India getting all set for EXPO 2020, will showcase its culture and strength

India’s preparations for the EXPO 2020 Dubai have moved into top gear with less than twelve weeks remaining for the grand opening on October 1, 2021. Displaying strong commitment to India’s participation at the Expo, a high-level Indian delegation led by Additional Secretary, Department of Commerce & Commissioner General for India, Shri S Kishore, and Ambassador of India to the UAE, Shri Pavan Kapoor, called on Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE’s Minister of State for International Cooperation & Director General, EXPO 2020 Dubai on July 7, 2021 (Wednesday). Consul General of India in Dubai & Deputy Commissioner General for India, Dr. Aman Puri, and Secretary-General, FICCI, Shri Dilip Chenoy were also part of the delegation along with other senior government officials.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy talked about the special relationship of India and the UAE highlighting how the two close partners had helped each other during the difficult times of the pandemic. Shri Kishore assured her that India’s participation at EXPO 2020 Dubai is being closely monitored and prioritized at the highest levels and India is fully committed to participating in it in a big way. Ambassador Kapoor commended the UAE Government’s resilience and their successful COVID testing and vaccination program, which have enabled them to approach EXPO 2020 Dubai with confidence. In this context, Ambassador Kapoor emphasized the need for early removal of restrictions on vaccinated Indians returning to the UAE. The two sides also discussed progress on approval of vaccines in India and the UAE and welcomed exchanges on technical aspects of interoperability between India’s Co-WIN App and UAE’s Alhosn App.

The delegation also held a detailed review meeting on programming and operations with Mr. Omar Shehadeh, Chief International Participants’ Officer, at EXPO 2020 Dubai and his team.

The delegation also visited India Pavilion to assess the ongoing work. Located in the Al Forsan Park adjacent to the Opportunity district, the construction work of India Pavilion, having a built-up area of 8736 square meters started in Aug 2019. The structural and dynamic façade work is now complete, and the interior work is currently going on and is expected to be completed by the third week of July, which will be followed by fit-out and work on visitor’s experience, etc. which is expected to be completed by end of August 2021.

The delegation also interacted with representatives of the Indian business community in the UAE to explore their collaboration with the India Pavilion, given the huge opportunity it offered them as part of their ongoing integral role in the India-UAE strategic partnership.

The India Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will showcase the country’s achievements, over the last 75 years, innovative technologies, and business opportunities it offers, as well as its cultural diversity and ancient treasures. From age-old yoga to India’s foray into space, the pavilion will bring alive a vibrant and ambitious India. From Indian State Governments to corporates, the Indian Pavilion will showcase a modern, robust India, high on technology while simultaneously exhibiting the beauty of Indian art, culture, and cuisine during the 183 days that the event will run. Expo 2020 Dubai will witness mega Diwali and Holi celebrations. The external façade of the India Pavilion, made up of 600 individual colorful blocks capable of kinetic movements symbolizing the themes, will showcase an India on the move.