Dubai: Experts say Dubai’s hosting of the World Expo 2020 will contribute a huge financial windfall to its economy, driven largely by an expected influx of 25 million tourists as well as new investments related to the city’s build-up for the event.
The Dubai World Expo 2020 would be the first to be held in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia (Menasa) region and would also coincide with the UAE’s golden jubilee.
“For the first time in the history of the World Expo, as much as 70 per cent of the expected 25 million visitors would be international — stemming from beyond the host nation. This is important because Dubai Expo 2020 would offer opportunity for both the developed and the developing world,” Helal Saeed Al Merri, Director-General of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM), said in an interview.
Al Merri will deliver the opening keynote address at Destination Dubai 2020, the first conference to comprehensively detail the opportunities and challenges confronting Dubai ahead of this most important event.
This will be followed by a presentation from Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman, Dubai Aviation City Corporation, who will provide an overview of the Dubai World Central master-plan. He said: “Dubai World Central is a purpose-built, forward looking, urban city development that is set to transform the region into an economic superpower. It has already seen significant development of what will be the world’s largest airport, the Al Maktoum International Airport, and it is also the permanent home of Dubai Airshow and the site of World Expo 2020. I am confident that the spirit of entrepreneurship and visionary foresight that has been the hallmark of Dubai’s spectacular rise as a global city will further drive us to build and deliver Dubai World Central as a shining example of this spirit and foresight.”
Strategic initiatives
Leaders from Dubai’s leading private and public sector players will then participate in a dedicated session outlining the strategic initiatives attached to delivering Dubai’s 2020 vision, as well as the various drivers that will impact on the growth of Dubai.
While Dubai’s preparations for the Expo has expectedly been the subject of so much buzz across the globe, the plan for the city after the event will also be significantly discussed during the conference, outlining potential uses for the infrastructure that will be set up in place.
“Creating a legacy for Dubai and the UAE beyond the Expo is a critical issue that is being addressed by organisers from the onset, ensuring real estate projects are developed with the long-term benefits in mind, considering the scale and magnitude of investments and infrastructure involved,” Edmund O’ Sullivan, chairman, MEED Events, organisers of Destination Dubai 2020, scheduled to take place from January 28-29, said.
