Official reception highlights national support

Dubai, Feb 27, 2013 (WAM) - An official Welcome Reception was held at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in honour of the BIE Executive Committee, the delegation representing the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the inter-governmental organisation based in Paris that is responsible for World Expo. In an opening speech, Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Chairman and CEO of Emirates airline and Group, assured the BIE Executive Committee about the UAE’s commitment to host World Expo 2020. Sheikh Ahmed said, “Dubai is fully committed to delivering an exceptional World Expo in 2020 - an Expo that the BIE will be proud of and an Expo that will truly be for the world. Our goal is to present the best Expo in its 150 year history. Over the next few days the BIE Mission will have the opportunity to meet the people, who are the soul of the UAE - a country that is home to nearly 200 nationalities and welcomes millions of tourists from around the world every year. They will experience the excitement and strong support for Expo 2020 exhibited by our multicultural nation as well as see first-hand the spirit of Dubai.” He also highlighted the development of Dubai from a small trading post into a thriving, dynamic and cosmopolitan city connecting rapidly growing economies such as India, China, Brazil and the African continent. This combined with our rich cultural heritage is the ideal blend of the old with the new. All members of the Higher Committee for Hosting the World Expo 2020 in Dubai were present, in addition to representatives from the bid’s Premier Partners; DP World, Dubai Airports, Emirates, Emirates NBD, Etisalat and Jumeirah Group. Senior figures from the wider business community also attended in support of the country’s bid. – Gulf News