I still remember that historical evening of November 27, 2013. It was around 8:30pm local time in Dubai when I received a message on my phone that Dubai had won the right to host the World Expo in 2020, after defeating rival bids from from Turkey’s Izmir, Brazil’s Sao Paolo and Russia’s Yekaterinburg.
My first reaction was that of happiness, and of pride, and I certainly wasn’t the only one feeling that way. The emirate soon burst into scenes of jubilation and I can vividly recall the impromptu fireworks at the Burj Khalifa, which seemed to stand just that little taller with pride. It was a great moment for the Arab world as well. After all, Expo 2020 Dubai would be the first such expo to be hosted by an Arab nation and the first international event of this stature to be held in the Middle East and South Asia region. Soon after the announcement, His Highness, Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai, released a statement declaring that Dubai was ready to host the event and welcome the greatest minds from across the globe.
So what’s so special about Expo 2020 Dubai, you might ask? Will it really have an impact on the UAE’s economy?
A look at past World Expos
Historically, World Expos have been a platform to showcase art, culture, architecture, technology, and innovations. They take place every five years and last up to six months, and are unrivalled among international events in their size, scale, and duration and visitor numbers. The Eiffel Tower in Paris, the Seattle Space Needle, the typewriter, television, even Heinz Tomato Ketchup and electricity, have all been introduced to the world through World Expos.
The first World Expo in the London of 1851 was hosted in an innovative new structure called the Crystal Palace, designed by Joseph Paxton. Made from cast iron and glass, it was an architectural marvel of its time. In 1876 in Philadelphia, one of the highlights of the World Expo was the first public showing of the arm and torch of New York’s famous Statue of Liberty. The rest of the statue in New York Harbour would not be completed until 1886. In 1900, in Paris, the World Expo witnessed the debut of talking movies, projecting both image and sound simultaneously – a major milestone in cinema.
So, putting it simply, World Expos have a huge impact on innovation and progress and they create that platform for milestone achievements and new ideas. The Expo 2020 Dubai, for instance, is a celebration of the UAE Vision 2021 initiative and its many facets.
The expected impact of Expo 2020
25 million additional tourists will come to Dubai as a result of Expo 2020 and this single statistic alone has added a huge number of jobs to the employment figures. Massive infrastructure development and additional housing is being built, acting as a stimulus for the UAE economy. The country is concurrently moving on from of its traditional image of an oil producing nation to enjoy an international reputation as a multi-sector global commercial hub. The expected contribution of Expo 2020 Dubai to the UAE economy, between 2013 and 2031, will be Dh122.6 billion.
I have read about how the Expo 2020 teams are now working with school children and the youth to motivate them to play a role in this national event. The event has not only extended an invitation to the world to come to Dubai, but it’s also encouraging Emiratis and residents to explore creativity, innovation, humanity and world cultures.
To be able to interact with 190 plus country pavilions, at the Expo site, is an experience I look forward to. It will be a time to create and renew connections that will strengthen and deepen through 2020 and beyond. Our children will learn about virtual reality, 3D printing, understand the impact of a Smart City, and get exposed to the latest tech innovations. The inspirational aspect of such an event cannot be underestimated, I expect the human capital of the UAE to be tremendously enriched by the event.
A vision for the future
The theme of Expo 2020 Dubai is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. It has sustainability, mobility and opportunity as its primary subthemes and by doing so it has identified connectivity and interaction as the way forward for the world. Culture, economy, lifestyle, and aspirations are all interconnected. We have to cooperate to tackle the problems of tomorrow. By aiming to push human potential, by creating a more productive movement of people, goods and ideas, and by encouraging mutual respect and living in balance with the world, Expo 2020 will create a new ethos for a more inclusive world.
This October 20, Dubai will kick start the One Year to Go celebrations for Expo 2020. For me this mega event is a long term investment for the UAE. It will celebrate innovation, promote progress and foster cooperation. In the six months it last for, the event is expected to contribute approximately 1.5 per cent of the UAE’s annual forecast gross domestic product, and its positive economic impact will continues well into the future.
So Hayyakum to the world and I’ll see you at Expo 2020 Dubai!
