On October 23, the Union hosted a series of cultural performances across the site to mark the day.

Amidst all the festivities at the Expo 2020 Dubai, one of the striking celebrations was the Honour Day, observed by the European Union. On October 23, the Union hosted a series of cultural performances across the site.

Saturday night turned into merriment as the event commenced with an enthralling gala of classical music by the Emirates Youth Symphony Orchestra (EYSO and dance at Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre.

The event was graced by a delegation led by Margaritis Schinas, vice president of the European Commission, who were welcomed by Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and director-general, Expo 2020 Dubai, and Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, executive director, Commissioner-General Office, Expo 2020 Dubai, at the official EU Honour Day ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza.

Talking on the occasion, Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali shared, “Since the establishment of the UAE Embassy in Brussels in 1976, relations between the UAE and the EU have seen significant growth, based on common political and economic objectives We consider the EU to be a strategic partner in the growth of the GCC region and one of the major trading blocs with the UAE.”

Attending a range of events on Saturday, Margaritis Schinas said, “This is a fantastic platform that the UAE gave the world by organising this amazing Expo. So, my presence here on (EU Honour Day) has precisely this meaning. First, to support team Europe, because we are a team, but also to transmit the message to the authorities of the United Arab Emirates today here in Dubai …the UAE, and the Gulf region, we have so many common challenges together, and we are ready to do it together.”

The EU Day celebrations included a plethora of events across the EU member pavilions that included musical entr'actes at the Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Portugal, and Romania pavilions, as well as site-wide ‘Opera Corner’ performances featuring young talent from across Europe.