Canada-UAE Friendship to be marked on Canada’s National Day, 1 July, with flag-inspired display on tallest building in the world
Abu Dhabi & Dubai (27 June 2019) – The Embassy of Canada to the United Arab Emirates and the Consulate General of Canada in Dubai are proud to announce an upcoming special event. On Canada Day, 1 July 2019, at 8:25p.m. UAE time, the iconic Burj Khalifa by Emaar Properties, will be lit up with a design inspired by the National Flag of Canada.
Burj Khalifa itself is a shining example of the highly productive collaboration between Canada and the United Arab Emirates, in more ways than one. Many Canadian companies contributed to its design and development, including the iconic tower’s architectural supervision during construction (Norr Group), the surrounding neighbourhood (Stantec), the building’s wind resistance analysis (RWDI), the visitor experience (GSM Project), and custom lighting at the observations decks – At the Top, Burj Khalifa and At the Top, Burj Khalifa SKY (Lightemotion). In fact, the Burj Khalifa’s award-winning and record-breaking LED lighting system was designed and created by SACO Technologies of Montréal, Quebec.
Next Monday’s unique and awe-inspiring display underscores the role of Canadian enterprise and creativity in making the Burj Khalifa the global icon it is today, as well as the ongoing contribution to building the UAE made by the 40,000 Canadians living here.
More broadly, the Canada Day lighting represents the bond between Canada and the United Arab Emirates as well as the great potential for collaboration between our two inclusive and future-oriented countries.
The Embassy and Consulate General wish to extend their warmest thanks to Emaar Properties PJSC and its leadership for this most appreciated tribute to Canada.
The flag-inspired projection can be seen for approximately one minute and ten seconds beginning at 8:25 p.m. (UAE time) on Monday, 1 July 2019. Pictures will be shared on the Embassy’s social media accounts and provided directly to media outlets. The media are invited to contact the Embassy for more information and/or to use the information in this press release, including the quotes below, in their coverage of the event.
QUOTES
“As my three years as Canada’s Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates draw to a close, I can think of no greater validation of both our missions’ efforts to build links between our countries than to see our flag projected sky-high on the Burj Khalifa. It is all the more fitting that it should happen during the Year of Tolerance. Let this moment inspire Canadians, Emiratis and all UAE residents, and let it remind them that the future belongs to societies which welcome and include all, no matter their ethnicity, culture or religion.”
His Excellency Masud Husain, Ambassador of Canada to the United Arab Emirates
“Entrepreneurship, creativity and innovation are increasingly Canada’s international calling cards, and nowhere is that better represented than in the significant contribution of Canadians to the building of the Burj Khalifa. The Canadian maple leaf proudly displayed on this iconic building is a quintessential symbol of what our country has to offer the world. As we turn our attention to Expo 2020 Dubai, you can expect to see more great things from Canada.”
Her Excellency Marcy Grossman, Consul General of Canada in Dubai
For more information, please contact:
Mr. David Kyffin, Public Affairs Officer, Embassy of Canada to the United Arab Emirates +971-02-694-0303, david.kyffin@international.gc.ca
View Press Release: Government of Canada