Expo 2020: We have a very strong case, Abdullah Bin Zayed tells Gulf News

Paris: Gulf News speaks with Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE Foreign Minister, in Paris on the eve of the vote:

Gulf News: Do you recognise that we are primed for a historical moment?

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed: This is a wonderful opportunity, not only for Dubai and the UAE but for the entire region. The UAE has put in a strong bid for a very prestigious competition. I have a lot of respect not only for the bid, but for the UAE team which has done fantastically under Shaikh Ahmad. Hopefully this bid is extremely strong in terms of merits will be well received by the BIE.

Gulf News: You have personally been involved as well right from the inception…

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed: This is purely a team effort. It’s not only the local government, or the federal government that is participating; it is an involvement by the business communities and ordinary people. Everyone has made an effort by building the reputation of the UAE and Dubai, or by reaching out through the media, social media, parents, relatives, people back home, wherever they are, they have all played a role. I believe that we have a very strong case, but I am hopeful that the BIE will consider the bid and make a right decision.

Gulf News: What is your opinion of the competition?

Shaikh Abdullah Bin Zayed: Turkey, Brazil, Russia are respected internationally, politically, socially and economically. They have so much in the last few decades, so whatever the result will be I think Dubai has managed to show that it is an international city and a city which is well known and on the same footing with famous cities and countries which have traditions and a long history of successes. I believe that we are trying to do our best here.