Council to present GCC's incredible achievements at Arab world's first World Expo

Gulf cooperation embodies Expo theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'

The pavilion marks the first time GCC has participated as a body at a World Expo

DUBAI – The Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf will showcase the power of nations working together when it hosts its own pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, the first World Expo to be held in the region.

Today, His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, Secretary-General of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf, signed an official participation contract with Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.

The council, formerly known as the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), will have its own pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, as well as the individual national pavilions of the member states. It is the first time the Council will be represented at a World Expo and it is the first multi-national organisation to sign up to Expo 2020.

The pavilion will be a chance to demonstrate the unique collaboration of GCC countries, and the incredible achievements that have been made through working together, echoing the Expo 2020 Dubai theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy said: “We welcome the decision of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf to participate in Expo 2020 Dubai and believe this will underline the strong partnership of the Council’s countries.

“Expo 2020 Dubai will bring many millions of people together over its six-month duration and this pavilion will be a chance to show them the power of ‘Connecting Minds’.”

His Excellency Dr Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani said: “From the very foundation of the Council more than 35 years ago, we have worked to build on the deep relations, bonds and cooperation of our citizens.

“Our nations are rightly proud of what they have achieved individually but they are equally proud of the remarkable milestones we have witnessed together, such as the creation of the Gulf Common Market, through our special bond, common qualities and shared vision.

“Our decision to take part in Expo 2020 Dubai reflects these historical, social, economic and cultural ties, which will only be strengthened by this extraordinary experience.”

The Council was formed on 25 May 1981, when the leaders of the member states met in Abu Dhabi and agreed a cooperative framework for coordination.

The nations cooperate in a wide array of areas, including trade, economy, international affairs, energy and agriculture.

Today, more than 51 million people live in the GCC.

The strength of the Council is reflected in the trade between member states. Saudi Arabia is the UAE’s number one trade partner, with total trade worth AED 71.6 billion last year, followed by Oman at AED 31.9 billion, Kuwait at AED 25.8 billion and Bahrain at AED 16 billion.

Through its theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will be a celebration of ingenuity built on three pillars: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. It will serve as a platform for international collaboration, fostering innovation and creating meaningful partnerships that will live far beyond 2020 – not only for the UAE, but for the wider region and the world.

Opening on 20 October 2020, Expo is projected to attract many millions of visitors, with 70 percent expected to come from outside the UAE – the largest proportion of international visitors in the 166-year history of World Expos.

More than 150 countries have now confirmed, either publicly or privately, that they will take, while more than 200 participants, including nations, companies, NGOs and educational institutions, are expected to participate in total.

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About Expo 2020
Expo 2020 Dubai is guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas combining in new ways. Over the course of six months from October 2020, Expo aims to bring together hundreds of countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: ‘Connecting Minds; Creating the Future’.

  •  Between its opening day on 20 October 2020, and its close on 10 April 2021, it is expected that Expo will be visited 25 million times.

  • 70% of all visitors are expected to come from outside the UAE - the largest proportion of international visitors in Expo history.

  • The goal is to create and deliver an inclusive and global Expo with over 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions.

  • Expo 2020 also has an ambitious volunteer programme, which aims to include more than 30,000 volunteers from a wide range of ages, nationalities and cultures and backgrounds.

  • The Expo site covers a total of 4.38 sq. km, including a 2 sq. km gated area. It is located within the Dubai South District, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Visit: www.expo2020dubai.ae

Follow: Twitter: @expo2020dubai | Facebook: @Expo2020Dubai | Instagram: expo2020dubai

For Expo 2020 Dubai media enquiries, please contact:
Jon Bramley
Director – Editor-in-Chief (English)
Email: jon.bramley@expo2020dubai.ae  
Tel: + 971 52 757 9993
P.O. Box 2020, Dubai, UAE

Shady Abdel Hamid
Account Director
Email: Expo2020uae@brunswickgroup.com   
Tel: +971 56 503 2072

© Press Release 2017