Mehmood-Ul-Hassan Khan
Many regional and international conferences and expos have already been held in the UAE. Taking a giant step, UAE submitted its bid for World Expo 2020. A comprehensive media campaign has already been initiated throughout the UAE and around the globe.
According to many international economists and strategic market gurus holding of international conferences, seminars, and expos are also one of the key parameters of a progressive, dynamic and vibrant country and of course, UAE is the hub of all kinds of business and investment activities. It has had been one of the main platforms of human interaction, integration of economies, connecting minds and generating of new ideas throughout the history. It has had been also easiest way of culture promotion, tourism development, and above all interfaith harmony.
Since 1851, World Expos have provided significant opportunities to engage the world community in a shared project. The World Expo is one of the largest international events organised for more than 150 years. The World Expo is the busiest exhibition in the world and is said to attract the largest number of visitors worldwide. If the UAE manages to secure the bid for the 2020 Expo, the exhibition alone is likely to attract at least half a million visitors.
UAE is the home of more than 193 nationalities where peoples live united and enjoy other cultures from across the globe every day. That is why we believe that Dubai is the perfect city to host the 2020 World Expo.”
Since it is mega project due to which Dubai will spend between US$2 billion (Dh7.35 billion) and US$4 billion on infrastructure if it manages to secure the bid for the 2020 World Expo. It is a global, non-commercial exposition (six-month event (January 4 to June 30, 2020). The hosting of it must be applied for by a country and approved by the World Expo committee. The Expo is intended to promote exchanges of ideas and development of the world economy, culture, science and technology, to allow exhibitors to display their achievements and improve international relationships.
It is hoped that under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” the 2020 World Expo in Dubai will serve as a “global hub for ideas and a springboard for creativity. Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC), the UAE is developing is due next year, and will include a full analysis of the actual infrastructure requirement for the bid and the expected revenue”. He elaborated that most host cities in the past have had a “very positive economic contribution”. Income was increased. Inflows of investments were enhanced. Joint ventures were progressed.
Country World Expo Accumulated Financial Gains
Germany 2000 US$7.4 billion
China Shanghai,2010 US$2 billion in revenues for the host city. It raised Shanghai’s profile in Asia and across the world, as tourism arrivals rose by 13 per cent, attracting more than 73 million visitors.
UAE has state of the art infrastructure in terms of airports, airlines, marketing companies, soft image companies, vibrant media and so many potential businessmen and investors which will work to its advantage in terms of lowering the overall cost. It is hoped that by connecting people, which lies at the heart of UAE strategic vision as a cosmopolitan nation, UAE can foster greater cooperation and understanding between people and cultures. “By connecting minds, we celebrate our common aspirations and work to create a brighter future. That is our vision for the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.”
Competing Countries
Countries Cities
UAE Dubai
Thailand Ayutthaya
Russia Ekaterinburg
Turkey Izmir
Brazil Sao Paulo
The winner will be announced by the BIE in November 2013 following a vote by its 160 member nations.
It has multiplier socio-economic benefits. It is also a project which forms a part of the strategic development plan of a city which will continue to transform that city. It would increase the facilities such as creating jobs and also resulting in better quality of life for its citizens, having a positive effect on the city. On an average, the Expo attracts 30-40 million visitors. Expos are a big dialogue of the international community. It is hoped that the UAE’s bid for the 2020 World Expo, if met with success, could translate into huge gains for the country’s tourism and hospitality sector. Dubai International is poised to become the world’s busiest airport by 2015 and last year alone, 51 million passengers travelled through the airport. The travel and tourism sector, especially, is optimistic about the UAE winning the Expo bid as it could open a huge investment gateway for the sector. Service sector in the UAE will be gaining benefit from the 2020 Expo. It would be a great achievement for the entire region, and the whole services industry stands to benefit from the event if it takes place in the UAE. It would put the country on a global map.
UAE a vibrant and ideal country for interfaith harmony and Dubai is home to more than 193 nationalities who live and work together in harmony.
Specification
Location Size
Western edge of Dubai, adjacent to Dubai World Central, home to Al Maktoum International Airport, 400-hectare site