An international bureau that monitors world EXPOS applauded Dubai this weekend.

Why? Because the UAE announced that an invitation has been shared with all countries to participate in the upcoming EXPO 2020, ‘without exception’/

The bureau commended the decision, which included an invite to Israel and Qatar, for ‘genuinely reflecting the universal spirit of World Expos’.

Recommended

A Dubai Restaurant Is Charging AED 1,000 For Pineapple Pizza As A Statement Against ItA Woman Had 90kg Of The Viral Dubai Chocolate Seized At A German Airport9 Changes To Expect In The UAE In 2025

BIE Secretary General Vicente G. Loscertales: “By inviting all countries of the world to take part, including the State of Israel, the organisers of Expo 2020 are genuinely reflecting the universal spirit of World Expos.” https://t.co/TB7CdK1Ia0

— BIE (@bieparis) April 25, 2019

The Israeli Prime Minister even tweeted a statement expressing pride at Israel’s involvement

UAE’s announcment provoked a mixed reaction

With some labelling it a ‘test of tolerance’

And a ‘shame’

With others announcing they have ‘utmost respect’ for EXPO 2020

The unexpected move is being praised by some

And stating it’s a ‘move towards peace’

With one user making this fair point….

This will be the world’s most inclusive EXPO ever

The EXPO is a trade show for innovation, it’s pretty much the Olympics of modernistaion, where all countries set-up shop side-by-side to reveal future technology. The biggest of its kind, it was a huge coup when the UAE won the rights to host the EXPO, back in 2013.

And as like anything else, the UAE is not doing it by halves. Each participating country may choose to have its own pavilion (a first) and a 1,083 acre site is under construction to house the mega six month event.

And EXPO’s decision to invite all countries without exception is an effort to ensure ‘a truly international event and platform for all of humanity’ is also a first.

Considering the political mine-field in the region, the decision can’t have been taken lightly, however the move shows a huge leap towards progress and peace that the world over will applaud.

#Expo2020 Dubai today confirmed that 192 countries have announced their participation in Expo 2020 Dubai, making it the most inclusive and international Expo ever to be organised. (1/3) Read more: https://t.co/I4NIOGRMRf

— Expo 2020 Dubai (@expo2020dubai) April 25, 2019