Thursday, February 28, 2013

Journey of a lifetime

What is the future of urban and international mobility? From driverless cars to ‘lilypad’ cities, Hello 2020 considers how we will get from A to B and beyond in the decades to come
Within the next 20 years, transport systems will need to accommodate rapid population growth throughout the world. The population in Asia and Africa alone is set to triple, which will put pressure on the world’s oil reserves, 85 million barrels of which we consume every day. But thanks to advances in technology, the world of transport looks set to adapt to the changing demands.
Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE
‘Lilypad’ city could offer a new home for populations affected by rising sea levels
World-renowned futurologist James Bellini, whose clients include Microsoft, the BBC and Barclays, believes single-driver electric-powered cars will become the norm by 2032. “Seventy per cent of people today drive alone. Automobile design will increasingly favour single-passenger capacity, powered by electric and later solar arrangements,” he says. “Exciting new materials such as graphene, willow glass and carbon nanotubes will underwrite startling new designs and even driverless capabilities.”

Graphene is arguably the strongest material on the planet. It’s made of pure carbon, with its atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern in a one-atom-thick sheet. This makes it incredibly strong even though it’s as thin as paper. Graphene would be ideal for creating long-lasting, lightweight bodyworks for vehicles of the future. With willow glass (a very thin but durable glass as flexible as plastic) and carbon nanotubes (tiny, near unbreakable straws that can triple a microchip’s performance) included, these cars of the future could be something not just of impeccable style but of unrivalled performance and safety.

One interesting approach to future public travel is the ‘superbus’, a high-speed luxury bus that is a cross between a stretch limo and a minibus. Powered by electricity, it can travel at 155mph. The first prototype of the ‘superbus’, developed in the Netherlands, has already been showcased to cities such as Hanover and Dubai, which are keen to introduce a clean-energy mode of public transport. And that’s not the only benefit; developers believe it could also help answer the problems of road congestion as soon as 2020.

Another revolutionary development in public transport is being advanced by British scientist Martin Lowson. Lowson first made his mark working for Nasa on the Apollo space missions, where he headed a team of 50 people working on the Saturn V rocket which blasted the likes of Neil Armstrong into space. For the past 15 years he has been working on the driverless car or ‘ULTra pod’ (Urban Light Transport). Lowson believes that his futuristic driverless shuttles will prove “better than the car for city travel”. The ULTra pod can hold as many as six passengers and travel distances of five kilometres, moving along conveyor-like tracks built 20 feet above ground. Powered by batteries, it can run for three hours before being recharged at special points.

Building a complete ULTra pod system for the whole city uses around a sixth of the resources needed for building new roads. It is also more durable than the roads, costs 40 per cent less to run than a bus and is 60 per cent faster. ULTra pods are already in place at London’s Heathrow Airport and a similarly designed system has been set up at Abu Dhabi’s zero-carbon Masdar City. “We believe it is the future for public transport in most cities around the world,” says Lowson.

But what about long-haul travel? “Future aircraft will reflect the search for greener, lighter and more fuel-efficient means of transport, with lower costs per passenger, coupled with greatly increased passenger capacity,” says futurologist Bellini. “It would not surprise me if commercial aircraft by the 2030s have a capacity of 2,000-plus passengers. A concept such as Boeing’s SUGAR Volt aircraft, which would run on a hybrid power arrangement (part gas engine, part electrical), could viably be commonplace in the 2030s.”

Technology will also affect the way we ship goods in the future. The basic unit of the global economy is the container, andevery year a vast fleet of freighters hauls more than 17 million of them to destinations around the world. In 2032, the ships will get bigger, the routes will get better and the ports smarter. Initiatives such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor that connects key trading hubs through top-class infrastructure, and Dubai’s Logistics Corridor, which links sea, land and air hubs, and allows cargo to move between airport and seaport in less than an hour, are already revolutionising the way in which goods are moved about.

