Expo 2020: Dubai is worthy, capable, and the right choice

Dubai: For Salma Hareb, CEO of JAFZA and its parent company Economic Zones World (EZW) and prominent female figure in the UAE, Dubai is worthy, capable, and the right choice to host Expo 2020.

She remarked that Dubai received a strong support from the whole world and the possibility of Dubai to win the bid for expo 2020 was quite high from the beginning.

“Dubai is considered as the front-runner in the race for winning expo 2020 bid. The kind of endorsement Dubai’s bid has received from across the world, right from the leading nations like the UK to international media like The New York Times, Dubai’s chances of winning the Expo 2020 bid is very strong,” she said.

Salma added: “I consider Dubai as the ideal host city for 2020 World Expo.”

Justifying the advantage of Dubai, she said that Dubai has excellent track record of hosting world-class events and conferences as well as its first class infrastructure enable the emirates to accommodate not only it people but the visitors and businesses as well.

Starting as a planner for Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority (JAFZA) in 1997, today Slama Hareb is heading Dubai’s busiest free zones. The new title saw her become the first female in the Middle East and North Africa to be appointed head of an economic free zone..

Giving an example about Dubai capability, she said: “Dubai through its airport demonstrated ability to handle over 60 million passengers, making it the 2nd busiest airport in the world.”

She also remarked that Dubai’s example of tolerance and acceptance is another factor contributing to its success and achievements.

“Dubai hosts 202 nationalities harmoniously where they practice their full rights and freedom.”

Adding to these, Dubai is ranked as one of the safest cities in the world, she said.

“All these are attributes exemplifies the essence of World Expo. Dubai is worthy, capable, and the right choice.”

Salma Hareb

Former lab technologist Salma Hareb spent years studying for diplomas in information technology and business while also holding down a job at Dubai’s Department of Health before she decided on a change of career.

Hareb is a graduate of the UAE’s Al Ain University and undertook post-graduate work in medical laboratory sciences at Cardiff University in the UK.

Jafza role

World Expo will provide major boost to all sectors of the economy not only in the UAE but across the region, Salma said.

While the event is expected to be major boost for all sectors in Dubai and UAE, she believed that the significant impact of hosting this event will go to hospitality, retail and aviation sectors.

“I see the hospitality, retail (With all its sub sectors such as FMCG, luxury goods, food, and general merchandising), and aviation as the greatest beneficiaries. The influx of visitors and increased in activities would tend surge demand in the above mentioned sectors.”

Highlighting its role as a stakeholder in hosting this mega event, she said that

Jafza would participate, facilitate, and sponsor.

“Jafza is currently home to over 7,000 world’s finest companies. Most of these companies have set up their regional base at the free zone. These companies serve Dubai, UAE and the regional markets from their respective facilities in Jafza.”

These companies would participate as members in various pavilions, within their respective countries and within the other themed pavilions. These companies would also provide services and products during development and operations/ running of the EXPO in Dubai, she said.

“Jafza would also facilitate for companies through cooperative schemes to engage smaller and medium size companies to take part in the momentous event.”

Salma also remarked that Jafza would sponsor activities/events in its direct contributions prior and during the event.

What Expo 2020 means

Salma said: “Expo 2020 means to me that Dubai would be able show the world the modern Arabian culture and learn from the world in the most civilized and elegant way.”

“Truly the Dubai way!”

According to her, Dubai through Expo 2020 would be able to show the world the Modern Arabian culture that connect minds and create the future.

She said: “World Expo remains a key meeting point for the global community to share innovations and make progress on issues of international importance such as the global economy, sustainable development and improved quality of life for the world’s population.”

“The event attracts millions of visitors who explore and discover pavilions, exhibitions and cultural events staged by hundreds of participants including nations, international organisations and businesses.’

Salma pointed out that World Expo is a catalyst for economic, cultural and social transformation and generates important legacies for the host city and nation.

“Expo 2020 in Dubai will provide the UAE an opportunity to showcase its unique capability as the region’s trade and commerce hub and huge possibilities for global players in the Middle East, which is one of the fastest growing regions in the world.”

Hosting Expo 2020 will have an added business value which will impact most of the economic sectors not only in Dubai but across the UAE, she said.

“The event, in practical terms, will provide huge boost to Dubai and the UAE’s trade and commerce driven economic activities and overall economy.

Salma said that the massive infrastructure development required to host such an event in the UAE and also in the region will provide massive boost to construction, transport, hospitality and retail sectors in particular and all trade and commerce related economic activities in general.

“The event will attract FDI, generate employment and further boost quality of life in the country,” Salma said.