U.S. Youth Ambassador Katrina Khosravi Reflects on Expo 2020 in Dubai
Often described as the Olympics of culture and technology, World Expositions bring countries together to showcase their greatest innovations, technology, architecture, food, culture, and entertainment. It’s an opportunity for visitors to learn about countries and cultures, meet people from around the world, discover new inventions, and celebrate humanity's greatest accomplishments.
Expo 2020 Dubai just concluded its six-month in-person mega-event, the largest global gathering since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It welcomed 192 countries and more than 24 million visitors as the first World’s Fair to be hosted in the Middle East & North Africa (MENA) region. Its theme was ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, encouraging countries and businesses to focus on sustainability, mobility, or opportunity within their Pavilion.
To best describe the Expo, imagine a place where you can learn about treatments for antibiotic resistance (Morocco), attend a seminar with a NASA astronaut and physician (Yvonne Cagle - USA), listen to Cristiano Ronaldo speak about the importance of fitness and health (Portugal), see models of the future of ultra-high-speed transit, the Hyperloop (DP World), and listen to Sheikh Hasina, Prime Minister of Bangladesh, talk about women's rights and education. This is a glimpse of what Expo 2020 brought to life: countries and businesses uniting in one place to find solutions to challenges facing future generations and showing their commitment to creating a better, more hopeful future.
I had the privilege of serving as one of seventy-five American Youth Ambassadors at the USA Pavilion. We were cultural ambassadors, representing 47 states and speaking 24 languages combined. We engaged in public diplomacy, spoke to international visitors, and showcased our American values, history, and technology throughout our Pavilion. Other roles also entailed giving tours to delegations, taking part in events and seminars, and lobbying for Expo 2027 (Minnesota’s bid for the next specialized Expo). It was an opportunity for us to be at the forefront of a global gathering and use soft diplomacy to enlighten visitors about the United States.
One of the biggest highlights of working as a Youth Ambassador was the connections and relationships I made with guests during my time in Dubai. I encountered visitors from every corner of the world. Many had never been to the US, so they were very excited to speak to an American and learn more about the United States up close. I enjoyed speaking to visitors and discovering a glimpse of their stories. I met an American nurse from Texas who moved to the UAE to work at the new Mayo Clinic in Abu Dhabi. A Pakistani family approached me and asked for advice on how their son can study in the US. I practiced my French with a Parisian woman who wanted to learn about our Space exhibition. These interactions were what gave me the greatest joy at Expo; simply witnessing humanity at its core where people from very different backgrounds wanted to learn and discover new ideas and connect with one another.
Additionally, the friendships that I made amongst my fellow Youth Ambassadors and with staff at Expo were the greatest gift I could have been given. Everyone came to Expo for the same reason; to celebrate their country and learn more about others. They genuinely wanted to get to know each other, learn about each other’s culture, and share memorable experiences with each other. Even when surrounded by the chaos of long queues and stubborn guests, there was always so much laughter and happiness every day amongst us. My colleagues supported me and wanted to see me thrive in everything I attempted. There was no judgment, insecurity, or sense of exclusion but instead so much kindness and hospitality. A beautiful feeling to have experienced, at first by strangers, that turned into lifelong friends. And this was because of the environment that Expo and Dubai fostered; a home away from home for everyone.
Now, one of my favorite parts of the Expo was the endless food options. With more than 200 food outlets, you could taste any dish from any part of the world. Food brought comfort and inclusivity, and through this, it was a beautiful way to learn more about a new country or culture. My activity of choice at the Expo was taste testing different cuisines. During my lunch break, I would indulge in Pilaf, a Turkmenistan delicacy made from simmered meat and veggies full of spices and flavor. Then after shift, I would stroll over to the Slovak Pavilion and order their Pierogies stuffed with Bryndza for dinner. With every dish came a new conversation, a new fun fact about the country, or even testing out a new language skill. It was a natural way to meet and connect with others who may seem very different at first, but then you come to realize the commonalities you share, and it turns into a beautiful, new friendship.
A huge part of this abroad internship was the opportunity to travel. When I wasn’t at Expo, I took advantage of exploring the United Arab Emirates. There are seven emirates that make up the UAE, all with unique cultural, geographical, and historical elements to discover. Dubai, the glamorous and progressive emirate, is known as the modern metropolitan city. Home to the world's tallest building, the Burj Khalifa, never-ending nightlife, and massive shopping malls where you’ll need to use google maps to find an exit (yes, unfortunately, I was that person), Dubai is a hub for tourists and ex-pats. Popular activities include desert safaris, camel rides, souks, and heritage festivals. Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, contains more of an Arabian flair while still connecting to the western world through architecture and lifestyle. But the authentic beauty of the country lies beyond the skyscrapers and tourist attractions. There is so much adventure and rich culture to experience in the UAE. Whether it is hiking Jebel Jais in Ras Al Khaimah, the highest point in the country, snorkeling along the coast of Fujairah in the Gulf of Oman, visiting a date farm, or learning about the Islamic faith and the achievements of Arab scientists at the Sharjah Museum of Islamic Civilization, there are so many different activities unique to the country. More so, I loved discovering hidden travel gems, such as seeing the Milky Way with your naked eye while camping out in the desert. I’m sure I only found a handful of these beautiful spots, so that means only one thing: I must go back!
Since returning to Vermont, I’ve noticed a difference within myself, personal growth. While living in Dubai, I was challenged to come out of my comfort zone every day. Whether it was engaging in new conversations, navigating living in a foreign country on my own, or practicing my extremely beginner Arabic, each experience brought self-growth and the development of a new skill. Meeting the diverse individuals in the UAE made me reflect on my values and goals for my future. I gained more awareness about the world, different cultures, and religions. I became more assured of my aspirations and more confident in who I am and who I want to strive to become. Living abroad helped me gain so much independence and self-assurance in a way I didn't realize I needed. It gave me the opportunity to develop a clearer sense of self.
All in all, Expo 2020 Dubai truly was a magical place on earth. As Youth Ambassadors, we were given the incredible gift of interacting with thousands of visitors every day and engaging in public diplomacy. We had the privilege of being in the same room as heads of state, ministers, Sheikhs, CEOs, scientists, and many more highly accomplished individuals. It was the greatest honor to be representing the United States at this international event. I highly encourage every youth and young adult to experience working or living abroad. Not only do you gain more insight into the culture, lifestyle, and values of that region but it’s also an opportunity for self-growth. My life has forever changed thanks to Expo 2020 Dubai. Until we meet again.
For those who want to see a glimpse inside of Expo 2020 Dubai:
