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)
TT

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.



Virginia Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pygmy Hippopotamus as Year Ends

This photo provided by the Metro Richmond Zoo, shows a pygmy hippo on Dec. 23, 2024, in Moseley, Va. (Metro Richmond Zoo via AP)
This photo provided by the Metro Richmond Zoo, shows a pygmy hippo on Dec. 23, 2024, in Moseley, Va. (Metro Richmond Zoo via AP)
TT

Virginia Zoo Welcomes Newborn Pygmy Hippopotamus as Year Ends

This photo provided by the Metro Richmond Zoo, shows a pygmy hippo on Dec. 23, 2024, in Moseley, Va. (Metro Richmond Zoo via AP)
This photo provided by the Metro Richmond Zoo, shows a pygmy hippo on Dec. 23, 2024, in Moseley, Va. (Metro Richmond Zoo via AP)

A female pygmy hippopotamus delivered a healthy calf at the Metro Richmond Zoo earlier this month, officials said — the third baby hippo born at the zoo within the past five years.
The mother Iris gave birth to the female calf on Dec. 9 following a seven-month gestation, zoo officials said. The newborn, who has yet to be named, is the third calf for Iris and the father, Corwin. She was also the second calf to be born in December, according to the zoo.
“Most people don’t get a hippopotamus for Christmas at all, so we feel lucky to have received two over the years,” zoo officials said in a news release Tuesday.
Five days after her birth, the baby had a neonatal exam and weighed 15 pounds (6.8 kilograms). Officials said that fully grown pygmy hippos can weigh up to 600 pounds (270 kilograms).
According to the Richmond-area zoo, pygmy hippos are an endangered West African species, and only 2,500 mature hippos remain in the wild. Officials said pygmy hippos are distinctive from regular hippos because they do not live in groups and are usually solitary or in pairs.
“For this reason, once Iris’ two previous calves grew up, they were moved to other zoological facilities to live with future mates and continue contributing to the conservation of their species,” the news release said.