The beautiful Samoan culture was on display for a global audience at the Expo 2020 Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, with the Manu Samoa Sevens team playing a starring role.

Samoa's National Day was filled with joyful singing and dancing as members of the global audience were treated to a taste of Samoa, organised by the Samoa Tourism Authority, the Chamber of Commerce and their partners.

The event was attended by U.A.E's Director of East Asia and Pacific, Noah Al Hammadi, and key guests. Mr. Al Hammadi congratulated Samoa for being part of the Expo despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

"We are proud to have your continued active engagement with us at expo 2020 Dubai," Mr. Al Hammadi said.

"As we host our global event at this particular time in history, we reflect on how far we have come thanks to the ambitious vision of our leadership and the determination of our people. 

"The milestones we have reached and the experiences we have gained along the way have given us assurance and a true sense of resilience enabling us to eagerly anticipate what the future holds with optimism. We truly believe that the most important takeaway from our expo is the vital importance of joint action.

"As such, we look forward to utilising our time with our international participants and partners at expo 2020 in order to chart a safer and more sustainable future for people and planet. 

Mr. Al Hammadi said that through Samoa's presence at Expo 2020, Samoa presents itself as an island of opportunity.

"A theme that is strongly reflected in its exhibition concept which focuses on entrepreneurship and sustainable development," he said.

"The exhibition also gives visitors the opportunity to encounter Samoa’s tropical nature as the first country in the world to greet the sunshine due to its unique location, as well as experience the warmth and hospitality.

"Samoa does an excellent job with incorporating expo 2020s subthemes throughout its Pavillion given that they are key pillars within the country's strategy for development."

He added that the U.A.E. truly values the relationship they share with Samoa. 

"We have been an active partner of Samoa in the field of development and energy. We have been active in the field of development and energy corporation and ocean epitomised by the U.A.E. Pacific Fund, where we are working closely together to achieve Samoa’s Government plan in meeting its 100 per cent renewable energy targets," he said.

"With Expo 2020 we hope to build on existing partnerships between our two countries and explore the potential of further cooperation in fields of a mutual interest."

The Executive Council Member of the Samoa Chamber of Commerce, Tuala Leaega Leota, who is also the Manu Samoa Sevens Manager, spoke on behalf of Samoa.He said Samoa’s participation at the event reflects the pursuant of the country's interests amidst the pandemic through the promotion of trade, investment, and tourism opportunities between Samoa and the U.A.E. as well as the rest of the world for the benefit of the people.

"The Expo theme 'Connecting minds, creating the future' is fitting in today's context where countries unite and fight against the negative impacts of the pandemic including through sharing of experiences, knowledge, innovation, and promotion," Tuala said.

"Samoa has been in a State of Emergency since March 2020, while we have managed to contain COVID-19 at the border, the restrictions on the movement of people and fully external demand have directly affected all sectors of the economy particularly tourism.

"It is our hope that innovative trade and investment promotion events such as the Expo 2020 will keep consumers, buyers, and investors informed and interested in the goods and services from Samoa and the Pacific."

Tuala explained that a successful expo will complement Samoa’s efforts in achieving its long-term development goals which focus on unlocking opportunities in tourism, agriculture and fishery, digital economy, and labor mobility.

"These sectors have potential transformation opportunities to boost economic growth, raise the standard of living, and aid our pandemic recovery efforts," he said.

"The Samoa Pavillion is located in the opportunity district with the theme, 'The island of opportunity'. The Pavillion showcases different pillars of opportunity in Samoa such as tourism, investment and industries, and youth entrepreneurship.

"I would like to invite you all to visit the Pavillion today and learn more about the uniqueness of Samoa and its opportunities for potential investors and visitors be it for leisure, business, or visiting friends and family.

"No doubt there have been rich knowledge sharing throughout this expo and the opportunity and experiences will harness the future platforms to transform how we deliver and respond to future challenges and harness opportunities that brings social-economic wellbeing for our people."

The Samoa National Day ended with traditional Samoan performances such as the Faataupati, followed by the Taualuga.