Abdullah bin Zayed: Dubai's win is a success for all Arabs

UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Wednesday described the UAE success in being chosen to host the World Expo 2020 as "an unprecedented, historic moment in the history of our Arab Nation."

“It is a moment of extreme joy and delight for the leadership and people of the UAE amidst the celebrations of the 42nd National Day of our young nation. The victory adds a feather to the UAE's cap. It is a new addition to our great achievements which will place the UAE under the world focus for the next decade,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

He said: “The historic victory underscores the international respect for our State and this is in itself a cause of optimism in our success in winning votes from representatives of the member states of the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), reflecting consensus on the UAE's ability to host Expo, the world's largest artistic, cultural, scientific and civilisational gathering in history.

“It is a worthy win for the leadership and people of the UAE and for the emirate of Dubai. It is a victory through which the UAE has surprised the world,” he added.

“On this remarkable occasion, I would like to extend warmest congratulations and felicitations to President His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Their Highnesses Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, the UAE people, and to all brothers and friends across the world who voted for us to have the honour of hosting World Expo 2020 in Dubai. On behalf of the leadership, government and people of the UAE, I sincerely thank our brotherly and friendly countries for their stances which enabled the UAE to win the bid for hosting Expo 2020.''

Sheikh Abdullah expressed profound appreciation to the Arab countries for their support for the UAE's bid to host the high-profile international exhibition, asserting that their support is testament to the spirit of Arab loyalty because it is the first time that an Arab city is hosting this international prestigious gathering.

“Dubai's win is a success for all Arabs,” he said.

“We in the UAE were confident of winning the bid as the UAE dossier to host Expo 2020 was underpinned by confidence, popular support and solidarity not only from the UAE people but also from expatriate residents; all providing strong factors for supporting the UAE's bid.”

"What pleases us more is that the UAE will be hosting this prestigious event in 2020, while celebrating its fifth decade. It will be a great opportunity when the whole world will be here to share our joy over the 50th anniversary since our country was founded by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan."

Sheikh Abdullah thanked the Emirati team for Expo 2020 who "have done an excellent job, contacting and meeting with officials from the BIE member states.

Headed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, the Expo 2020 team made a very strong case and eventually succeeded in proving UAE and Dubai's ability to host this globally-renowned event."

He went on to say: “This is a test for the mettle of the UAE youth and their success in meeting their country's goals. I am extremely proud of this strong bond of the UAE society."

Sheikh Abdullah re-affirmed the UAE's commitment to present a spectacular Expo 2020.

"We are keen to demonstrate the true face of the UAE, the land of tolerance, openness and diversity. The government of the UAE renews its commitment to provide a spectacular EXPO 2020 and to show the whole world how creative and open our society is."

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