Empowering youth has always been an intrinsic value and objective in the United Arab Emirates, as it was instilled by the nation’s founding father, His Highness the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Expo 2020 Dubai is practicing this value as its theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” strives to support and inspire youth towards achieving their full potential and playing an active role in creating the future they deserve. This value influenced numerous aspects of planning for Expo 2020 Dubai, currently underway at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, and it con- 32 tinues to affect this important national achievement.

With the participation of 192 countries from around the world, Expo 2020Dubai is not only engaging and collaborating with youth, but also cementing the foundations for a knowledge-based economy that will provide opportunities for current and future generations. The three subthemes – Mobility, Sustainability, and Opportunity– are all about encouraging the creation of a better, more sustainable, and inclusive future for the coming generations.

Expo 2020 Dubai will close its doors by the end of March 2022, but it will be far from being forgotten. District 2020 will emerge from the current expo site as a smart sustainable human-centric city of the future reusing at least 80% of the current Expo infrastructure. Basing its foundations on digital innovation and sustainable urban development, District 2020 will represent a smart community, a business hub, and a significant landmark that will always remain as a legacy for future generations to connect, create and innovate. Passant G. Attaweya is a sophomore of the Canadian University Dubai, UAE.

 To read more, download our webzine Silkroadia Vol.3 No.2 “Expo 2020 Dubai: Connecting Minds, Creating the Future and Empowering Youth” by Passant G. Attaweya (Sophomore of the Canadian University Dubai, UAE.).