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Dubai is region's gateway for Expo 2020

DUBAI — The UAE represents the region’s ambition to host World Expo 2020, the biggest and most significant exhibition worldwide, His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Tuesday.

By (Staff Reporter)

Published: Wed 27 Feb 2013, 1:05 AM

Last updated: Sat 4 Apr 2015, 7:59 AM

Talking to the Chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), Steen Christiansen, the inter-governmental organisation based in Paris, at Zabeel Palace, Shaikh Mohammed said that the event gathers many cultures to demonstrate their scientific, technical and industrial innovation under one umbrella. He said Dubai is equipped to be a gateway for Expo 2020 to the region.

Shaikh Mohammed with Steen Christiansen at Zabeel Palace in Dubai on Tuesday. — Wam

Steen Christiansen and his delegation are on a four-day Enquiry Mission to the UAE to assess its ability to host the World Expo 2020 and examine the facilities available for the event.

Shaikh Mohammed stressed the keen interest of the UAE government, officials and people due to the importance of this global event in bridging cultures and bridging the gap between nations around the world and the UAE.

Mohammed Tweets

THROWING his weight behind the UAE’s Expo 2020 bid, an upbeat His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, told his Twitter followers that the country and Dubai are the perfect location for the prestigious event.

Shaikh Mohammed, who met the chairman and members of the visiting Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), tweeted: “I am confident that the UAE has what it takes to host the biggest event in the history of Expo in 2020. And to impress the rest of the world.”

“I have shared with the delegation our President’s welcome message and his personal support for UAE to win the bid to host the exhibition,” he told his 1.5 million followers on the social networking site.

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Shaikh Mohammed said that the UAE leadership, federal and local governments, private sectors and community are coordinating on the highest levels to furnish the exhibition and win the bid to host the mega event.

Shaikh Mohammed expressed his confidence that the BIE’s delegation would be satisfied and convinced that the UAE has the potential to host the event as it enjoys international standards that qualifies Dubai to be the preferred destination for the exhibitors and visitors.

Chairman of BIE’s Enquiry Mission Steen Christiansen expressed his sincere appreciation for the hospitality and cooperation received from the UAE concerned authority. He also praised the cultural diversity and economic development in UAE.

Shaikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Lt-General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates airline and Group and Chairman of the Higher Committee for hosting the Expo 2020; Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for hosting the Expo 2020; Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Court and Vice-Chairman of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020; Lt-General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Office; members of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 including Director of the Roads and Transport Authority Mattar Al Tayer, Director-General of Dubai Municipality Engineer Hussain Nasser Lootah, Deputy Commandant General of the Dubai Police Major-General Khamis Matar Al Muzainah and Director-General of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre Hilal Saeed Al Marri were also present.

Shaikh Mohammed hosted a lunch banquet in honour of the BIE’s delegation.

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