Saudi Gazette

DUBAI – The UAE, the host nation for Expo 2020, said it will showcase the future of mobility to the world as part of the Expo’s themes of ‘connecting minds’ and ‘creating the future’.

“We will demonstrate the future of intelligent mobility which will change the way cars are driven, powered and integrated into society,” said vice president of engagement of Expo 2020 Manal Al Bayat during a press conference here where Nissan was announced as the official automotive partner.

Nissan’s regional vice president Kalyana Sivagnanam said a fleet of some 1,000 vehicles will be delivered, including “electric and next-generation cars featuring advanced technologies”.

“Sustainable, safer and connected vehicles are the future of mobility”, he added after presenting the BladeGlider electric concept car. “We focus on revolutionizing the mobility sector through our innovative and sustainable solutions.”

Throughout history, world expos have revealed breakthrough innovations and cultural achievements for mankind including the telephone, color TV, the mobile phone, the commissioning of the Eiffel Tower, diesel engines, the escalator, the typewriter, tomato ketchup and even the ice cream cone.

“People expect they are world expos will be catalysts for creating a lasting impact on humanity and providing a platform to showcase cutting edge of human innovation,” said Al Bayat. “We mean to do just that.”

A historic global event that occurs every five years and lasts 6 months, the World Expo will take place for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia ever since the beginning of the global tradition started during the Industrial Revolution in 1851 in London.

“Unfortunately, it has been difficult for this region to witness a world expo. What we want to showcase is offering this opportunity to a region of 2.9 billion people that haven’t been exposed to this kind of innovation, creativity, collective thinking and delivery,” Al Bayat told Saudi Gazette. “On the other hand, we want to show the world what we want to deliver. It’s important that our voice is heard and our accomplishments are showcased to the world.”

Visitors will have to wait to see what Expo 2020 will reveal to the world.

25 million visitors are expected to visit the new site south of Dubai chosen for its strategic location such as its proximity to Al Maktoum International Airport.

The site covers around 4 square kilometers and will, for the first time, allow all 180-member countries to have a pavilion of its own.

The new site will be a sustainable and smart city for an estimated 1 million residents after the major event.