Dubai: The UK Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai signs on Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa and Asia, as its official hotel partner for the biggest event of the year launching on October 1, 2021.
Last week the collaboration was confirmed at an event hosted by Majid Al Futtaim in the Kempinski Hotel, one of the 13 hotels in its portfolio, connected to the Mall of the Emirates. The celebration was attended by Patrick Moody, UK Ambassador to the UAE; Simon Penney, UK Trade Commissioner; Laura Faulkner, UK Pavilion Commissioner General and Director, Expo 2020 Dubai and officials from the Department for International Trade (DIT) in the UAE. Majid Al Futtaim was represented by Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Properties; Fuad Mansour Sharaf, Managing Director, UAE Shopping Malls, Majid Al Futtaim Properties; and Khalifa Bin Braik, Managing Director, Majid Al Futtaim Hotels.
“We’re delighted to welcome Majid Al Futtaim as a partner of the UK at Expo 2020 helping us share the best of the UK on the UK Pavilion and across the UAE at their range of hotels, malls and entertainment venues. We are excited to showcase the UK to the world in one place as we share how we are innovating for a shared future,” said Faulkner.
A mutually beneficial union
In the months leading up to and during Expo 2020 Dubai, the Dubai-based mall operator will receive VIP guests and celebrities affiliated with the UK Pavilion, providing them with exclusive hospitality and services.
Participating under the theme of ‘Innovating for a shared future’, the UK Pavilion will delve into future living and explore sustainable yet state-of-the-art technologies, data analytics and robotics, all of which closely align with the long-term vision of Majid Al Futtaim to deliver innovative concepts across its retail, property, leisure and entertainment operations.
Bringing the best of UK to UAE
Majid Al Futtaim sees the alliance as an opportunity to promote its range of hospitality, leisure and entertainment experiences to the British entities, businesses and travellers visiting the UAE. Additionally, according the company, British brands will receive exposure at its malls with exciting activations.
“Our partnership with Majid Al Futtaim at Expo 2020 Dubai is testament to the strength of the UK-UAE trade and investment relationship. The UK’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai will demonstrate that collaboration across borders will drive innovation and create opportunity in the Middle East and across the world,” added Penney.
- The writer is an intern with Gulf News.
