The skies around Dubai were lit with fireworks when the announcement came through that the city-state won the rights to host the 2020 World Expo. It beat out Yekaterinburg in Russia, Sao Paulo in Brazil and Izmir in Turkey. Held every five years and for a period lasting six months in the host city, World Expos attract millions of visitors from within and abroad.
The World Expo which has never been held in the Middle East, in Africa or in South East Asia since it began is an event that takes place every five years and lasts for six months in the host city. Previous Expos around the world have attracted millions of visitors and have contributed immensely to the economy of the host city. The Expo which was started in the 19th century has emerged in recent times to provide a platform of ‘nation branding’ for participating countries. Pavilions dedicated to display a country’s heritage and its positive elements provide visitors who may never get an opportunity to visit that country a glimpse into that land. The host country as demonstrated in recent times usually fields the largest and most spectacular pavilion.
This was good news not just for residents of Dubai or the UAE but for many in the GCC as well. Saeed, a Saudi university professor in Jeddah said, “This is indeed a very important and significant event for a country that recently suffered an economic meltdown. Dubai has shown its resilience to bounce back and by winning the Expo bid, it can put all that behind it. There are conservative estimates which suggest that the city could net some $15 billion (Dh55 billion) from the Expo, and I wish them all the success.”
Rula, a Syrian doctor working in Riyadh adds: “It is a magical city made even more so with this latest news. I had been there twice, and each time made me want to stay longer. What impresses me is that it is such a cosmopolitan and accepting place. The infrastructure is beyond anything I have witnessed in my travels to other cities in the Gulf. I am sure that with the Expo, Dubai will be even more imaginative. I will certainly include an extended visit to Dubai during the Expo in my future plans, God willing.”
City of superlatives
Fadi, a Lebanese media specialist said, “I am ecstatic with the news which has followed another good piece of news in the region and that was the nuclear talks agreement between the world powers and Iran. Frankly I had been worried before that about any military action against Iran as the results would have been very bad for the entire region. But with the talks moving along positively and Dubai now capturing the prize for the World Expo in 2020, it has suddenly made the region seem much safer. More good news to cheer about, and more Expos and less wars please!”
Samira, a Saudi housewife says: “Dubai and the UAE have always been a destination of choice by my family in recent years. Why? Because of the country’s political stability, its world class attractions, the family nature of the city, and because every time we go there something newer and interesting has been developed. Undoubtedly, the Expo success will encourage more innovative attractions and diversions for tourists and residents alike. The Expo has my husband and I considering investing in a vacation home in that city.”
Hussain, a Saudi economist cautions: “While I wish my Emirati brothers and sisters the best of wishes for their Expo, I also hope that the government implements prudent financial policies that would not lead to a financial boom and bust scenario. It must control market speculation, be it in property or the stock market, otherwise there is danger that unchecked activity would lead to another financial collapse, one that Dubai could ill afford. I am confident though that Dubai’s leaders have that in mind and will take the necessary precautions.” Brad, an American geologist working in the Empty Quarter says: “Dubai has become a city of superlatives of the modern era. This Expo will serve as another feather in their cap as they will showcase to the world their record achievements. Just when you think that a skiing slope or the world’s tallest building eclipses global records, something new pops up to take your breath away.”
Following the victory announcement, His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum,Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai promised to dazzle the world with what Dubai will offer during the event. “We renew our promise to astonish the world in 2020,” he said, adding that “Dubai Expo 2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity.” Those of us who have witnessed Dubai’s meteoric rise first hand from a sandy desert and the transformation of dunes of sand into a modern metropolitan city in such a short passage of time principally on Shaikh Mohammad’s ‘can do’ philosophy, have no reason to doubt the UAE Vice-President’s words.
Tariq A. Al Maeena is a Saudi socio-political commentator. He lives in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/@talmaeena
