Expo 2020 is not just an exhibition or a show that shows up for a few days then leaves and becomes forgotten the minute it ends.

In fact, it’s a six-month experience, in which the rich history of the UAE unfolds and gets rewritten for those wishing to relive it in the future.

According to Expo 2020, 29 countries signed official participation out of more than 150 countries that have confirmed their intent to take part in the Expo.

AMEinfo will showcase five different stories by five different countries.

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But they all need to meet somewhere first!

The UAE pavilion

Expo 2020 preparations are ongoing with AED10.8 billion construction contracts in 2017.

Recently, Expo 2020 laid the foundations for the futuristic-looking UAE Pavilion to be completed by end 2019.

“It represents the host country and will be the main attraction for millions of visitors from all around the world,” said Minister of State, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber.

“The UAE National Pavilion at Expo 2020 will tell the story of our country,” said Reem Al Hashimy, Director-General of the Expo 2020 Office.

Our first story begins with the UK.

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The United Kingdom

International Trade Secretary, Liam Fox, said that the UK was committed to playing a key role in helping Dubai stage a successful expo.

“As an international economic department, my department is helping British companies bring their expertise to build pavilions that will be enjoyed by 25 million visitors from around the world,” he said on the UK government’s website.

Moreover, British architects and construction firms, including Anglo-Emirati joint venture Al-Futtaim Carillion and architectural company Foster and Partners, are involved in the design and building of some of the pavilions and districts on the Expo site.

Luxembourg

Luxembourg announced in October that it would invest AED108 million ($29 million) in its Expo participation, and the delegation is working on further enhancing political and economic ties with the UAE.

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Etienne Schneider, Minister of the Economy, said in a media statement: “By promoting innovation and sustainable development, the profile of Expo 2020 fits perfectly with our national policy of economic diversification, particularly with regard to the space sector, clean technologies and to information and communication technologies.”

New Zealand

The Government of New Zealand will spend $53 million to showcase the country at Expo 2020 in Dubai, in an attempt to boost trade in the region and beyond, according to a statement published by The New Zealand Herald.

Economic Development Minister, Simon Bridges, told the Herald:

“It will also allow us to build on our strong economic and transport links to the UAE which acts as a global air and sea logistics hub, providing access for New Zealand exporters to a much wider region. We’re already well connected with five direct daily Emirates flights, contributing $700 million to the economy,” said Bridges in a separate media statement.

Nigeria

The latest country to announce its participation in Expo 2020 is Nigeria, which will demonstrate through the event how it is working to overcome a recent economic recession.

According to a statement by Expo 2020, Nigeria is already benefiting from Expo Live.

Expo Live is an innovation and partnership programme launched by Expo 2020 Dubai to fund, accelerate, and promote creative solutions that improve lives while preserving our world.

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“During the first two cycles of the flagship Innovation Impact Grant Programme, 45 Expo Live Global Innovators from 30 countries were selected, with two, Mobicure and West Africa vocational Training providing working examples of Expo supportive innovative ideas originating from Nigeria,” said the statement.

The Netherlands

The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding on innovations and agreed on sharing knowledge and technology between their business communities, scientific research institutions and government agencies.

“The UAE and the Netherlands share vibrant economic and trade relations. Both nations are major re-export hubs in their respective regions,” said UAE Minister of Economy, Sultan Bin Saeed Al Mansouri.

A statement by the Expo says that one of the sectors in which both countries hope to strengthen ties is healthcare.