The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Wednesday (2 March) with a flag-raising ceremony at the Al Wasl Stage of Nations, speeches, and a performance showcasing the country’s diverse indigenous culture.
His Excellency Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahayan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, welcomed His Excellency Tagesse Chaffo, Speaker of the House of Peoples’ Representatives of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia.
HE Sheikh Nahayan said: “Ethiopia’s participation tells the story of a nation that is considered one of the birthplaces of humankind, inviting visitors to experience its culture, values and traditions, while showcasing the innovative development of its natural resources, industrial and manufacturing successes, as well as its digital economy.
“The UAE’s relations with Ethiopia have thrived over the years, as we consider Ethiopia to be a strategic trade and investment partner for the UAE in East Africa. We also look forward to expanding the framework of our collaboration across the economic, trade and development spheres, with the aim of achieving shared benefits.”
HE Chaffo said: “Ethiopia’s presence in Expo 2020 Dubai has positioned it as a safe, unique and diverse tourist destination, and promotes the wide range of export products Ethiopia is offering to the world, introducing the untapped investment opportunities in the country.”
“It is also my hope that the Expo has been an opportunity to enhance Ethiopia’s reputation by highlighting its crucial role in shaping a better future for the entire world on many fronts, including in terms of trade, commerce, tourism and investment.
The National Day celebrations in Al Wasl continued with a display of folkloric dances by the Ethiopian National Theatre from Oromos, Amharas, Gurages, Tigrayans and the South Region, with the Ethiopian diaspora dancing and waving flags, adding colour and cheer to the celebrations. Ethiopia has more than 150 dance styles, comprises more than 80 ethnic groups and as many languages, and is the oldest independent country in Africa.
The Ethiopia Pavilion, located in Expo 2020 Dubai’s Opportunity District, welcomes guests to experience the culture and values that have shaped Ethiopia since the dawn of time to the country it is today – a thriving hub connecting the north and south of the African continent with the rest of the world.
The fully immersive experience allows visitors to meet a replica of ‘Lucy’, a 3.2 million-year-old human fossil who scientists say stood at about 3 ft tall, and was incredibly strong. Guests can also take in the lush landscape and beautiful people of Ethiopia, and enjoy a coffee ceremony.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of our 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements, and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March, Expo 2020 has invited visitors from across the planet to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture.