Saleh Al Braik
Founder of talent hub Think Up
“I believe Expo 2020 will have a positive effect on the UAE, in terms of raising awareness on other cultures, backgrounds, traditions, innovations and more. The UAE is known for being a multicultural hub. This has lead to our constant record-breaking growth and achievements. Personally, I believe that this is a great opportunity for the world to interact with the Emirati community.
“As a country, we have already crossed many milestones, which has proved to the world that our leaders have vision and determination. Expo 2020 aims to bring business minds and organisations alike to discover and invest in what Dubai has to offer. This is a chance for our economy to flourish even more, which in turn would create more opportunities for local businesses and residents.”
Abdullah Al Kaabi
Film director
“For me, a World Expo is synonymous with world peace and to host something that encapsulates that ideal in the Middle East is very important.
“Something like 65 per cent of Emiratis are under 25. We need to have the younger generation experience how important it is to bridge cultures, to bridge the gap between the East and the West. Dubai already acts as a bridge between cultures — getting the younger generations involved is not just an investment for today, it’s an investment for tomorrow.
“There are so many people here from different parts of the world, different religions, cultures and backgrounds that all live in harmony and that is, I believe, our biggest achievement.
“Growing our knowledge economy is key. When you look at the cultural projects that have been given the green light and all the efforts to attract educational establishments, it’s clear that the future is in human development and I hope that is what we achieve and learn from hosting this event.”
Ali F. Mostafa
Filmmaker
“Although Dubai has become one of the world’s most famous cities, and the UAE one of the most prominent countries, a World Expo will increase this substantially by expanding its already international appeal.
“Dubai’s ‘next generation’ culture is slowly taking shape through our youth and would be pretty established by 2020. The UAE culture will always remain. Even through the country’s pop culture we still see strong traditional pillars. It’s what we are, who we are.
“The UAE has become a very open and transparent country in terms of its laws. Have a good time, have a good life, have a prosperous career, but abide by the law. It’s that simple.
“This event will benefit the UAE economically, reputably and even culturally. The exchange of foreign business, commerce and art is very important for its already fast growth. Expo 2020 will also prove again that we dream big and achieve big.”
Mahira Abdul Aziz
Al Arabiya presenter
“World Expos are defined as a unique celebration of humanity, bringing the world together in one location. With more than 200 nationalities already living harmoniously in the UAE, the country has proved to be a permanent ongoing World Expo. If anything, I believe the influx of the expected 25 million visitors will enrich the already colourful cultural fabric of the UAE.
“If we will be arguing the effect of the Expo, which will only last for a few months, on culture, shouldn’t we be arguing the impact globalisation has had on culture? In the era of social media, fast and cheap travel and the internet, not opening this platform out of fear is like standing in the face of advanced economic opportunity, elevated human rights and improved access to information, technology and goods for the fear of integration and loss of identity. Can you imagine modern civilisation without the football World Cup because of fear of one’s cultural identity?
“Hosting Expo 2020 will also have an impact on the ever-developing Dubai skyline. The city already has many iconic landmarks and I believe the event will witness the birth of another iconinc landmark, just like Eiffel Tower was created when Paris hosted the Expo.”
Sumayyah Al Suwaidi
Artist
“Hosting Expo 2020 will raise the cultural exchange between the UAE and other countries, which is something positive. The UAE is already very open to other countries, nationalities and religions and we as Emiratis are coping really well with it.
“Yes, our young generation is getting influenced by the outside world, but this is normal and it is part of globalisation. But maintaining the UAE’s culture and traditions is the responsibility of every parent towards their children.
“Furthermore, the UAE already has made its mark on the world and Dubai hosting this event will bring even more attention to the country as one of the most developed in the world.”
