On November 2, 2011 four cities had their bids for Expo 2020 already lodged, with Dubai making the last-minute entry. The delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions visiting Dubai this February to examine the Emirate’s readiness for the largest exposition, was impressed by the infrastructure, and the level of national support. Everyone is looking forward the final assessment, but it seems Dubai’s bid has great chances to win.
The first bid lodgment to the Bureau International des Expositions was those of Izmir, Turkey and Ayutthaya Thailand. Yekateringburg, Russia and Sao Paolo, Brazil also took part in the bidding, and the last one to compete for Expo 2020 host, was Dubai. The world Expo is held every five years in different parts of the world for a period of six months. The event attracts millions of visitors and gathers international organizations, small businesses and large corporations, as well as performers, politicians, and international audiences. National pavilions promote countries’ tourist, cultural and historical legacies and attractions, and theme pavilions focus on global issues and themes. For its bid, Dubai has selected the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.
If Dubai becomes host of Expo 2020, it will be the first to be held in the MENASA region (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia). The United Kingdom already backed up Dubai as an ‘exceptionally strong’ candidate in official statement by the British foreign secretary William Hague earlier this month. He pointed out that Dubai is a symbol of ‘global connectivity and accessibility’, a fact that will provide exhibitors with the opportunity to reach an international audience.
One of the largest themes of the Expo in Dubai is the creating of ideas and the power of imagination to build, grow and shape the word. And connected thinking is the best and only way for future peace and progress, says His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai himself. The world faces political, economic, and environmental problems, which are not local. Global challenges should be taken by globally connected people, with shared knowledge, will and efforts that will cope with the financial crisis, food insecurity, poverty, unemployment, and crime.
Other key themes of Dubai Expo 2020 are sustainability – smart sources of energy and water, mobility – efficient logistics and transportation systems, and opportunity – new ways for economic development.
