Expossibilities

Hi, my name is Mir Faraz, and I’m in Year 7. As a proud resident of the UAE, I cannot hold my excitement now that Expo has finally opened its doors to all. It’s like seeing a dream come true before our own eyes. Expo 2020 is one of the first major world gatherings since the advent of Covid-19. It symbolizes hope, resilience, the power of determination, optimism, and above all, Expo symbolizes unrestrained possibilities for the residents of the UAE as well as people all over the globe. We are indeed fortunate to experience something as spectacular and path-breaking as Expo 2020, with its promise of connecting minds and creating the future. This column is dedicated to the unparalleled spirit of this nation which has made this achievement possible. In every issue, I’ll try to capture some of the Expossibilities of the Greatest Show on the Earth.

Experience of a Lifetime

Just a few reasons why you must visit Expo 2020

It was on 1st October, 2021 when Expo 2020 opened its doors to the world. And within the span of 3 months, the “greatest show on Earth” has had more than 8 million visits! To add to this astounding figure, more than 30 million virtual visits have been logged by people from all over the globe. With another 3 months of brilliance to unfold, here is why Expo 2020 is an event everyone must visit.

Be a part of history

Expos are unrivalled among international events in their size, scale, duration and visitor numbers. It is after considerable efforts that countries win the bid to host this mega-event, hence, to live in a country which is home to the latest edition of Expo is a truly a privilege and an opportunity of a lifetime – one that we must embrace and make the most of. Being at Expo really does evoke a sense of being a global citizen revelling in the wonders of a historical event.

An unrivalled learning opportunity

It is indeed difficult to quote a grander platform than Expo when it comes to the learning environment that it extends to the visitors. World Expos have explicitly been organized around a theme that attempts to improve humankind’s knowledge, takes into account human and social aspirations and highlights scientific, technological, economic and social progress. Think of Expo as a massive, global school where the best minds have converged to showcase the most innovative inventions which will spur many pathbreaking solutions for humanity.

Nations in a microcosm

Visit Expo 2020 and you will get the first-ofits-kind opportunity to visit 192 countries at a single site! It’s a fantastic opportunity to learn about the world’s cultures, governments, economies, issues, and travel opportunities. And while you go around the pavilions, don’t forget to get your exclusive Expo 2020 passport stamped with the custom stamp of each pavilion. This will undoubtedly be a souvenir to cherish for a lifetime.

An architectural wonderland

As you step into Expo 2020, you would feel as if you have magically been teleported to a futuristic city. Without any exaggeration, the entire site really does look like something you would find in a Sci-Fi movie. Each country’s pavilion has a unique spin portraying their national pride as well as their sheer expertise and ingenuity. Each structure is a modern day masterpiece – some would even make you question the laws of physics! Overall, a visual delight which absolutely cannot be missed.

Sustainability at its core

Sustainability is one of the three subthemes of Expo 2020 through which it aims to underscore the importance of respecting and living in balance with the world we inhabit to ensure a sustainable future for all. With an entire pavilion dedicated to Sustainability, the visitors will get a unique insight into the challenges that the planet is facing as well as the pathbreaking solutions being explored at different levels. Furthermore, each pavilion has curated a number of innovative experiences reconnecting visitors to nature. Combining technology and science, Expo 2020 hopes to encourage visitors to acknowledge the importance of respecting and protecting our planet.

A window to the future

It goes without saying that Expos offer a look “around the corner” at what’s to come: video and mobile phones, monorails, satellite communication, new methods of recycling, virtual reality shows and holograms, innovations in architecture, all have been staples of Expos. In fact, expos are famous for unveiling creations, big and small, previously unseen by the world but which have gone on to become a part of everyday life – the Ferris wheel, ice cream cone, X ray machine, Eiffel Tower, telephone, lawn mower, air conditioner, the zipper, mobiles phones, just to name a few, were first unveiled at previous Expo events.

A culinary delight

With 200+ eateries with award-winning chefs and brand-new dining concepts, Expo 2020 is truly a culinary extravaganza. Taste dishes from every corner of the world - Street food, haute cuisine, family friendly meals, sustainable dining and so much more.

Mesmerizing Entertainment

All the world’s a stage, with up to 60 events a day at Expo 2020! Every day is a unique experience daily parades, late-night laser shows, special effects, fireworks, vocal and dance performances by artists from all over the world – the list is endless. Literally, there’s a surprise at every corner and the world under one roof waiting for you to discover it!