that UAE is an inclusive country because the needs of each and every visitor be it the ordinary, People of determination or the elderly by providing them with facilities like smart queues to make their experiences equally great.
EXPO 2020 showed us that there is a world beyond the internet, Google and YouTube . It showed us that it is possible to live in harmony as members of 192 pavilions joined together to make this a wonderful experience for all and the all the 200 nationalities that make up UAE joined together to make this event a success.
It was not just an event for UAE as a country. For each resident of UAE regardless whether they were nationals or expats, Expo 2020 was their event and the success of Expo 2020 was their success and they wore it with pride
Thank you Expo 2020 for helping us to showcase to the world that we are unique and we are united.
Good Bye Expo 2020 and thank you for helping us show the world what we can do when we are determined to succeed.
