The economic mission to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), chaired by HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and led by the Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, and in the presence of the Minister of Finance, Pierre Gramegna, concluded with a day dedicated to Luxembourg's presence at Expo 2020 Dubai, which will take place from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021. This will be the Grand Duchy's 24th participation in a world exhibition.
At a press conference in Dubai, in the presence of Ministers Étienne Schneider and Pierre Gramegna, Maggy Nagel, Luxembourg's Commissioner General for the Expo 2020 Dubai, presented the progress of the project. Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of the Economy, Étienne Schneider, said: "Expo 2020 Dubai aims to promote innovation and sustainable development. Thus, the exhibition's profile is perfectly in line with Luxembourg's promotional efforts and will showcase many 'Made in Luxembourg' skills".
Minister of Finance Pierre Gramegna commented: "The World Expo will be an excellent opportunity for Luxembourg to showcase the innovative character of the Luxembourg financial centre to the international community. In line with the motto of the exhibition 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', our financial centre contributes to a better connected world, better prepared for future challenges by leading the way to sustainable development".
Luxembourg was the first country to officially confirm its participation in the Expo 2020 Dubai, which aims to welcome more than 25 million visitors, 70% of whom will come from outside the UAE. As one of the first countries to receive a building permit, on-site work on the Luxembourg pavilion began in August 2019.
Three partnership agreements
Following the press conference, three partnership agreements were concluded between Luxembourg and Emirati actors in order to ensure the smooth running of the Luxembourg pavilion for the duration of the exhibition.
A partnership agreement has been signed between the economic interest group (EIG) Luxembourg@EXPO 2020 Dubai and Jumeirah Group for the operation of the restaurant in the Luxembourg pavilion. The cooperation with the renowned international hotel chain foresees the provision of full catering services by Jumeirah at the Luxembourg pavilion for the duration of the exhibition, with the direct involvement of Luxembourg chef Kim Kevin de Doodt and the support of students from the École d'hôtellerie et de tourisme du Luxembourg (EHTL) in Diekirch.
The EHTL has concluded a general partnership agreement with Luxembourg-based RAK Porcelain Europe, which is part of the RAK Ceramics group, a world leader in the production of ceramics. RAK Porcelain is one of the six official sponsors of Luxembourg@EXPO 2020 Dubai and exclusive supplier of sanitary ware and ceramic tableware for the pavilion. The partnership is based on the exchange of knowledge and allows students and EHTL's kitchen and restaurant service teachers to participate in training courses on the art of setting the table. The partnership was concluded for a period of 5 years.
Finally, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EHTL and the Emirates Academy of Hospitality Management (EAHM), a hotel management school based in Dubai and associated with the Ecole hôtelière de Lausanne in Switzerland. This agreement gives EHTL students and teachers access to the EAHM's accommodation facilities for the duration of their stay in Dubai.
Visit of the Luxembourg pavilion
On the third and last day of the mission, HRH the Hereditary Grand Duke and Ministers Étienne Schneider and Pierre Gramegna visited the site of the Luxembourg pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. They also met with Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, CEO of Emirates Airline & Group and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Executive Committee, as well as Reem al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of the Expo Bureau.
The evolution of the construction site of the Luxembourg pavilion can be followed on the Internet.
Press release by the Information and Press Service (SIP)