With the world’s oil supplies dwindling, companies will increasingly turn to biofuels for power. “Biofuels will account for a substantial portion of total fuel production and use over the next 20 years,” says clean-tech specialist Steve Weiss. According to Weiss, within the next 20 years we could power our cars, trains and planes with fuel that’s more forgiving on the environment and also our pockets. Not only does the advancement of biofuel technology mean that the economy will be able to cope with dwindling resources, but it would also mean lower fuel prices, as the cost of producing biofuel is considerably less when compared with oil extraction and refinement. “Expect less volatile pricing, reduced eco-impact and higher energy security,” says Weiss. “A biofuels industry should spur additional economic development as new supply chains form from turning agricultural waste and marginal land into valuable assets.”

The International Energy Agency insists the global boom in renewable energy will continue and that one-third of the world will run on clean power by 2035. A recent report states: “Renewables will become the world’s second-largest source of power generation by 2015 (roughly half that of coal) and by 2035 they will approach coal as the primary source of global electricity.”

Looking even further ahead, rather than climb into a vehicle that takes us to a different city, our city could travel with us. That’s the concept behind ‘Lilypad’ cities designed by French architect Vincent Callebaut as a solution to rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global sea levels are expected to rise between 9cm and 88cm by 2100, with a ‘best estimate’ of 50cm, and the melting of the ice caps could leave low-lying islands submerged.

‘Lilypad’ city is designed to float around the world as an independent and fully self-sustainable home. With a lake at its centre to collect rainwater, it would be accessed by three separate marinas and feature artificial mountains to offer as many as 50,000 inhabitants a change of scenery from the seascape. It will generate its own power from the sun, water and wind, emitting zero emissions. Some countries spend billions making their beaches and dams bigger and stronger. “‘Lilypad’ is a long-term solution to the problem of the water rising,” says Callebaut. “Accommodating the millions left homeless by environmental changes will prove to be one of the great challenges of the 21st century.”

Source : Hello 2020

Tuesday, February 26, 2013

Mohammed receives Chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions

Sheikh Mohammed with Mr. Steen Christensen, Chairman of the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions)
UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received the Chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the inter-governmental organisation based in Paris, and the accompanying delegation at Zabeel Palace today.


In presence of Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Mr Steen Christiansen and delegation who are on a four-day Enquiry Mission to the country to assess its ability to host the World Expo 2020 and examine the facilities available for the event, stressing the keen interest of the UAE government, officials and people due to the importance of this global event in bridging cultures and bridging the gap between nations around the world and the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed asserted to his guest that the UAE represent the region’s ambition to host World Expo 2020, the biggest and most significant exhibition worldwide, adding that the event gathers many cultures to demonstrate their scientific, technical and industrial innovation under one umbrella. Further, Dubai is equipped to be a gateway for Expo 2020 to the region.

Sheikh Mohammed assured that the UAE leadership, federal and local governments, private sectors and community are coordinating on the highest levels to furnish the exhibition and win the bid to host the exhibition.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his confidence that the BIE’s delegation will be satisfied and convinced that the UAE has the potential to host the event as it enjoys international standards that qualifies Dubai to be the preferred destination for the exhibitors and visitors.

From his side, Chairman of BIE’s Enquiry Mission Mr Steen Christiansen expressed his sincere appreciation for the hospitality and cooperation received for the UAE concerned authority. Mr Christiansen praised the cultural diversity and economic development in UAE.

The  reception was also attended Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, State Minister and Managing Director of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Reem Al Hashemi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Mohammed Abdullah Al Shebani, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, members of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 including Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai Municipality Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Deputy Commandant General of the Dubai Police, Major-General Khamis Matar Al Muzainah, and Director General of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre Hilal Saeed Al Marri.
At end of the reception, Sheikh Mohammed hosted a lunch banquette in honour of the BIE’s delegation.

"True North", the Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE yacht !










The awareness is not only spreading in the UAE , but also the entire world!

