SARUQ AL HADID: THE FASCINATING GOLD RING BEHIND THE BIGGEST PARTY ON EARTH, THE EXPO 2020

Dubai: The Dubai Expo 2020 logo was inspired by a gold ring found at the Saruq Al Hadid archaeological site in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE).

The site was originally discovered by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, while flying his helicopter across the desert in 2002.

Saruq Al Hadid sits deep in the desert sands of the southern reaches of Dubai and is believed to have been an Iron-Age settlement. It is one of the important archaeological sites.

The Expo 2020 logo, and the story behind it, is in a way, a significant milestone. It shows how Dubai, and the UAE as a whole, has come full circle.

The elaborately fashioned gold ring, as Sheikh Mohammed said then, was evidence that “this land connected ancient civilisations” long ago — and symbolised that “we will continue to be a hub that connects the world”.

In 2013, Dubai's winning bid for the Expo 2020 resonated with the participating nations, as it was anchored on the theme: “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” (the sub-themes being Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity).

The ring may be a tiny little gold object, found alongside 12,000 other artefacts in an ancient settlement but it is fascinating in its detail and symmetry. It is made of pure gold, with ornate and artistic designs around it.

It's almost as if the ring's shape and design has prefigured the Expo 2020 theme — which inspires connectivity, resilience and strength.