Expo Dubai 2020 illuminates Al-Wasl dome in red in homage to Emirates' Mars probe
Dubai World Expo 2020 is paying tribute to the Al-Amal (Hope) probe, which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has sent to Mars ahead of its imminent entry into the Red Planet's orbit, by illuminating the Al-Wasl dome at the heart of the World's Fair in red.
The state-of-the-art projection and display technology to be used to illuminate the Al-Wasl dome in a rich shade of red will be used to celebrate the UAE's Hope probe reaching Mars as early as 9 February.
As the UAE's first mission to Mars - a milestone in global space history - enters orbit of the Red Planet, one of the world's largest 360-degree projection surfaces will be illuminated by more than 250 laser projectors to stunning effect, reflecting Expo Dubai 2020's shared sense of pride in being part of such an ambitious, innovative and forward-thinking nation.
Reem bint Ibrahim al-Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020, said of the important Emirati space mission: "The Emirates Mars mission is a true testament to the ambitious and tenacious spirit of our nation and a proud moment not only for the UAE, but also for our entire region as the Arab world's first interplanetary mission.
"Just as this historic moment serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration, Expo 2020 Dubai will bring together people, communities and nations to celebrate human innovation, imagination and ingenuity, as the first World Expo to be held in the MEASA region welcomes the world in the UAE's Golden Jubilee year (referring to the 50th anniversary of the UAE's founding being celebrated this year)."
Expo Dubai 2020 will be a crucial platform to explore new horizons, showcase innovative ideas and welcome the best minds to enable action and inspire solutions to the challenges that affect us all.
Dubai World Expo 2020 will be the first World Expo to be held in the MEASA (Middle East, Africa and South Asia) region in the United Arab Emirates and will run from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022 after it was postponed from last year due to the global impact of the coronavirus health crisis. This global conclave will bring together more than 200 countries to explore new ideas, form new connections and collectively address some of the biggest global challenges, in keeping with the Expo Dubai 2020 theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', all aimed at fostering worldwide cooperation to address and solve global challenges by promoting the development of the most innovative technologies. Everything will revolve around the three main pillars of the world's fair: Sustainability, Opportunity and Mobility.