Video: Sheikh Mohammed tours Expo 2020 site by helicopter

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai visited the Expo 2020 Dubai site on Monday and said he was encouraged by the development so far.

Preparations are currently underway to build the Expo site in Dubai, which will host the six-month long event.

Sheikh Mohammed conducted a helicopter tour of the site on Monday to see its progress, official news agency WAM reported.

HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai, reviewed #Expo2020 from above (1/2) pic.twitter.com/EO80MPseEc

— Expo2020Dubai (@expo2020dubai) August 7, 2017

He was briefed by department heads and directors on the progress made in the areas of real estate and development, international participants, legacy, business development and integration, and youth connect.

Sheikh Mohammed said he was pleased to see the progress made by RTA in the construction of the Metro link to a new station on the Expo site, Route 2020, which will be one stop from the Al Maktoum International Airport.

He also stressed the importance of youth being integrated in the Expo journey and their involvement in planning for both the Expo 2020 and its social, economic, physical and reputational legacy.

Sheikh Mohammed also emphasised that the thousands of volunteers who will be recruited must reflect the culture and values of the UAE.

Held under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 Dubai will open on October 20, 2020 and conclude six months later, on April 10, 2021.

More than 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, corporations and educational institutions, are expected to take attend.

Also see: In pics: Huge translucent dome to be part of Expo 2020 Dubai site

The event is anticipated to be visited by 25 million including 70 per cent from overseas.

To date, Expo 2020 Dubai has awarded 1,964 contracts worth AED 5.3 billion; this year AED 11.5 billion in Expo’s contracts will be awarded pic.twitter.com/RUMY8IUKQE

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) August 7, 2017

It will be the first world Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region and the Arab world.

Also read: Construction contract worth Dhs353m awarded for UAE pavilion at Expo 2020

Up to 80% of Dubai’s Expo 2020 site to be redeveloped

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee said: “We have had private and public commitments for participation from more than 120 countries and have recently announced our seventh commercial premier partner.

“His Highness’s visit and continuing guidance is a source of great encouragement and inspiration as we work towards a World Expo that will have a long and meaningful impact on both the UAE and wider region.”