UAE has all “credentials” to host Expo 2020

The UAE possesses all the credentials to host the prestigious International Expo Exhibition (Expo) in 2020 given its strong economy, advanced infrastructure and strategic location, according to a UAE think-tank.

Besides generating massive revenues for the host country, Expo will benefit from the UAE’s prominent economic at the world level as well as the strong support of such an event by the country’s political leadership, the Abu Dhabi-based Emirates Centre for Strategic Studies and Research (ECSSR) said in a comment on the ongoing UAE campaign to host Expo, the world’s largest economic event.

It cited recent comments by UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan that the country, the second largest Arab economy and one of the world’s top oil exporters, has achieved “substantial progress” in various fields to become a key player on the global map.

He said the UAE has also entered into strategic economic, commercial, technological and scientific partnerships with major countries and has hosted hundreds of leading international exhibitions in recent years.

“The UAE has all the credentials needed to host Expo 2020 including world-class infrastructure, affluent economic environment and a strategic location. These factors are complemented with a strong political will and firm support to host this mega event,” said ECSSR, which is headed by Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the armed forces.

It noted that the UAE is campaigning to host Expo using “‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” as a motto, highlighting people-to-people engagement in today’s world where a new vision is required for development.

“This vision is based on cooperation, teamwork and commitment as the vehicle for achieving progress…. the UAE aims to use World Expo 2020 as an international platform for forging new partnerships through which prosperity and sustainability are guaranteed in the future,”
ECSSR said.

The report referred to the recent visit to Dubai by a delegation from the Bureau of International Exhibitions (BIE) – in charge of selecting the host country – to familiarize itself with the UAE’s preparedness for Expo 2020.

Receiving the delegation, the report added, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, expressed the leadership’s willingness and support for the UAE’s bid to host Expo 2020.

Highlighting the importance of Expo, ECSSR said the event usually brings considerable revenues for the host country. The figure reached
$7.4 billion in direct and indirect gains for Germany, which hosted the Expo in 2000, it said.

It also referred to statements by Sheikh Ahmed bin Said Al Maktoum, President of the Department of Civil Aviation, CEO and Chairman of The Emirates Group and Chairman of the Higher Committee for Hosting the
2020 World Expo, that revenues are expected to reach $37.7 billion when Expo 2020 is hosted by the UAE.

“Winning this honor will give another dimension to Expo 2020 as it will be the first to be organized in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia.”

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