Expo 2020 Dubai: ‘We came here to cheer for France, but going back impressed by diversity of cultures’

Dubai: Despite the warm temperatures, UAE residents and visitors are flocking to Expo 2020 Dubai in large numbers.

French expatriates turned out in large numbers to cheer for their country on its National Day on Saturday. Dounia Ghomari, Gauthier Stern and Laura Vital, three friends and Dubai residents for more than seven years, decided to take their first trip to the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

“We came here to cheer for France, but are going back impressed by the diversity of cultures and innovations on display. Every country gas put its best foot forward,” said French expatriate Gauthier Sterin who works for the aviation industry.

Laura Vital, said she was overwhelmed by the sheer beauty of the site. “Every pavilion has such diversity on display, it is beautiful,” Vital said.

Dounia Ghomari, another French national, said it felt great to see the world in one go. “In one day, I have learnt so much about different cultures of the world and all this while being in Dubai. This is amazing. I am going to keep coming back for more!”

This is the fifth Expo that Hideki Nagao, a Japanese national from Osaka, is visiting. Nagoo, who had previously visited World Expos in Shanghai, Seoul, Milano and Kazakhstan, arrived in Dubai four days before the opening ceremony. “I could not have missed this for anything,” said Nagao. “I have learnt so much from each Expo and am looking forward to going back home richer in experience and knowledge. People of Dubai are so kind and this place is so safe,” gushed Nagao who plans to be here for at least a month.

An instagrammer who has been posting Expo pictures on his Instagram handle for his followers, Nagao said: “This Expo is just the right size, so well-laid out and planned, that it is easy to navigate. I do not understand English much, but my digital translator helps me get by,” said Nagao who work as an elderly caregiver in Osaka.

Zuliya Zokirowa from Uzbekistan said she felt humbled by the display of the pavilions from different countries. “It is amazing that during the pandemic we are getting to travel around the world, visit 192 countries while being in Dubai! It’s so beautiful out here,” she said.

For Australian expatriate Adam Jerry, this was his second visit to Expo 2020 Dubai. Being in the marketing and public relations industry, he had the opportunity to watch the rehearsals of the opening ceremony. “The sheer vibrance of the place is impressive. Every country has so much to offer. Expo 2020 Dubai is a profoundly educative experience even as it does not fail to entertain us,” remarked Jerry.