A legacy of lasting memories: Expo 2020 Dubai guests share their special moments

As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) draws to a close, guests from around the world have shared the lasting experiences they have enjoyed at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Thanks to the site design and support team of 'Expo Hearts', friendly volunteers and staff across the Expo 2020 Dubai site and the more than 200 pavilions, guests of all ages, backgrounds and abilities have been able to enjoy an incredible experience.

Dra Aloysia Ogle, a resident of South Africa, said: "[The Expo] really opened my mind to the possibilities for the future.... I was pleasantly impressed by the accommodations made for people with determination. I visited my father-in-law in a wheelchair, my son with autism and my young daughter in a pram and still managed to have an amazing experience".

Another resident noted that his brother, who has a 90% hearing loss, was treated very kindly by Expo staff during his visit and, as a result, feels safe because people outside the family treat him with respect.

A 72-year-old resident and his wife participated in the Senior Guest Experience and had a very smooth experience, where they were able to visit nine pavilions without tiring, thanks to the fast-track service and their helpful buggy driver.

The impact of Global Goals Week, organised for the first time outside the UN General Assembly in New York, and ongoing efforts to raise awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) have made people reflect on how their individual decisions have a ripple effect on the world at large, as well as how nations must work together to see measurable change.

Indian resident Sera Rachel Jacob said: "Having learnt about the Sustainable Development Goals in theory during university, I never got to see the nations of the world implement them. At Expo 2020 Dubai, I could see how all countries are contributing and planning to achieve these goals".

The Women's Pavilion was another major attraction for guests, who left with a better understanding of the issues affecting women and the need to bridge the gender gap.

Japanese resident Ayano Yoshida said: "I had never been to an Expo before Dubai... It is educational, fun, has great hospitality, beautiful architecture and female leadership. The first Expo in the Middle East and Africa to be run by a woman sends a powerful message".

The Women's Pavilion directly inspired Indian resident Jevica D'Souza, who said: "My mum and I went to the Women's Pavilion.... We learnt about the impact women have on the world and it made me realise my importance as a woman and how various achievements of women were credited to men in the past".

In line with one of this year's International Women's Day messages for men to be responsible for change, Indian resident Abdul Najaf had many positive conclusions and said: "My behaviour towards women has improved after visiting the Women's Pavilion. The Mission Possible [Opportunity] Pavilion helped me to understand more about controlling the use of natural resources such as water, electricity, etc."

For the students, many of whom have spent the better part of two years learning online, Expo 2020 Dubai opened up a world of possibilities, whether participating in the Expo School Programme or visiting their families.

UK resident Andrew Hudson said: "It has given my children an insight into the world through Country Pavilions. They have seen the differences in many places and understand human resilience. They understand the challenges of the past and how people's determination helped to overcome them. They can see that we are all the same, but we have different environments, different opportunities and different challenges. But together we can make positive change".

Visitors also had the opportunity to learn more about different countries and cultures through their visits to the pavilions, and many have made future travel plans based on their newfound curiosity.

Uzbek resident Sug'diyona Djumanazarova, who intends to continue her studies, said: "Thanks to Expo, I have decided to move to Norway to continue my studies after finishing my degree. The staff was very polite and the pavilion was very informative."

Chilean tourist Vicente Allende said, "Learning more about other cultures by visiting the Country Pavilions makes me rethink my preconceived ideas about them. The more knowledge I acquire, the more open and inclusive I become. We must educate ourselves about other cultures and become much more tolerant and respectful. Our planet is on the brink of an environmental disaster and strengthening our countries' relationships will allow us to fight together as one".

Austrian tourist Dra Karin M Strasser agreed: "For me, Expo 2020 Dubai has motivated me to travel as much as I can. I believe that knowledge and understanding of other nations and ethnic groups contributes to world peace".

Text, photos and video: Expo Dubai 2020