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History meets future in Expo 2020 logo

Dubai - "It has a star in it and that is recognisable to people in this region, especially those of Islamic faith."

At 7.15pm on Sunday evening, a little piece of the UAE's history was unveiled to the world as the inspiration behind the logo that will take Expo 2020 into the future.
His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, revealed the gold ring - which was excavated at a historical site in the Dubai desert - against the modern back drop of the Burj Khalifa.
"This is a symbol of beauty, unity and strength and acts as a landmark from history carrying us into the future," Reem Al Hashimi, Minister of State, said.
As 30,000 people gathered in front of the world's tallest building, eagerly waiting to see what the winning design was, Al Hashimi said the "unexpected discovery" happened about three years ago.
"It came as a surprise to all of us. We excavated about 10,000 artefacts in all, all of which are about 3,000 years old. The UAE had a distinct civilisation back then. It is that rich history which we want to carry into the Expo 2020's future."
Since launching the logo competition to people in the region just one year ago, 19,000 incredible designs have been whittled down to this one - and it is one which tells an incredible story. Picked by Shaikh Mohammed himself, this is now the face of the Expo and Al Hashimi called the unveiling "one of the most important steps" on the UAE's journey to 2020.
There was, however, tough competition, she said, with people all over the region submitting designs of "exceptional creativity".
He may not be one in a million, but Valerii Ilnitski from Moldova can definitely be described as one in 19,000 as he beat off 18,997 other people with his logo.
A colourful creation made up of three core symbols: the circle, triangle and square, Ilnitski told Khaleej Times he settled on his final design as it was the "most memorable".
"It has a star in it and that is recognisable to people in this region, especially those of Islamic faith."

He said his logo, which will appear on the Expo 2020 website along with all the other entries, represents diversity adding that "chemistry happens when people connect together".
Of the winning logo, he congratulated His Highness. "This logo shows he is looking into the future but is paying his respects to the past."
The Expo 2020 theme: 'Connecting minds, Creating the Future' is perfectly embodied in this new design as it portrays the spirit of connectivity, resilience and strength.
kelly@khaleejtimes.com