South Sudan celebrates its "National Day" at Al Wasl Square

The voices of "Bahr al-Ghazal" resound at the "Expo Dubai"

• Salva Kiir: "We have a lot to share with the world in various fields, which highlights the richness of our country's heritage and its biological diversity."

• Heritage reviews witnessed in the celebrations of South Sudan in the exhibition.

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Between sounds from Western Bahr al-Ghazal, drumbeats that express rural life, and a traditional art show that reflects agricultural rituals, the Republic of South Sudan celebrated its “National Day” at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The celebrations were organized in the presence of the President of South Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, who carried a message of future cooperation in his speech, during the ceremony held in Al Wasl Square, which included a flag-raising ceremony and popular performances full of bright colors that highlight the spirit of the brown continent.

Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Commissioner-General of "Expo 2020 Dubai", welcomed the President of South Sudan and his accompanying delegation upon their arrival at the site of the international event before the start of the celebration.

"We have a lot to share with the world in the cultural and economic fields, which highlights the richness of our country's heritage and biological diversity," said Salva Kiir, noting that the dam (Sudd are vast swamps in South Sudan) is the largest freshwater wetland in the Nile Basin, which is Home to unique wildlife, reserves in South Sudan are also home to some of Africa's greatest mammals, along with vast farmlands and abundant minerals.

He added, "The message I bring to the UAE is that South Sudan is ready to invest in the agricultural and tourism sectors, and we do not forget that one of the companies that realized our potential, earlier, is (Al Ain Group), which invested in Boma National Park."

He expressed his gratitude to the Emirati group, pointing out that "engaging in wildlife was and still is one of the safest paths for development in South Sudan, and we look forward to working with those looking to invest in our country."

For his part, Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak said: "Through its participation in (Expo 2020 Dubai), South Sudan is showing the development of its arts related to its history and cultural heritage, and it tells through its pavilion the story of a country rich in many opportunities that it can present to the world."

He added, "We look forward to strengthening cooperation and exchanging experiences with South Sudan in several sectors, including education, trade, and government development, with the aim of improving the quality of life and achieving prosperity for our peoples."

Orupaap, one of South Sudan's most prominent cultural institutions, provided glimpses of that country's traditions, including farming rituals.

Visitors listened to sounds from western Bahr al-Ghazal, and the beats of the bass drum, which express rural life and others.

The celebrations also witnessed folk songs and dances that reflect features of the rich culture of Africa.

After the ceremony, the President of South Sudan and his accompanying delegation toured the UAE pavilion, and visited his country's pavilion located in the Opportunity Zone.

It is noteworthy that this is the first time that the Republic of South Sudan participates in a World Expo with a pavilion that presents its opportunities, reflects its heritage and the development of its capabilities throughout history.

• One of the most prominent cultural institutions in South Sudan, during the celebrations, it provided glimpses of the traditions of that country, including the rituals of agriculture.

"Lens of Opportunity"

The South Sudan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was designed in the form of a photography exhibition entitled “Through the Lens of Opportunity”, as it encourages the world to look differently at South Sudan, and aims to highlight the unlimited potential of the country, its stunning landscapes and wildlife. It consists of three parts to introduce visitors to the cultural heritage, opportunities and its history.