Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum today reaffirmed the UAE’s readiness to welcome the world to Expo 2020 Dubai and herald a new era of international collaboration.

His Highness made these remarks as he visited the Expo 2020 Dubai site, with only one month to go before doors open to the world’s largest cultural event.

Sheikh Mohammed praised the efforts of Expo 2020’s employees, and commended all local and federal government entities for their support to deliver a successful mega-event that befits the status and reputation of the UAE.

“We look forward to receiving delegations from 191 countries as well as businesses, multilateral organisations and educational institutions,who will join in the making of a better tomorrow for humanity. Amid this critical phase in the history of mankind, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a unique opportunity for the world to come together, exchange knowledge and develop innovative solutions for a better future,” His Highness said.

“The world will soon meet in Dubai to discover new paths for progress and prosperity and shape a future that will enable communities to thrive and overcome various challenges,” His Highness added.

During his visit, accompanied by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed on the final touches in preparation for Expo 2020’s opening as well as the programming for the mega event.

His Highness was also briefed by Her Excellency Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashimi, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, on the various efforts being taken to ensure the success of the event, which will be the first and biggest gathering to be held since the outset of the COVID-19 pandemic.

During his visit, Sheikh Mohammed also inspected two new landmarks – the Expo 2020 Water Feature and the Garden in the Sky observation tower. An award-winning composer was involved in crafting the original musical score for the Expo 2020 Water Feature, which includes water, earth and fire features.

Meanwhile, the Garden in the Sky observation tower, built at a height of 55 metres, will offer breathtaking 360-degree views of Expo 2020 Dubai, including the site’s icons and pavilions representing 191 participating countries, many of whom will have their own pavilion for the first time in the 170-year history of World Expos.

The Expo 2020 Water Feature and the Garden in the Sky observation tower are both set to appeal to millions of visitors during Expo 2020 and will continue to serve as major attractions even after the event closes its doors.

As part of the visit, which was attended by His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of HH The Ruler’s Court of Dubai and His Excellency Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Chairman of Protocols for the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, His Highness also visited the iconic structures of Al Wasl Plaza and the Expo 2020 Leadership Pavilion, as well as Al Forsan Park.

The international event, which runs from 1 October 2021 until 31 March 2022, will welcome millions of visitors from across the globe to join the making of a new world throughout a six-month celebration of creativity, innovation, humanity, and world cultures.

Expo 2020 Dubai, through its theme and purpose, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ will galvanise visitors and participants to discover fresh perspectives, challenge existing thinking, form new partnerships and ultimately help create a brighter tomorrow for all humanity. The three subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability are the main drivers of progress and pillars through which participants will work toward a common objective of protecting both the people and the planet for generations to come.