Dear ABCD members and community,

It was with great anticipation and high spirits that we chose the occasion of Australia day to celebrate the completion of the Australian Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. We took the opportunity to raise the flag and extend our gratitude to those who have supported us during the construction phase and those who will continue to support us as we move closer to this incredible event.

Australia is one of the first countries to open their pavilions, and to this we can only credit the 450,000 hours of effort that has been dedicated to our pavilion that we believe will make Australians proud. Expo 2020 offers a platform for Australia to promote our ingenuity and innovation. It gives us an opportunity to pursue trade and investment prospects via targeted business programs, and to showcase Australian capabilities to priority markets out of the 193 participating nations at Expo 2020. 

The completion of the pavilion gives us cause to celebrate and to acknowledge the many sponsors and partners who have brought the Expo dream to fruition.  Platinum Partners Victoria State Government.  Major Partners The Hermal Group, NSW Government.  Partners University of Wollongong Dubai, FBR, CSIRO, Caroma, Treasury Wine Estates, Hospitality Solution Group, Gulf Extrusions, Gravity iLabs. Official Providers Schiavello, Nightlife, Rosterfy, Servcorp, Skye Lume, EFM, Modelcraft, Food Source International, AD – Angela Domenici, Green Eco Technologies, Design Confidence, Steel Masters International, Wagners, Krix, Koala Karma, Mainie Australia, Jacaru Australia, Christie, Pink Lady, Haddins Fitness, Deemah Stone, Colin, Biggers & Paisley Lawyers, Black Creations Consulting. Associate Partners QLD Government, Government of WA, South Australia, Tasmania, ACT Government, Northern Territory, AACCI, ABCD, AusBG. Sporting Partners Rugby AU, Australian Grand Prix Corporation, PGA Australia, Richmond, Cricket Australia. 

The investment into the Australian Expo journey has already brought fruition with over $160 million worth of business being generated already. With a goal of diversifying our markets, the opening of the Australian pavilion can be considered monumental for our participation in this global event.  

We are excited for what is to come in the months leading up to Expo 2020 in October, and the early opening of the site has given us the opportunity to refine the visitor and VIP experiences to their full potential and present Australia in a light that it deserves. In the coming months, we hope to provide chances for the ABCD community to have a sneak peek at the pavilion, watch this space.

In addition to the pavilion itself, we have also broken ground on an Aussie Sports, Health and Fitness Park. This is a versatile space where Australia will host a wide range of sporting events in collaboration with other Expo participants. This space will allow different nations to compete and enjoy together through the universal language of sport. It was a privilege to welcome Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, the Minister of State and Managing Director for Expo 2020 to the opening of this space as well.

As we progress into the new year, COVID-19 still proves to challenge the world in many ways. However, we are looking forward and hopeful to Expo 2020 being the start of the global recovery, and we are excited to be a part of it.

‎Commissioner General Dubai World Expo 2020 Australia
Justin McGowan