Here is a snap of the expo 2020 boat by True North that is sailing around the world to spread awareness about the bid! Started from South america last week and now at Cuba!

Isn't this simply amazing to know what all the Dubai is doing to win the bid to host a wonderful and amazing event in 2020! Lets start sharing, Dubai Expo 2020. also do like the page of the Dubai EXPO 2020 Ambassadors. Also, Students Support the Dubai Expo 2020.


Dubai’s Expo 2020 yacht ‘True North’ reaches Cuba
Expo-themed yacht reaches Havana, in latest stop on world tour to raise awareness for the UAE’s Expo 2020 bid.
The UAE’s Expo bid took sail in the Caribbean this week, as True North docked in Havana, Cuba. The 70-foot sailing boat, which set out last summer, is currently circumnavigating the globe to raise awareness for the UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.


Monday, February 25, 2013

BIE Enquiry Mission to Dubai !

The BIE Enquiry Mission to Dubai started today and will assess the feasibility and viability of the project throughout the week.


MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority receives EXPO 2020 ambassadors



In support of Dubai’s bid for hosting the World EXPO 2020, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received the EXPO 2020 ambassadors at DEWA’s new Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, the largest government building in the world, with a Platinum rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

The meeting supports the efforts by Dubai to host Expo 2020, the largest universal exposition of its kind, whose campaign motif is ‘Be part of it.’

The EXPO 2020 delegation included Marwan Al-Haj, Khawla Darwish, Eenas Al Sheikh, Mohammed Hasan Al Janabi, and Ben Ouatara. Marwan Bin Haidar, VP of IT and CIO of DEWA and Khawla Al Mehairi, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications of DEWA, attended the meeting.

“DEWA is contributing effectively to Dubai’s bid to host EXPO 2020 by providing electricity and water services to the highest international standards. DEWA has achieved a leading position internationally by optimizing its services to an advanced and competitive level. Through our vision, strategy and operations we aim to promote Dubai as a global hub and a successful example in achieving sustainability and protecting the environment, for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.

“DEWA is one of the best utilities in the world compared to its counterparts worldwide. DEWA recorded an advanced level in electricity and water conservation, demand management, infrastructure investments, and operating networks. DEWA has achieved results that rival and even beat benchmarks for the private sector, surpassing best European and American companies in efficiency, availability and reliability. DEWA’s network line losses were recorded at 3.5% and network water losses were recorded at 10.8%, achieving an international record in reducing loss. DEWA adopts the most efficient equipment for generating power and desalinating water, contributing significantly to the UAE occupying the seventh global position for ease of access to electricity, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2013 report,” added Al Tayer.

“Dubai has succeeded in hosting various international events including World Energy Forum, and Dubai Global Energy Forum. We are confident that our ambassadors will succeed in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a unique hub for hosting international events,” concluded Al Tayer.

Burj-Al-Arab supports Expo 2020 Dubai UAE

Impressive support from Burj-Al-Arab Hotel to Expo 2020 Dubai UAE


Wednesday, February 20, 2013

Be Part of It! - Marwan Al-Haj

Let's continue the story of Expo 2020 ambassadors with the another winner of the competition organized by Expo 2020 Dubai, Be a part of it!

I'm proud to introduce Marwan Al-Haj, 27, UAE
Marwan earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Hamdan bin Mohammed University and currently works for DEWA. After interviewing his family about why the UAE should be selected to host the World Expo, he then compiled their thoughts into an essay, which won the highest number of online votes.

Welcome EXPO 2020 to DUBAI

Yes, Dubai always welcoming and keens on having a very successful races in this area.
I can say some things and I'm sure that a lot of people agreeing with me: EXPO 2020 wants to be held in Dubai, and Dubai also wants the EXPO 2020. In order to clarify the above statements, I have to be very realistic and sensible since I want to convince all to know why EXPO 2020 needs Dubai City?

