Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion staff reflect on their fond memories

DUBAI: Staff working for the pavilions of Expo 2020 Dubai’s International Participants have shared their most precious memories and key takeaways as their time at the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region conclude.

The overall consensus was that important, life-long friendships have been made – and many will plan visits to each other’s countries and stay in touch until they meet again. They all agreed on the event’s incredible organisation and the supportiveness of Country Managers, administration, management and all other relevant departments, while the kindness and hospitality of the Emirati people, as well as the spirit of collaboration, will also be remembered long after the event finishes.

Bujar Deskaj, Deputy Commissioner General, Republic of Kosovo Pavilion, said, “From my point of view as a diplomat, this event can be considered as a long session of the United Nations. This is because in no other place can you gather about 200 representatives of countries [and other international organisations] who will stay together for six months.”

Eha Mäesalu, Business Representative, Estonia Pavilion, said, “I think everyone’s heard of the power of cooperation, but seeing it in action is another story. We’ve formed a true community in such a short time – everyone’s so supportive of each other and it’s fantastic to watch how the whole world comes together to pull off a project of this scale.”

Giuseppe Di Nicola, Director, Holy See Pavilion, explained what he had learnt during the six months, “I found that Muslims are very open, that they are very interested in the Catholic religion and they look for similarities between the two religions, not differences. Muslims desire to know Christians. If we don’t know each other, we cannot love each other. The Expo is full of very different people who are together.”

Alejandra Fuentes, Director, Honduras Pavilion – who was scheduled to represent her country in the Miss World beauty pageant, but chose to come to Dubai instead – said, “It’s an amazing opportunity and such an honour. I had to make a difficult decision in representing Honduras at the Expo or at the pageant, and I am so happy with my decision. I came with a lot of assumptions of Emirati culture and I figured that we are very similar. Being of Latin American descent, I can see a lot of similarities in our culture with theirs, especially in the area of hospitality.”

Pavilion staff who live in the UAE were proud to represent their country of residence, as well as their home country.

Achim Harding, Youth Ambassador, USA Pavilion, said, “A lot of Americans have no idea what it is like to live in the Middle East. Many of my friends and family had misconceptions about what it is like to live in the United Arab Emirates. I am glad that some of them came to visit me while I was working at Expo, so they can see how amazing this country is.”

Koulla Michaelides, Pavilion Staff, Cyprus Pavilion, said, “I have been living in the UAE for more than eight years, and being able to promote and talk about my country to the Expo visitors who came from all over the world was an amazing experience.”

Those who came to the UAE for Expo 2020 Dubai were proud to showcase what their country has to offer and engage with people from around the world.

Chiara Poll, Pavilion Staff, Campus Germany, said, “I am very proud to have been given the opportunity to represent my own country at the first Expo in the Arab region. I was surprised how well-known and popular Germany is all over the world.”

Juan Estrada, Museum Guide and Pavilion Staff, Nicaragua Pavilion, said, “I felt proud to show that we are a hardworking people, our crafts, and our natural resources and fertile land. Visitors to our pavilion were interested in visiting our country for all the natural wonders and the culture that we have.”

And for almost all staff, there will be plenty of long-lasting and personal takeaways.

Samara Schuman, Youth Ambassador, USA Pavilion, said, “I wish to pay forward the Middle Eastern hospitality I have experienced here … For me, changing people’s perceptions to create a global community is diplomacy in action.”

Marina Vellon, VIP hostess, Spain Pavilion, said, “I will definitely keep unrepeatable moments … unique moments like time spent with people from all over the world visiting our pavilion; personal growth, too, because this experience has broadened my mind. I realised that every day is a new opportunity, we just have to open our eyes and leave our comfort zone.”

Maureen Smith, Promotions & Events Officer, Jamaica Tourist Board, said, “The experience has been nothing short of amazing. No two days have been the same. I will leave Expo 2020 Dubai with an eternal feeling of pride and gratitude for having represented my country in such an extraordinary way … giving my best with an incredible team. Dubai has also been so hospitable – I hope to be back soon.”

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