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.