UAE presents bid to host World Expo 2020

The UAE has presented a bid to the International Exhibitions Bureau at the conference held today in Paris at head-office of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), to host Expo 2020 in Dubai.

The move follows the directives by Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Headed by H H Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, CEO of Emirates Airlines Group, the UAE delegation demonstrated its credentials and capacities at the conference to qualify as a potential host of World Expo 2020 in Dubai City.

The world event in which 130 countries take part every five years.

Five cities vying for host right of the 2020 World Expo on Wednesday kicked off their candidature campaigns by presenting their respective bids to the 150th General Assembly of International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) in its Paris-based headquarters.

The 2020 World Expo is due to take place from Jan. 4 to June 30, 2020.

The winner of the five candidates, namely Izmir of Turkey, Ayutthaya of Thailand, Sao Paulo of Brazil, Ekaterinburg of Russia and Dubai of UAE, will be announced in November 2013 after vote.

During the presentations, each city introduced its individual advantages and preparation plans.

Sheikh Ahmed said in a statement at the conclusion of conference that the chances of UAE are great to host the highly reputed event, citing the infrastructure, security, support of the leadership and the Arab culture that tolerates over 200 nationalities and cultures in the UAE in secure and stable community.

He added that the chances of Dubai to host this grand event "make us to work harder to achieve this national goal", calling for concerted efforts of Emiratis and local institutions to sustain the reputation and welfare of the UAE.

The UAE delegation included Reem Al Hashimy, State Minister, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director General of the Dubai Ruler's Court, Ahmed Abdullah Al Sheikh, Director of Media Office of Dubai Government, Mohammed Abdullah Al Raisi, UAE Ambassador to France.

Reem Al Hashimy delivered the UAE's speech on behalf of Sheikh Ahmed. The speech was supported by a documentary film on the achievements of the UAE and its experiences on hosting specialised exhibitions.

Held every five years for a maximum period of six months, the world exhibitions generate significant economic benefits for the host city.