Along the main walkway of the Jubilee Park within the EXPO 2020 Dubai site stand 38 columns of Omani limestone – a first of its kind monument to the living.

Inspired by the moon’s transforming in an eclipse, the cylindrical two-meters high columns display the names of 200,000 workers from around the world who have contributed 240 million labor hours to make the world expo a reality.

According to Al Hashem Marble Production Manager Salim Mahmoud, these marble columns were partially cut and the surface blast cleaned using GMA Garnet™ abrasives prior to the name engraving process which comprised of 3,000,000 letters.

The EXPO 2020 Dubai was also the first expo held in the Middle East. It was officially launched in October 2021 and will run for six months. The programmes were categorized into 10 theme weeks. Each theme enables the visitor to explore critical challenges we face in humanity and opportunities to rise above through culture, social, environment and economic lenses.

The physical site will remain open as a global community for the future and home to world- class innovation, education, culture and entertainment.

Left: 3,000,000 letters were engraved on a total of 38 columns.
Top & bottom right: These marble columns were partially cut and the surface blast cleaned using GMA Garnet™ abrasives.

 Hemanshu Dawda, GMA Middle East