World Expo Organiser BIE Sends Delegation To Dubai

An official delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos, is visiting Dubai to check on the progress of Expo 2020, it was announced on Monday.

The team includes BIE Secretary General Vicente Loscertales, who is officially visiting Dubai for the first time since the city was selected as host for the 2020 World Expo in November 2013.

In a statement, the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee confirmed that the purpose of the visit is to build on the on-going partnership with the BIE and to provide them with an update on the upcoming Expo.

The Higher Committee presented an update on developments of all work streams related to the mega-event, which are required as part of the mandatory Registration Phase, a legally binding process for the ratification of Expo 2020 Dubai, expected to be completed in November 2015.

Issues such as theme development and implementation, master plan and site works, participant and visitor engagement strategies, communication and marketing, business operations and legacy were discussed, the statement said.

“As the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, African and South Asian region, Expo 2020 is on course to become a truly meaningful event; one that is a platform for partnerships and innovation and one that leverages the global convening power of World Expos to bring together different identities and experiences from hundreds of nations, companies and international organisations in ways that we have not seen before,” said Loscertales.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee chairman, added: “We are pleased to continue our strong collaborative relationship with the BIE and welcome their affirmation, support and unique insight in ensuring that Expo 2020 Dubai meets all requirements for the Registration Phase and becomes a truly exceptional World Expo.”

Dubai, which beat rivals Ekaterinburg, Izmir and Sao Paulo to win the Expo hosting rights in November last year, will hold the six-month event from October 2020 to April 2021, coinciding with the UAE’s golden jubilee celebration.

The event, expected to attract 25 million visitors, is also estimated to add $24 billion to the UAE’s economy.

Last month, Expo 2020 Dubai confirmed that it will begin tendering processes across a number of work streams next year, including the appointment for construction works at the Expo Dubai 2020 site in Jebel Ali.