Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai Celebrates Kingdom’s Growth

Saudi and Emirati officials attend the celebration of the Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi and Emirati officials attend the celebration of the Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
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Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai Celebrates Kingdom’s Growth

Saudi and Emirati officials attend the celebration of the Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)
Saudi and Emirati officials attend the celebration of the Saudi Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. (Asharq Al-Awsat)

The Saudi Day at the Expo 2020 in Dubai on Friday witnessed events and cultural performances celebrating the Kingdom’s growth in all fields under the ambitious Vision 2030.

In a speech at the inauguration ceremony, Saudi ambassador to the UAE Turki Aldakhil underlined his country’s keenness to share its vision towards a prosperous common future.

Pointing to the characteristics of Riyadh that qualify it to host Expo 2030, the ambassador emphasized the available opportunities in the Kingdom, which he said were reflected in the diverse content of the events and activities held on the Saudi Day.

The ceremony began with the Saudi and Emirati national anthems at the Nations Theater in Al Wasl Plaza and featured a performance by the Saudi Orchestra, a sound and light show on Al Wasl Dome, and fireworks on the Expo arenas in the colors of the Saudi flag.

The Saudi Day saw a range of activities and events that were held in several locations within the Expo 2020 Dubai, including a musical evening entitled, “Amjad” (glories), by Arab artist Mohammed Abdo and artist Ayed Youssef at the Jubilee Theater.

A parade toured the Expo and comprised several performance groups wearing traditional and modern Saudi outfits. A music festival and an airshow of the Green Falcons were also held on the occasion.



UK Royal Social Media Accounts Offer Birthday Wishes to Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
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UK Royal Social Media Accounts Offer Birthday Wishes to Prince Harry

Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)
Britain's Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, waves during the Formula One US Grand Prix auto race at Circuit of the Americas, on Oct. 22, 2023, in Austin, Texas. (AP)

Britain’s royal social media accounts posted 40th birthday wishes Sunday for Prince Harry, marking the milestone celebration despite longstanding strains following the publication of his explosive memoir, “Spare.”

The Royal Family site shared an image of a beaming Harry with a birthday cake emoji and the caption “Wishing The Duke of Sussex a very happy 40th birthday today!” The Prince and Princess of Wales shared the image, adding their own birthday wishes.

The post from the royal family account marked the first public birthday message for Harry since 2021.

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex announced they were giving up royal duties in January, 2020. They moved to America and said they hoped to become financially independent, signing lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify.

Harry famously shared his story in the memoir, “Spare.” In the ghostwritten book, Harry recounted his grief at the death of Princess Diana, a fight with Prince William and his unease with life in the royal shadow of his elder brother.