District 2020 design applauded as a sustainable future city

DUBAI: Expo 2020 Dubai’s design as a future city – District 2020 – is an example of how strategy and planning can systemically improve people’s mental health and quality of life, by having sustainability and wellness at its core. This was underscored during The Chemistry of Happiness World Majlis discussion held at the UK Pavilion to coincide with UK National Day and follows the recent Health and Wellness Week at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Her Excellency Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, UAE Minister of Community Development, highlighted the proactive approach the government has taken to ensure better mental health and wellness for people in the UAE. 

HE Buhumaid commented: “At the height of any development here in the UAE, we believe that the focus is on the human being, and this is a very deep-rooted thought that comes from the late Sheikh Zayed, the founder of the UAE.”

HE Buhumaid demonstrated how the design of Expo 2020 Dubai is an example of what can be achieved to create sustainable future cities that are accessible to all, built with both physical and mental wellness in mind, and cited the planting of numerous ghaf trees around the site as a way of achieving this. 

“We need to ensure that it’s accessible for all, that it’s sustained for years to come, not only for these six months of Expo. This is only a small idea of how we should be building our communities and cities into the future,” HE Buhumaid said.

HE Buhumaid’s comments were supported by the recommendations of other panel members.

Dr Alex George, Youth Mental Health Ambassador to the UK government, recommended the healing power of spending time in nature; while Glen Stollery, CEO, Les Mills International for the Middle East, India and Africa, commented on the importance of physical exercise and training to support mental health.

Source: Expo 2020 Website