UAE's Expo 2020 bid in spotlight at West Asia Athletics Championship in Dubai

Leading athletes from 13 countries and over 15,000 spectators will have the opportunity to learn more about the UAE's bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai this week as the city is the stage for the 2nd West Asia Athletics Championship.

Hosted by Dubai Police and taking place at the Dubai Police Sports Stadium on December 12, 13 and 15, 2012, the 2nd West Asia Athletics Championship is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation and In cooperation with UAE Athletics Federation Teams, Dubai Police and Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Sports and Physical Fitness Programme.

The UAE's bid to host the Middle East's first World Expo - and to do so on the eve of the country's Golden Jubilee - will be featured prominently at this major sporting event.

In addition to an interactive Expo 2020 reception area, there will also be widespread branding and banners at Dubai Police Sports Stadium, capturing the imagination of athletes, spectators and those following the Championship on live television.

With a grand opening marked by dressage, fireworks and a laser show, a wide range of activities will ensure a memorable event for spectators of all ages.

Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo, including Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The winning city will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 161 member nations of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing the bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos.

Source : http://www.ameinfo.com/uaes-expo-2020-bid-spotlight-west-322699