Israel gears up to take part in Expo 2020 Dubai

Israel gears up to take part in Expo 2020 Dubai

Israel is gearing up to take part in Expo 2020 Dubai when the world fair opens Friday, a spokesman said, a year after the UAE and Israel normalized ties.

“We’re very happy to be here,” Menachem Gantz told AFP, the spokesman of Israel’s Pavilion at the six-month world fair.

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“This is the first time the expo is in the Middle East, and the first time Israel is participating in an event of such a large scale and importance (in an Arab country)”.

On September 15 the United Arab Emirates marked one year since normalizing ties with Israel, a move that leaders hope could reap a trillion dollars in trade and business.

Previously, Egypt and Jordan were the only Arab states to have peace agreements under which they recognize Israel, and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas called the deal a “betrayal” of their cause.

After the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan also agreed to normalize ties.

The Israeli pavilion, which includes a large, illuminated sign saying “Towards Tomorrow” using both Arabic and Hebrew -- will be open to all.

Inside, pathways run between sand dunes made of a thin layer of concrete and sand-colored rubber.

“Our pavilion...