The UAE has a long history of involvement with Expos. These have their origins in local markets where people from different regions would gather to trade goods. Julfar and Dibba in the UAE, where merchants are reported to have visited from China, are ancient examples. In addition to the business that was conducted at such markets, they also promoted mutual understanding and fellowship between people of different nations and cultures.
The idea of emulating these highly successful local ‘fairs’, promoting cultural exchange and sharing innovation lay behind the first World Expo that was organised in 1851 in London at a purpose-built massive glass and iron structure known as ‘Crystal Palace’. Expo London 1851 is remembered more for the extraordinary architecture that it spawned in the form of this groundbreaking building than for the fair itself.
It was a trend that was set to continue with, for example, the world’s tallest structure (at the time) erected to mark the 1889 Paris Expo:
“the famous Eiffel Tower remains one of the iconic landmarks of the French capital.”
The success of universal expositions – Paris alone organised six hugely popular ones in 1855, 1867, 1878, 1889, 1900 and 1937 – led other cities around the world to follow suit. Each had its own particular characteristics but shared one thing in common: i.e. that cultural exchange, innovation, and promotion of living standards were core objectives.
The Convention of Paris 1928, signed by delegates from 31 countries, was established in order to create a global organisation with a single set of guidelines that would provide the regulatory framework for all World and International Expos. It still performs that function today, under the guidance of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE).
World Expos held under the BIE banner take place every five years and last for six months. Participants include states, international organisations, civil society groups, corporations, and citizens. The size of the Expo site is unlimited and participants may build their own pavilions.
International Expos under the auspices of BIE are also held in the interval between World Expos and last for three months. Participants are similar to those at World Expos but in this case pavilions are provided by the organisers and customised by participants. In both cases the Expo must have an organising theme that reflects global concerns.
The UAE has made a strong mark at each Expo where it has participated. It was among the top ten pavilions at EXPO 2000 in Hannover; was awarded a gold medal at EXPO Zaragoza 2008; won a popular vote among the general public in Shanghai (and came top in an academic study conducted by staff from UCLA who looked at public diplomacy criteria); and received a silver medal in Yeosu. The main film shown in Yeosu has also won three gold medals at international film festivals.
The UAE has been widely commended for the manner in which it has approached the themes of Expo whilst still engaging and entertaining its visitors. Its successful bid to host Expo Dubai 2020 is a testimony to the quality of its bid proposal, its professional and focused campaign and the respect in which the country is held by BIE member states, based on its performances at previous Expos.
We are looking forward with great anticipation to our participation in Expo Milano 2015 where the theme is Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life and to hosting Expo Dubai 2020 (‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’) In between, there will be an International Expo in Astana, Kazakhstan in 2017 where the focus will be on ‘Future Energy’.