Expo 2020 Dubai: Hamdan bin Mohammed meets CEO of Whoop, tours pavilions of Morocco, Switzerland, Baden-Wurttemberg

Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council, on Thursday met Will Ahmed, Founder and CEO of the Boston-based company Whoop, a leading developer of next-generation wearable technology for optimising human performance and health. The meeting was attended by Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Sheikh Hamdan and the Whoop CEO discussed the latest trends in the wearable technology market. Sheikh Hamdan was briefed on the company’s plans to further enhance its product, software and analytics and play a larger role in the professional sports and health and fitness markets by targeting a wider audience with biometric data visualisation.

The CEO of the company praised Dubai’s future-oriented vision and its business-friendly environment, which has attracted vast investments from innovative companies especially in the technology sector. He said Dubai has become a destination of choice for technology companies seeking to establish their regional headquarters due to its advanced infrastructure and superior business-enabling services. Dubai’s support has enabled many start-ups to become global players and unicorn companies and sign billion dollar acquisition deals with major international companies.

History, culture and identity

The meeting was also attended by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director-General of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, and Malek Al Malek, Director-General of the Dubai Development Authority and Group CEO of TECOM Group.

Following the meeting, Sheikh Hamdan toured the pavilions of Morocco, Switzerland, and Baden-Wurttemberg, a German state.

The Moroccan Pavilion located in the Opportunity District invites visitors to discover the country’s history, cultural identity, achievements and vision for the future. Sheikh Hamdan was introduced to the pavilion’s immersive experience that showcases the country’s modernity and traditions. One of the highlights of the pavilion is a fascinating insight into Morocco’s commitment to sustainability. The design of the pavilion, themed ‘Legacies for the Future — From Inspiring Origins ... to Sustainable Progress’, is inspired by traditional methods of using earth typical of many traditional Moroccan villages.

Natural beauty, innovation, cuisine and arts

At the Swiss Pavilion, Sheikh Hamdan was introduced to the Swiss Pavilion’s curated visual journey that informs visitors about the nation’s history, culture, ecology, natural beauty, innovation, cuisine and arts. Under the theme ‘Reflections’, the Pavilion features iconic cubic architecture, a giant interactive mirrored façade and a ‘Swiss crystal cave’. Based on the concept of a journey, visitors can experience surprising facets of Switzerland by walking through the pavilion. Visitors can go on a hike through a sea of fog or travel on a magic carpet to experience Switzerland‘s breathtaking natural beauty. Visitors can also enjoy magnificent landscapes and discover opportunities offered by the country, in addition to tasting Swiss chocolate specialties.

Scientific research and education

Sheikh Hamdan also visited the pavilion of Baden-Wurttemberg, a German state that is participating for the first time with an independent pavilion in Expo 2020 Dubai. This southwest German state is home to more than 60 institutions for scientific research and four federal universities. Baden-Wurttemberg also features the Cyber Valley, which is the largest of its kind in Europe, especially in the field of artificial intelligence, as research done here is turned directly into innovative applications.

Home to world’s leading luxury car brands

Sheikh Hamdan was briefed about 25 pioneering scientific innovations and projects from Baden-Wurttemberg, as well as paintings and images distributed on high wooden poles in the pavilion that shed light on the scientific and cultural diversity of the city. The German city is home to Daimler, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, the world’s leading luxury car manufacturing companies. The state is also the birthplace of Einstein.

Also accompanying Sheikh Hamdan on the tours were Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Helal Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism.