UAE minister visits Expo City Dubai to review master plan progress (VIDEO)
Expo 2020 legacy drives transformation of Dubai’s futuristic urban centre
DUBAI: Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai, visited Expo City Dubai on Tuesday to explore its master plan and view the city's ambitious new projects.
Accompanied by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, the minister was taken on a detailed tour of the site, where he was briefed on the transformation underway since the conclusion of the historic World Expo.
Sheikh Nahyan’s visit highlights the city’s evolving identity as a smart, sustainable urban hub built on the legacy of Expo 2020. With ongoing development shaping the next phase of growth, Expo City Dubai is cementing its place as a symbol of the UAE’s forward-thinking ambition and its role on the global stage.
Legacy of Expo 2020
During the tour, Sheikh Nahyan expressed admiration for Expo City’s commitment to innovation, environmental stewardship and human-centric design. He described the city as “a living embodiment of the UAE’s vision to carry forward the legacy of Expo 2020,” calling it an active symbol of national progress and ambition.
He lauded the site’s role in promoting sustainability and global collaboration, aligning with the broader goals of the UAE’s development agenda. “What we are witnessing in Expo City Dubai is testament to the spirit of the UAE and its limitless ambition,” he remarked. “It is a message to the world that we are always looking to the future, and an invitation for those who share our commitment to human progress to join us.”
Sheikh Nahyan emphasised the role of leadership in shaping this vision, crediting Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, for consolidating the country’s global position as a progressive model. He also recognised the contribution of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who laid the groundwork for the success of Expo 2020 and its enduring legacy through Expo City.
Book presentation
A key moment during the visit was the presentation of the book Witness: How a nation creates its own future to Sheikh Nahyan. Describing it as “an inspiring celebration of the UAE’s remarkable journey,” he said the book offers powerful insights into the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed and the foundational values that continue to guide the UAE today.
“This book explores how the visionary leadership of Sheikh Zayed set the UAE on its path to become a leading global nation, and how the values of the Founding Fathers continue to shape the country’s leadership today,” Sheikh Nahyan noted.
He highlighted the book’s focus on authentic stories and proud memories, saying it documents essential milestones that should inspire future generations. “It features authentic stories and proud memories that deserve to be documented and preserved so that they can continue to shape future generations,” he said.
Sheikh Nahyan added that Expo 2020 became a “significant source of national pride,” underlining that nations are built not only on infrastructure but also on vision, purpose, and people.
Transformative vision
Reem Al Hashimy, who hosted the visit, described Sheikh Nahyan’s presence as a reflection of his continuous support for the city’s mission and its embodiment of tolerance and human development.
“We are honoured to have welcomed Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, who has always been a supporter of projects and initiatives that embody the UAE's message of tolerance, human development and cultural understanding,” she said.
She emphasised that the true legacy of Expo 2020 lies beyond its physical transformation, highlighting the cultural and social influence that the event continues to have through Expo City.
“At Expo City, we believe that the true legacy of Expo 2020 is not measured only by its physical infrastructure but by the profound cultural and social impact left by this historic event,” she noted.
Al Hashimy reiterated that Expo City is designed to be a global destination for innovation, attracting talent, ideas, and collaboration from around the world. “Expo City Dubai is a promise for a future that welcomes everyone, where ideas become reality and tolerance is the common language,” she said.
She also spoke of the significance of the Witness book, saying it reflects the UAE’s ethos and global outlook. “Through this book we sought to document the story of a nation that has continued to build bridges of hope between people around the world.”
Al Hashimy concluded by affirming that Expo City remains aligned with the UAE’s leadership and international aspirations. “Guided by our visionary leadership, we remain steadfast in our ambition for Expo City Dubai to serve as a symbol of our nation’s values and a beacon for international cooperation.”