The Dubai bid is being led by the super team to host the world EXPO 2020 and I'm sure that we will have the EXPO 2020 in Dubai because of the following:

  • Having a strong economic history and grate future plan 
  • It is the hub for the world trade and also one of the best world’s tourist destinations
  • Having a two important airports (Dubai and Al Maktoum air ports)
  • More than enough experience in handling a lot of important events (more than 170 events occurring yearly in Dubai)
  • Unites more than 200 culture in one safe and enjoyable environment
  • Having a very good capability (numbers of hotel) in order to welcomes the EXPO 2020 visitors
  • Dubai has been known to be a technologically advanced region
  • Having Dubai’s commercial exchange, connectivity with all words, supreme infrastructure and a visionary outlook which makes Dubai in a very strong position

After reading the above points and knowing that Dubai is having a very good ability to handle any events, we can conclude and realize that EXPO 2020 exhibition can be conducted successfully and all the words can get an efficient output from the event.


Tuesday, February 19, 2013

"Connecting Minds - Creating the Future" - The New Video...

EXPO Dubai 2020 ...We are welcoming the WORLD!!
Believe in it :" The UAE is bidding to host the EXPO 2020 in Dubai"
"Connecting Minds - Creating the Future"


Wednesday, February 13, 2013

Be Part of It! - Khawla Darwish



Let's continue the story of Expo 2020 ambassadors with the another winner of the competition organized by Expo 2020 Dubai, Be a part of it!

After met Eenas and Ben, let me introduce Khawla Darwish, 26, UAE.

Khawla is a graduate of Zayed University and currently works for Etihad Airways.



As one of two winners in the competition’s art category, Khawla is excited to represent the UAE as an Expo Ambassador with her winning piece, which depicts people from the more than 200 nationalities who call the UAE home.


This art work represents the UAE in the main character "majid" and inside him all the other nationalities that our beloved country embraces and shows that over 200 nationalities live in Dubai in piece and harmony.








Tuesday, February 12, 2013

What about Ayutthaya bid for Expo 2020 ?

Govt may abandon plan to bid for World Expo 2020

The Nation February 11, 2013 8:08 pm

The Thailand government is considering abandoning the move to continue with the bidding for the World Exposition 2020, citing it has to invest tens of billions of baht in new buildings and infrastructures.

According to Prime Minister's Office Minister Niwatthamrong Bunsongphaisan, the government is assessing the worthiness of the investment for the World Expo bidding. A research team from Kasetsart University has earlier estimated that the government, if selected as the host, may have to spend tens of thousands of baht for the construction of new buildings and infrastructures linking to the event in Ayutthaya.

NNN, a government news agency, quoted the minister as saying that the government is weighing the project's worthiness as it has to clarify the matter to the people.

Meanwhile, Thai Chamber of Commerce Chairman Pongsak Assakul voiced his disappointment that it was a shame that former Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB) President Akapol Sorasuchart had planned the project well; but the project has somewhat been stalled after he resigned.

Pongsak said it would be difficult to continue the bid for the grand Expo given the TCEB has yet to pick its new president, adding that Thongchai Sridama, the acting president, lacks full authority to push the project forward.

The five cities that have lodged bids for the World Expo 2020 include Ayutthaya, Thailand; Dubai, UAE; Ekaterinburg, Russia; Izmir, Turkey; and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) will decide in November this year which country will have the honor of hosting the grand event.

Source : http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Govt-may-abandon-plan-to-bid-for-World-Expo-2020-30199834.html


Monday, February 11, 2013

Dubai... in images

Downtown Dubai, is a large-scale mixed-use complex under development in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It is the home of some of the city's most important landmarks including Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain.

Development is divided into 11 projects: Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Mall, Burj Park Island, and The Address Downtown Dubai hotel are at the center of the complex. The Old Town and The Old Town Island is mostly low-rise residential buildings, in addition to three hotels and Souq Al Bahar. Emaar Boulevard, The Residences and South Ridge comprise high-rise residential towers. And Emaar Square is a low-rise office complex.

