The National Media Council (NMC) has hosted a series of events at the UAE pavilion at Expo Milano 2015 as part of the country's National Day showcase.

Held in line with the World Expo's tradition of celebrating each participating country's national day, the NMC marked the occasion by organising a flag hoisting ceremony, which was attended by key government officials from the UAE, the UAE Embassy in Italy, and members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, in addition to a large number of visitors and participants from different corners of the world.

The UAE's participation in the World Expo has been organised and managed by NMC since 1992. The national pavilion of the UAE at Expo Milano 2015 attracted more than 1.1 million visitors since the event's opening on May 1, 2015.

Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, UAE Minister of State and Chairman of the National Media Council, said: "Our participation in Expo Milano 2015 has been a great success thanks to the unlimited support extended by the UAE's leadership, as well as the vital role played by various entities participating in the nation's pavilion.

"The UAE has been dedicated to participating in recent World Expos and to feature the impressive development our country has accomplished in just four decades. Expo Milano was a valuable opportunity to showcase the UAE's leadership across various fields and to highlight our human capital development efforts.

"Participating in the Expo has also allowed the UAE to connect with a global audience and share our rich history, hospitable culture, and hardworking society. It highlights our commitment to international cooperation, to building bridges between nations, and to spreading the culture of tolerance and moderation. The UAE pavilion this year gives visitors a glimpse of the notable role played by the UAE in the international arena and its leadership across various economic, social and cultural spheres," added Dr. Al Jaber.

Set up with the support and participation of several national organisations and companies, the UAE's 4,300 sqm pavilion is the largest in the history of the World Expo, offering visitors from around the world a vibrant image of the UAE.

The pavilion comprises several sections, showcasing the country's experience in ensuring sustainable development and its focus on delivering water, energy and food security for the world at large.

Thanking the companies and organisations participating in the UAE pavilion, Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber stressed that their active involvement contributed towards presenting a positive image of the UAE to visitors from all over the world.

As the organiser of the UAE pavilion at World Expos, NMC is preparing for the country's upcoming participation in Astana in 2017, and its role as host of Expo 2020 in Dubai. The Dubai Expo 2020 will be held under the theme of "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future," echoing the powerful spirit of partnership and cooperation that has driven the country's success in pioneering new paths of development and innovation.

Set to run from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, Expo Dubai 2020 is expected to deliver positive impacts on the economy of the UAE and broader region. As the first city in the region to host a World Expo it is anticipated to attract diverse investment and development opportunities.
Source: WAM