A heartfelt account of the high stakes involved in Dubai Expo by Reem Al Hashimy

Khaleej Times

14-04-2025

Few narratives manage to inspire while remaining grounded in honest reflection genuinely. Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy's When Ground Shifts – The Story of Dubai Expo: Creating Hope in Times of Upheaval achieves precisely this balance. As the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and the driving force behind Dubai Expo 2020, Al Hashimy, through her new book, offers readers a thoughtful, authentic and deeply human account of one of the world's most remarkable events.
The narrative opens with an intriguing fact: Dubai submitted its Expo bid on the very last possible day. This sets the stage for a compelling story filled with ambition and determination.
Expo 2020, the first ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, swiftly became a global platform showcasing innovation, resilience and unity amid uncertain times. This historical context alone makes the story engaging, as readers gain insights into the high stakes and intense preparation required to host such an extraordinary international event.
Al Hashimy's openness and sincerity are what make this book resonate deeply. Rather than simply recounting events, she weaves her personal experiences throughout the narrative, providing readers with genuine insights into her life. A particularly impactful moment described in the book is when she travelled to Paris for a crucial presentation to the Expo organising committee at 39 weeks pregnant, highlighting the extraordinary personal sacrifices made behind the scenes of public success.
Yet, she thoughtfully reflects on this intense period, openly admitting her wish to have savoured these experiences rather than rushing through them. Her candid reflections challenge the misleading idea of 'no pain, no gain,' suggesting that passion and intensive work should never compromise one's health and happiness. This thoughtful acknowledgement humanises her narrative, reminding readers of the importance of balance and well-being.
Beyond these personal insights, Al Hashimy provides valuable perspectives on the complexities of international diplomacy and collaboration involved in securing Expo bids. She explains how cities prepare meticulous bids and how diplomatic negotiations unfold, shedding light on a process often hidden from public view. In doing so, her account addresses prevalent stereotypes about the Middle East, particularly regarding women, demonstrating how the UAE distinguishes itself through progressive policies and genuine empowerment of all citizens. Al Hashimy's journey is an inspiring example of how leadership backed by a supportive national vision can effectively challenge global misconceptions.
A central theme of the book is Al Hashimy's passionate vision for true partnership and equality among nations. She convincingly argues for moving beyond traditional power dynamics, advocating collaboration built on mutual respect and sustainable partnerships. Her vision is practical, clearly illustrated by the inclusive and cooperative spirit of Expo 2020. She consistently emphasises the necessity for equal dignity among countries, providing a powerful alternative to hierarchical approaches to international relations. This inclusive strategy underpinned the Expo's success and offered an insightful blueprint for future global cooperation.
Al Hashimy candidly addresses the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly detailing the difficult decision to postpone Expo 2020 by a year. She vividly describes the tension, uncertainty, and collective determination that eventually led to the Expo's remarkable success. This portrayal of resilience in the face of unprecedented global upheaval further enriches the narrative, making it both timely and deeply relatable.
Expo's enduring legacy, particularly the creation of Expo City, showcases Dubai's visionary approach. The author's thoughtful discussions on sustainable urban planning reveal how temporary event venues can be innovatively transformed into thriving, long-term communities. This vision underscores a broader message about the importance of sustainable development and the potential for lasting impact when careful planning and foresight guide significant global events.
Throughout the narrative, Al Hashimy's warmth and authenticity shine brightly. Readers encounter her as a dedicated professional leader and as someone who cherishes family deeply. She openly discusses balancing relentless professional demands with the personal desire to nurture close family relationships. This interplay between personal commitment and professional ambition significantly enriches the emotional depth of her story, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply human level.
The book's release, only weeks ahead of Osaka Expo 2025, the event set to follow Dubai Expo 2020, significantly enhances its timeliness and relevance.
When Ground Shifts ultimately invites readers to celebrate the monumental achievements of the Dubai Expo and consider the broader possibilities for global collaboration. It is an engaging, heartfelt narrative filled with wisdom, hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound transformative power of collective effort and compassionate leadership.