Special Features
Top Chinese University Award UAE Pavilion ’Gold Rating’
A survey undertaken by one of the top universities in Shanghai China has revealed that the UAE Pavilion was the most popular international pavilion out of 189 countries participating at EXPO 2010.The survey, carried out by Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was released yesterday and was based on interviews throughout the EXPO site with 1500 visitors. The news was carried by China News and Shanghai Daily which commented: "The United Arab Emirates Pavilion was chosen as the favourite foreign pavilion, followed by the German and Russian pavilions, according to the survey".
Results of the visitor poll differed from those issued by a small BIE panel of judges whose controversial assessments caused a lively debate among officials, participants and members of the public.
Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion, Salem Al Ameri, welcomed the survey and its findings, commenting that: "We were always aware that the UAE Pavilion was extremely popular with visitors and were repeatedly being told that it was their favourite throughout EXPO. It is good to know that an independent survey confirmed our own observations. Judging of events like this are bound to be subjective but a survey of so many visitors probably throws up a more accurate reflection of the overall visitor experiences."
When asked how he viewed the EXPO, he added: "From the UAE’s perspective this was a hugely successful event that will bring positive results for the country in the years ahead. We created an extremely positive image of the UAE and millions of Chinese who previously knew nothing about the Emirates are now keen to visit, whether for business or leisure. I am enormously proud of our team effort and thank everyone involved".
