Expo 2020 Dubai: UAE contributes $60m for US pavilion construction

The UAE has contributed $60m towards the construction of the US Pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai, with the remaining amount raised by various US organisations, the US ambassador to the UAE John Rakolta said on Tuesday.

He said that the construction of the pavilion will be completed by November, although he did not reveal the total cost of it.

“The construction of the pavilion is progressing according to our schedule. We look forward to substantial buildings’ completion sometime around November 15,” official news agency WAM quoted Rakolta as saying during a media roundtable.

Expo 2020 Dubai has been rescheduled as a result of the pandemic and will now run from October 1, 2021 until March 31, 2022.

Read: Expo 2020 Dubai to be held from October 1, 2021

The US pavilion themed ‘Life, liberty and the pursuit of the future’ will showcase a cultural programme, for which recruitment of artists and performers from across the US has already begun.

“It [the expo participation] is one of the [US] embassy’s top priorities. We look forward to the very best of American participation. It gives us an opportunity to celebrate the UAE’s golden jubilee and many achievements of this nation,” added Rakolta.

Rakolta also commented on Israel’s participation at the expo.

He said that Israel’s participation demonstrates “the inclusiveness of not only the Emirates but of the entire region as well, and how we are moving to a much more inclusive society here.”

He added that it would also bring additional benefits, “the biggest ones, of course, in trade and investments, tourism, job opportunities, and peace.”

Israel confirmed its participation in the event in December last year.

Earlier this month, the UAE, Israel and Bahrain signed an historic Abraham Accord Peace Agreement to normalise relations between the countries.

Read: UAE, Bahrain sign historic peace accord with Israel in the US