Dubai: Moafaq Al Gaddah, a business figure of considerable repute in the Middle East and founder of MAG Group, reckons that Dubai’ winning Expo 2020 is an acknowledgement for the country’s achievements through the last four decades. It will also be an example for others.
“Dubai won not because it has the tallest building in the world or first-class infrastructure, but because it is a model of success, progress and prosperity.”
He affirmed the full confidence its citizens have in Dubai and its leaders to host an international event of this magnitude. “Dubai’s gain is a gain for every one,” Al Gaddah added. “Everyone will get to benefit - from a junior executive to the biggest businessman.”
“Dubai is always a step ahead of everyone else. And with hosting Expo 2020, the emirate will take us several steps further in progress and development.”
Expecting a marked economic growth and a major job boost, particularly in tourism and real estate sectors, Al Gaddah said a concrete plan of action will be in place to tackle different projects cutting across sectors.
Despite all that has been achieved, the country has a lot more to offer. “Dubai gave us a lot and hosting this event will not be a financial gain only but extend our exposure not only in the region but worldwide. It will bring the whole region into the limelight as this event will be coming to the Middle East for the first time.
“Dubai has the technology, the hotels and infrastructure are in place and the most important thing is that Dubai enjoys top-class security and stability. It will be vital proof that Dubai can lead on a global stage and not only on the regional level.
“From Dubai we have learnt that to maintain the current growth you should keep working hard. If you want to catch up with the consistent rise of the country, you have to work harder.”
The MAG Group has interests that stretch from automotive spare parts and manufacturing to real estate and hospitality. Plus, there are exposures to education and maritime.
“Hosting the Expo will boost the economy and grow most of the business sectors. These are where our strengths already exist, but we will be able to build on that. Dubai is for everyone and there is always room.”
“We have our plans to go hand-in-hand with UAE’s march to progress. We are already working on one to cope with the evolution and development in Dubai… getting the bid will speed things along as well as help set up other projects to meet the Expo-led demand.”
By playing host to Expo 2020, Dubai will be alerting the business community to the inherent possibilities that comes with such a high-powered summit. “The event will energize the UAE economy across all business sectors. As for us we always go in the direction Dubai is headed,” Al Gaddah said.
“Shaikh Mohammad’s encouragement to citizens to seek the first place in everything - as well as follow up all that has been achieved - is behind the sustainable growth in Dubai.
“In the 1980s, all business summits were either in Hong Kong or Bahrain, because of the ease of movement and facilitation. Today, these are headed for Dubai as everyone is looking to come and spend some time in this glamorous city.
“Ease of doing business, connectivity, facilities, hospitality and transportation have all created strong incentives for people to come. Earlier, I needed to plan early for my business trips which used to take a lot of time and effort.
Today I have no issue to go to the airport directly where I can find multiple choices for each single destination I want to go.
“Opportunities are everywhere in the UAE. And Dubai had opened the business horizon and put us on the right track decades ago.
“I can’t forget how Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry used to take Dubai’s businessmen on trade missions, introduce new markets to us to grow our business and at minimal cost. Sometime they even bore the expenses.”
“Dubai deserves to win Expo 2020.”
