New Zealander Nathan McCullum, one of the leading one-day international cricketers over the past two decades, will be telling friends and family back home to prepare for a trip to Expo 2020 Dubai later this year after being given an early view of the national pavilion and site.
McCullum, 39, retired as a player in 2016 and has launched a new career in construction so was particularly interested in the cutting-edge structures throughout the site and meeting the dedicated builders and contractors responsible for the work.
He was accompanied by members of the New Zealand pavilion team on his visit, including the country’s Commissioner General, Clayton Kimpton.
“It’s pretty special, pretty surreal. I’m involved in construction but to see a site as huge as this and to see the New Zealand pavilion being built is very special,” said McCullum, who played for the Black Caps in 84 one-day internationals and represented his country in 63 Twenty20 international matches.
“The pavilion is awesome to see. I’ve been talking to the guys around the design of the pavilion and the way it’s going to be developed is extremely exciting as well. I’m looking forward to seeing it finished.”
He continued: “It will be pretty exceptional to come and see the finished product. It’s definitely something that Kiwis and people from all over the world should come to see. “Expo 2020 has brought 192 countries to the same place and it’s a great way to see all those nations. I will be mentioning it to everyone back home and telling them to get along to the Expo.”
McCullum was not surprised to see the progress on site with just over 10 months to go before the Expo 2020 gates open on 20 October. He fully expects Dubai to stage an exceptional World Expo as a frequent enthusiastic visitor to the UAE.
“I love Dubai, I’ve been here about a dozen times in all playing for New Zealand. The beauty of Dubai is there’s always something new, something fresh to do every single time you come,” he said.
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