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE


Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE


Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE

Expo 2020 Dubai - UAE


Thursday, February 7, 2013

UAE Minister of State talks World Expo bid to CNN


“The UAE’s bid is about an Expo for the world – an opportunity for nations, countries and the business community to get involved,” said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy to CNN at 2013 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting 

Reem Al Hashimy - Expo 2020 Dubai UAEHer Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of the UAE’s Higher Committee for Hosting World Expo 2020 in Dubai, spoke with CNN Emerging Markets Editor John Defterios during the 2013 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, Switzerland.

During the interview, which aired on CNN International’s “Marketplace Middle East” programme, Her Excellency discussed the UAE’s strengths in relation to the country’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

“With the merits of our country from its strong infrastructure, the geographical positioning between east and west, the seamless operations between our ports and airports, and our global connectivity, we feel we really can bring people together and do justice to our theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’,” Her Excellency said. “2020 will offer a diverse, exciting and international profile for the World Expo visitors and participants alike.”

Please find below a link to the full interview: - http://edition.cnn.com/video/#/video/international/2013/02/01/marketplace-middle-east-tunisia-dubai-b.cnn?iref=allsearch

Monday, February 4, 2013

Dubai embraces World Expo bid - CNN

Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE's Minister of State, on Dubai's economy and hopes to host the World Expo in 2020.

Video from CNN.com


Saturday, February 2, 2013

DMCC welcomes UAE Expo 2020 Ambassadors to Almas Tower


In line with its efforts to support the UAE’s Expo 2020 bid, the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (‘DMCC’), a Government of Dubai Authority, hosted the UAE Expo 2020 ambassadors at Almas Tower yesterday. The purpose of the visit was to explain DMCC’s role in developing Dubai as a commodities trading hub in order to help the ambassadors promote the UAE’s rich, diverse and unique offering.

Expo 2020 Dubai Ambassadors

DMCC’s most recent accolades include the Executive Chairman’s UN accreditation to represent Western Asia on behalf of CIBJO, the international jewellery confederation of national trade organisations; the Outstanding Performance & Innovation Award in 2011 and 2012 for DMCC’s DSAM Kauthar Gold Fund at the MENA Fund Manager Awards; and the Dubai Gold and Commodities Exchange (DGCX) – a DMCC joint venture – being named ‘Best Global Commodities Exchange’ by the Global Banking & Finance Review.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, Executive Chairman, DMCC, said:
“The UAE Expo 2020 theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ summarises a lot of the work we do at DMCC. As the Free Zone Authority for the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Free Zone, we connect businesses from around the world to the UAE and the Middle East and help them expand into new markets; as a gateway for commodities trade, we connect consuming and producing nations to further promote global trade and enhance Dubai’s position as a world-class trading destination; and as the region’s only commodities centre, we connect members of the industry with their peers and experts through events and exhibitions to help them grow. In fact, we bring in around 160 new businesses to the Free Zone every month and almost all are companies that are new to the UAE. 

Expo 2020 Dubai - Almas TowerWe wish our ambassadors all the best in helping our country become the chosen destination for the World Expo 2020. Representing our beautiful nation is a great honour and achievement and DMCC looks forward to assisting our UAE Expo 2020 ambassadors showcase all the UAE has to offer.” 

As the region’s largest commodities marketplace and the master developer and licensing authority of the Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT) Free Zone, the DMCC visit included tours of its headquarters in Almas Tower, the tallest commercial tower in the Middle East; the Dubai Diamond and Pearl Exchanges; the Dubai Gold and Diamond Vaults; the DMCC Client Service Centres which service over 5,700 member companies; the 200-hectare JLT development comprising of 64 towers, 170 retail outlets, 4 lakes and 6 playgrounds; and the Dhamani Jewels headquarters, where the ambassadors had the chance to view some of the region’s largest uncut diamonds.

Source : http://www.dmcc.ae
Dubai Multi Commodities Centre