The face of Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid, Al Hashimy delivered a stirring speech on voting day at the Bureau of International Expositions, Paris in November 2013. “I am now delivering what is likely to be one of the most important speeches of my life,” she told the audience before delivering Dubai’s final presentation. The emirate’s subsequent crowning as host of Expo 2020 means Al Hashimy now has a very important role to play in proving Dubai can deliver what is promised. Expect to see a lot more of her as Expo preparation gets in full swing.