His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa, President of the Republic of Zimbabwe, led the celebration of his country’s National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on Monday (14 March), attending the Official Ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, which featured a high-energy music and dance performance celebrating the life and historical influence of Queen Lozikeyi.
HE Dr President Mnangagwa and the Zimbabwe delegation were welcomed by His Excellency Sheikh Shakhboot bin Nahyan bin Mubarak, UAE Minister of State.
HE Dr President Mnangagwa said: “The bringing together of 192 countries for this Expo here in the United Arab Emirates, against the backdrop of a global health pandemic, is a reflection of our collective hope and determination to build a prosperous future for all – through a world acting in unison in the true spirit of multilateralism. This foresight, tenacity and sterling leadership is applauded.
“Expo 2020 Dubai has provided the Government of Zimbabwe with the platform to forge and foster strategic partnerships, as well as bilateral and multilateral dialogue, while sharing new innovations and the trends towards attracting foreign direct investment in the key sectors of our economy for mutual benefit.”
HE Sheikh Shakhboot said: “Through its participation, Zimbabwe focuses on its vision of using technology to achieve a better and smarter life for its people, while also positioning itself as an important destination for sustainable investment in infrastructure, agriculture, and tourism.
“We are proud of the prospering relationship that our two countries share, and look forward to expanding our current partnerships across various fields, such as agriculture, education and sustainable development, with the aim of ensuring the advancement and prosperity of our countries and people.”
Zimbabwe’s Expo 2020 Dubai National Day celebrations are extending later into the afternoon and evening, with top Zimbabwean musician Jah Prayzah treating audiences to a celebratory musical showcase from 1700 GST at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.
The Zimbabwe Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, focuses on the African nation’s culture, people, heritage and fertile land, and highlights its vision of embracing technology and a better smart life for its people. Through virtual reality, visitors can enjoy Zimbabwe’s “seven wonders”: Victoria Falls, People and Culture, Rich History and Heritage, the Great Zimbabwe, Pristine Wildlife and Nature, the Mighty Zambezi and the Mythical Kariba, and the Mystique of the Eastern Highlands.
National and Honour Days at Expo 2020 Dubai are moments to celebrate each of Expo’s 200-plus International Participants, shining a light on their culture and achievements and showcasing their pavilions and programming.
Running until 31 March 2022, Expo 2020 Dubai invites 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.
