Dubai: Sunny Varkey, a leading UAE businessman and the Founder and Chairman of GEMS Education, had no doubt that Dubai would win the bid to host Expo 2020.
“I had no doubt about the possibility of Dubai to win Expo 2020. Dubai is a world class city that has become the centre of the world, both geographically and figuratively. It truly embodies both the spirit and the vision for Expo 2020,” he said.
“Winning the bid will be a tremendous vote for this Emirate’s efforts to show a new direction and the embrace of globalisation,” Varkey said.
He attributed the success of Dubai to the UAE’s leaders.
“Because of the visionary leadership in this nation we are at the centre of commercial aviation, through Emirates Airline and Etihad Airways. We are at the centre of regional trade thanks to our free trade zones, our ports and airports, and we are an education centre, where we are truly raising global citizens. The fact is that few cities around the world boast the level of infrastructure, the global mindset and the embrace of other cultures like Dubai does.”
For Varkey, Dubai is a truly global city, with 160 nationalities represented across all sectors of the economy and where almost as many languages are heard on the street.
“There are elderly people today who still remember the days when water and food were hard to get, electricity was almost non-existent, and life was hard. But today people want to come live in Dubai and embrace the city as their new home, while companies across the region are basing here, cementing Dubai’s role as a global hub for international companies.”
Highlighting the significance of hosting such an international event in Dubai, he remarked that this event will place Dubai among the world cities that have had a marked impact on the march of history and on the growth of the world economy. According to him, the success of Dubai is often held as a model for the entire region, and the developing world as well.
“By securing the Expo, Dubai will shine on the world stage and make it even more attractive to international investors and companies.”
The successful development story of Dubai is proof the emirate of capability of achievements and progress.
Embrace of globalisation
“People can pride themselves with the story of growth that is Dubai. The visionary leadership and the embracing of globalisation are two key factors in this growth. Again, Dubai, like few other cities, represents the very spirit and vision of the world Expo.”
Recalling the past, Varkey said: “The most important secret was our visionary leadership that saw no challenge too big and no problem unsolvable, and embraced the best that the world has to offer. That has meant the embrace of other cultures, tolerance, and the drive to excel and exceed the limits.”
He said that the UAE’s model for coexistence is the main driver behind country’s ability to excel. “Emiratis and expatriates have all worked together, hand in hand, to show this emirate for what it really is: a remarkable example of vision and drive that has made this city a top destination for businesses and tourists alike.”
“Today, we are a magnet for Arab minds and a symbol for those who seek excellence. We have done that by Emiratis and expats working hand in hand to reach these heights,” he added.
Varkey believes passionately that education is the most important issue in the world today because of the effect it can have in reducing conflict, prejudice, poverty and intolerance.
He said he is committed to improving the quality of education to millions of children around the world.
He achieves his vision through his international education company, GEMS Education, which is family owned and has been operating for over 50 years. It is a third generation education family.
Varkey is very sure that all sectors will benefit from the bid in their own way.
According to him, Expo 2020 will be a recognition of all the decades of hard work and striving, placing the UAE in its rightful place as a leading nation with visionary leadership and national drive .
“It will mean the culmination of so much of what we have been creating over the past 50 years. Everyday, we prepare 140,000 students to be world citizens, to embrace the best the world has to offer and to strive to make the world a better place.”
“That, ultimately, is the vision of Expo 2020 and we are proud to have had a role in the success story that is Dubai,” Varkey said.
