(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 17 - Expo Dubai turned green to celebrate Ireland on St Patrick's Day Thursday with the Ireland National Day staging cultural events and shows all day at the universal exposition.
    The day was inaugurated under the cupola of Al Wasl Plaza with the participation of United Arab Emirates International Cooperation Minister Reem Al Hashimy; Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, executive director of the Expo's general commissioner's office; and Darragh O'Brien, Ireland's minister for local government and heritage.
    "Ireland has a lot to offer us and the world as a regional leader in small and medium sized firms' innovation, as well as being an important technological and investment hub," said Al-Ali.
    "It's a special honour for me to offer Ireland's congratulations for your 50th anniversary that is coming to a close just as we in Ireland are gearing up to celebrate the 100th anniversary of our State," said O'Brien.
    "Ireland has further boosted our already excellent links with Dubai and the United Arab Emirates".
    The speeches were followed by a musical show opened by Amhrán Mhuínse, a Gaelic song sung by Síle Denvir, a musician from Galway who plays the Celtic harp.
    For the rest of the day, celebrations will include a musical performance at Al Wasl Plaza by the National Concert Hall led by world famous violinist Martin Hayes.
    The show will be preceded by a parade led by the Irish Armed Forces bagpipe players, sporting activities and a Guinness World Record attempt for the highest number of nationalities taking part in a fitness lesson.
    Over the course of the day, Al Wasl Plaza and the Expo Sports Arena will be tinged with green to take part in the 'Global Greening' event, in which buildings all over the world are lit up in green for St Patrick's Day. (ANSA).