Expo 2020 Dubai: UAE Pavilion launches ‘Land of Dreamers Who Do’ documentary film series

Dubai: The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai launched Season One of the Land of Dreamers Who Do documentary film series, which sheds light on the ideas, ambitions and achievements of dreamers from all over the world in various fields. It also introduces their upbringing, their academic backgrounds, the influential role of their presence in the UAE and the support provided to them, which contributed to transforming their dreams and ambitions into achievements.

As pioneers of creativity and innovation in the UAE, these dreamers embody the true meaning of the legacy of the Founding Father of the UAE late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. The UAE Pavilion shares their stories to inspire the next generation of Dreamers Who Do.

During launch of Season One, Noura bint Mohammad Al Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, expressed her pride in the achievements of the UAE’s ambitious dreamers. “Our Dreamers are the main heroes in our story; they are a reflection of our culture and values, carrying forward the legacy of our Founding Father late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. These dreamers inspire younger generations and contribute to the advancement of the UAE’S society,” she said.

Creating pioneering solutions

In the Land of Dreamers Who Do, each episode ranges between 30 and 60 seconds. Season One tells the story of 12 inspiring professionals in the fields of research, science, engineering, education, nursing, agricultural innovation, environment, climate change, food and water security, and sustainability. Its heroes are visionaries from all over the world, who succeeded in creating pioneering solutions to deal with the world’s different variables and challenges, in line with the UAE’s ambitious future vision.

The 12 dreamers

Saeed Al Suwaidi is an experienced genealogist and researcher of Emirati culture and history. He is the founder of ‘Al Mawrooth, an initiative that collects and records Emirati oral histories, in an effort to protect and preserve them from being forgotten.

Yazen Al Kodmani inherited his passion for organic farming from his father, who drew his dream from seeing the Founding Father, late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, and his quest to green the desert. Yazan is the operations manager of Emirates Bio Farm, the UAE’s largest organic farm. He is now considered an expert on organic agricultural practices in the UAE and is passionate about engaging consumers about the importance of eating natural, healthy, and local food.

Dr Margit Muller is an award-winning author and veterinarian with a Doctorate in falcon medicine. She manages the world’s largest and most well-known falcon hospital, Abu Dhabi Falcon Hospital. She is a passionate veterinarian and self-described ‘Falcon Whisperer’. She believes that she was destined to save animals, and save people with the help of animals.

Salem Al Qassimi is a graphic designer and entrepreneur who founded Fikra, a design-led educational platform, in 2006. He aims to highlight the presence of Arab and Islamic cultures in contemporary life, through design.

Wael Al Awar is an architect focused on sustainable practises within the industry. He founded waiwai, an award-winning multidisciplinary architecture, landscape, interior, graphic and urban design studio. Stemming from his responsibility to protect the environment, Al Awar worked to produce innovative cement, an alternative to traditional cement, whose composition is based on magnesium, to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.

Afra Al Dhaheri combined the stories of the UAE’s ancestors with the development of the local community. Her passion for creativity inspired her to use multiple artistic practices in her designs and artworks, such as sculpting, photography, drawing, installation, printing, and photography. It always draws inspiration from the heritage of the UAE, to shed light on the transformation that the country witnessed in a record period of time.

After noticing his children’s strong attachment to their smart devices, Badr Ward conceptualised Lamsa in 2012, to focus on early childhood development for children aged between 2 and 8 through interactive Arabic content. Lamsa takes children on an educational journey to complement the most critical years of childhood development, through a wide range of stories, songs, games, and videos in Arabic.

Kenza and Patrick Jarjour are the husband-and-wife team behind the unique dining and event space INKED. INKED is an experimental event space; it is more than just a restaurant, it is an incubator and a performance space.

Dr Mariet Westermann joined NYU Abu Dhabi in 2019 as vice-chancellor and professor of Arts and Humanities. She holds a Master’s and PhD from NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts in New York. She is inspired by the UAE’s values of openness and intercultural communication to unite efforts for a better future.

Elli Kriel is the founder of the Elli kosher kitchen in the UAE which combines traditional kosher with authentic Emirati flavours. Through this unique experience, Kriel communicates with those seeking kosher in the UAE, while introducing them to the UAE’s culture, and making them feel at home.

The grandson of a pearl diver, Mohammed Al Suwaidi was surrounded by family stories of pearling and the lure of the sea. His passion for design and heritage led to his founding of Asateer, to express through local handcrafted products the contemporary vision of pearl culture, and recreate life into this traditional profession.

Dr Safa Azaat Al Mustafa is the first Emirati to be assigned as the chief nursing and allied health officer at Sheikh Khalifa Medical City in Abu Dhabi. Her mother’s suffering with illness prompted her to seek relief for patients’ pain, regardless of their nationality. As a nurse, she played a major role in ensuring the safety of front line heroes during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Land of Dreamers Who Do Season two comprises 12 short films, featuring inspiring stories of innovators who strive to create a healthier, smarter and more sustainable future for generations to come.