Dubai confirmed as World Expo Host in 2020 during the 158th General Assembly of the BIE

November 25, 2015

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum

168-member governing body unanimously endorses detailed plans for the mega-event His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum: “Now is the time for us to translate our vision into reality.” ← The 158th General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris has officially confirmed Dubai as Host City of the next World Exposition. The meeting ratified the Expo 2020 Registration Document, which set out detailed plans for the delivery of the event.

Members of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee led by His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum travelled to Paris for the historic announcement, which marks the start of the next chapter in Dubai’s journey to 2020 and a new phase of increased activity.

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed noted: “For two years we have worked tirelessly to plan and prepare for a truly exceptional World Expo in 2020. Today, the member nations of the BIE have officially endorsed these plans.”

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Board Representative of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and Director General, Bureau Dubai Expo 2020.

He paid tribute to the international support that Dubai has received, saying: “On behalf of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and the people of the United Arab Emirates, I want to thank the BIE and the International Delegates for the great vote of trust they have bestowed upon our Nation.”

His Highness went on to make clear the commitment to all future visitors and participants: “There is no time to rest. Now is the time for us to translate our vision into reality, as we deliver an Expo that will inspire the world to come together and begin to solve some of our most pressing global challenges.”

The Expo 2020 Registration Document, which was officially submitted to the BIE for review in July, was the result of comprehensive research and rigorous planning, and provided detailed information about the mega-event, including the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the site Master Plan, participant and visitor engagement strategies, communications and marketing, business operations, sustainability and the post-event legacy.

To mark Dubai’s formal appointment, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed was presented with the official BIE flag by the governing body’s President, His Excellency Mr. Nagy. Also in attendance were His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of His Highness the Ruler’s Court of Dubai, CEO of Investment Corporation of Dubai and Vice Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee; Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Director-General of Bureau Dubai Expo 2020; His Highness Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of ADNEC; His Excellency Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director-General of Dubai Municipality; Major General Khamis Mutar Al Muzainah, Chief Commander of Dubai Police; His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman and Executive Director of the Roads and Transport Authority; His Excellency Helal Saeed Al Marri, Director-General of Dubai Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing and CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre; and His Excellency Khalifa Al Zaffin, Executive Chairman of Dubai Aviation City Corporation. The members of the Higher Committee were joined by a delegation of UAE business people, who have been strong partners of Expo during the journey to becoming Host City. Their presence at the BIE ceremony demonstrated their intent to continue to support the effort to deliver the Expo, now that this major milestone has been passed.

Mr. Loscertales, the BIE Secretary-General, said, “As the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, South Asia and Africa, we look forward to what we believe will be a meaningful moment in history, not only for this young nation and the BIE, but also for the wider region and indeed, the world. Dubai has presented a compelling vision, and detailed plans to ensure its realisation. We will continue to support and work alongside the Expo 2020 team over the next five years as these ideas are turned into reality.”

In moving from the planning to delivery phase, activity will increase to include formal engagement with international participants, including nations, corporations, multilateral organisations, NGOs and academic institutions. This next phase will also see the continuation and extension of existing stakeholder initiatives, both domestic and international, including the current series of BusinessConnect workshops, the annual Youth Connect event, and ongoing dialogue with young entrepreneurs, regional SMEs and global thought leaders.

Opening its gates to the world on 20 October 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai will be the most international and inclusive event in World Expo history, welcoming more than 25 million visits and over 200 participants over its six months duration. The vast majority of visitors (some 70%) are expected to come from overseas.

Source : http://expo2020dubai.ae/ & http://www.facebook.com/DubaiExpo2020/

157th General Assembly of Bureau International des Expositions...

“From the start Expo 2020 Dubai recognized the vital role our own people played, not simply in winning the bid, but in delivering a successful Expo. At every stage of the bid process, the support of our nation, their pride in our achievements and their wholehearted commitment encourages us on to exceed our vision and create something both magnificent and meaningful."

June 9, the Expo 2020 Dubai‬ team presented an update to the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing the organisation of World and International Expos.

More details soon...

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EXPO 2020... DUBAI !

Congratulations to the Team of Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE !

Following a vote wednesday in Paris by the Bureau International des Expositions, it is our great honour and pleasure to announce that the UAE has been selected as the host nation of the World Expo 2020 in Dubai under the theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

First round :

Second round :

Third round :

As you can see, it's a final result. Result altogether predictable. It must be said that Expo 2020 Dubai has every chance of his side, sparing neither effort nor money to get this 'right to Expo' ! And it worked!

