King of Sweden tells UAE “we are smarter together”
The King of Sweden has visited Expo 2020 Dubai and promised that his country will stand together with the United Arab Emirates to tackle climate change and build “sustainable societies”.
King Carl XVI Gustaf spoke on Wednesday to senior government officials and groups of jubilant Swedish citizens when the Scandinavian nation celebrated its national day at the world fair.
He said that a common spirit of innovation would be crucial in dealing with the urgent issues facing the world.
Sweden and the United Arab Emirates stand united behind one word: innovation
King Carl XVI Gustaf
“Our two countries have excellent bilateral relations and share a desire to further strengthen them. We also face many common challenges, including the need to build sustainable societies and to work together on climate change,” he said.
“In tackling these challenges, Sweden and the United Arab Emirates are united behind one word: innovation.”
The combined work of Swedish citizens placed the country high on the global innovation ranking, he said.
The monarch spoke of the United Arab Emirates’ impressive achievements as a young nation, including reaching space with the Mars Hope probe.
He said it was “inspiring that 80% of the research team at the Emirates Mars Mission are women”.
“It is my hope that the United Arab Emirates will continue its ambition to include all sections of its society in driving the Emirates’ innovation.”
The King hoped that partnerships between visiting Swedish companies and companies in the United Arab Emirates would benefit the global market.
“Innovation is not born in a vacuum. Innovation thrives through co-creation. Simply put, we are smarter together than individually, ”he said.
Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, reiterated the desire for further cooperation.
The United Arab Emirates is Sweden’s second largest export market in the Arab world and home to more than 250 Swedish companies.
“Sweden is a reliable partner in energy, technology, business and education,” said Sheikh Nahyan.
“We will explore new areas of collaboration as we gather at Expo 2020 Dubai to benefit from our shared experiences, engage in dialogue and collaborate to create a new world.”
The Swedish residents of the United Arab Emirates gathered around Al Wasl Plaza and waved flags while wearing blue and yellow clothes that reflect the nation’s colors.
They applauded after the speeches and joined in songs sung by a popular Swedish singer.
An audience with a king
For many, including several naturalized citizens, it was an opportunity to see their king up close.
“We respect him. This has always been a dream for me to meet the king,” said Teim Hasan, 12, a Dubai resident who visits the Expo with his family.
“This is the first time for me to see him like this. I’ve only seen him on TV.”
While Teim was born in Sweden, his mother moved to the country from Iraq when she was 13 years old.
The family is grateful for the opportunities the country has given them. Sweden is often praised by the UN refugee agency for its contributions to refugee protection and resettlement.
“I came to Sweden in 1994 from Baghdad,” says Amina Al Hussina, Teim’s mother.
“My children were born in Sweden. That’s the best, they help people from other countries. “
Expo is fast becoming a favorite place for the family – on her fourth visit, she planned to revisit the Swedish and other pavilions.
“Expo is a nice opportunity to see people from all over the world, learn about their country and talk to them,” said Hussina.
Updated: December 15, 2021, 12:02 p.m.