Participation in the World Expo 2020 in Dubai: Luxembourg first!

The Grand Duchy is the first country to officially formalize its participation in EXPO 2020 DUBAI. Maggy Nagel (Commissioner General of the Luxembourg Pavilion at EXPO 2020 DUBAI) signed on October 11, 2017 in Dubai the contract to participate in the World Expo 2020, during an economic mission to the United Arab Emirates. The Luxembourg delegation consisted of the hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess, the Deputy Prime Minister, the Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, and the Minister of Sustainable Development and Infrastructure, François Bausch.

The signed contract outlines the details of the Grand Duchy’s presence at the World Expo, organized between October 2020 and April 2021 in Dubai, specifying the architectural project which includes the theme and topics covered within the future Luxembourg Pavilion. The contract also defines the location of the exhibition which will cover a total surface area of 600 hectares.

“It is a great honour for the Grand Duchy to be the first country to formalize its presence at EXPO 2020 DUBAI by signing the participation contract. With our pavilion illustrating the theme of “Resourceful Luxembourg”, we look forward to contributing to the success of this world-class event, ” said Maggy Nagel.

The Minister of the Economy Etienne Schneider was no less enthusiastic: ” The long-standing and close bilateral relationship with the UAE, which is Luxembourg’s most important trading partner in the Gulf region, has called for Luxembourg’s participation in EXPO 2020 DUBAI from the start. Our presence there will be a unique opportunity to further promote Luxembourg as a real gateway to Europe for businesses and investors in the Middle East. ”

The three strategic partners from the private sector, specifically the Chamber of Commerce, POST Luxembourg and SES were also present at the signing of the participation contract. They all praised the importance of Luxembourg’s participation for the promotion of companies and their connection with the whole world.

Karim Michel Sabbagh, President and CEO of SES said: “Our satellites cover 99% of the planet and connect more than a billion people every day. That’s why we salute the global reach of this event. SES plays a pioneering role in space technologies and confirms its ambition to explore new resources and cross established boundaries. As a strong partner of the government, we enthusiastically support the participation of the Grand Duchy in EXPO 2020 DUBAI”.