It's regrettable that Turkey was not found in the final against Dubai. Indeed, the city of Izmir presented his candidacy for the second time, friendly staff, honest and very dynamic, with the interesting theme of health for all. So it was Russia's bid against Dubai for the final round, a strong candidate despite a certain lack of trust and honesty. About Sao Paulo, it could have been an opportunity to see for the first time a World Expo in South America. Unfortunately, a low score that simply explains, a bid rather late, lack of energy, of communication, and locally, lack of support. We can say that it was maybe a little too early.

Anyway, go to 7 years in Dubai !

Meanwhile EXPO2020, below, some pictures from the event that followed the vote, to celebrate the victory of Dubai !

Dubai EXPO 2020 Ambassadors

HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.

Eenas El Sheakh (Expo 2020 Dubai Ambassador)... the face of the victory... so happy !

The "Russian" empire strike back ... Ekaterinburg 2020

Also as part of the 153th General Assembly of the BIE, the second evening of reception had been reserved by the Russian bid of Ekaterinburg 2020.
In answer to Dubai, which was particularly well illustrated during their evening in November 2012, it appears that the Russians had wanted to be very strong, but relying on another register.

I remember these events, evenings in marges of the General Assemblies of the BIE are of course better to know the candidates and the culture of their country, but also to prove to the guests, most of whom are delegates from member countries of the BIE, the involvement of the main advantages of the bid, with a reception of quality, which also involved personalities supporting the project.

We saw Monday, Sao Paulo 2020 has chosen for its reception a place in direct relation with the Expos, the Palais de Chaillot, built for the International Exhibition of 1937 in Paris, it was the same for Ekaterinburg Expo 2020, with a very prestigious place, linked to the most famous of the universal Exhibition that took place in Paris, also a reflection of the Franco-Russian friendship ... a symbol!

Indeed, it is at the foot of the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III that Russia's bid was chosen to install this event!
As for the reception itself? this is actually the Russian Empire, in all its splendor and its classicism, which had made ​​an appointment to all BIE delegates. I rather not go into the details of the evening, you can watch the photos below.

The Ekaterinburg reception along the Seine, at the foot of the Pont Alexandre III.

So what's about the Russian bid? what are his chances?

Of the five candidates in the presence (Turkey - Thailand - Russia - UAE - Brazil), it is clear that the two tenors Dubai and Ekaterinburg, to keep it simple, on each side, deep pockets and a strong desire to accomplish but there will be only one winner!

But money is not everything, many criteria are taken into account, the criteria that will be decisive for the BIE delegates during the votes in next November.

Already, we can't say that one of these two candidates shines the light of the chosen theme ... Dubai is interested in "Connectivity" (similar to the Belgian candidate for 2017 theme) and Ekaterinburg in "The Planetary Spirit: The Future of Globalization and its impact on our world," they summed up in "Global Mind, "but not much more explicit ... and as to approach the theme of Ayutthaya, but much less understandable. Moreover, it has been observed many times they struggle to explain the concept of this topic.

But if the theme is one thing, the whole project is another much larger and complex, this project has been submitted to the BIE enquiry mission from 25 to 29 March 2013.

The project had the approval of BIE about the prerequisites, and appears in the good average of the Expos project. With 32 million visitors expected, the candidacy of Ekaterinburg provides a most popular event in the case of Dubai, which is especially international visitors. We still have to remember that these Expos are primarily large public events, it is an undeniable point in favor of Ekaterinburg.

However, the Russian still need to work hard to reassure, persuade, and to be very honest.

We will see after this 153th BIE General Assembly if the presentations of different teams have made real new elements, and if the balance between the candidates has changed.

Sao Paulo Expo 2020 ... still in the race ?

On 11 and 12 June 2013 will be held the 153th General Assembly of the BIE.
On the sidelines of this event, bids organize receptions where guests are the various delegations and BIE member countries. This is an opportunity to involve personalities candidate countries who come to Paris to give their support, at a party as festive as friendly.
Monday, June 10, 2013, it was the turn of Brazil, Sao Paulo candidate city to host this event, followed by a concert of Brazilian music with the famous singer Daniela Mercury, all in the magnificent setting and very "EXPO" Palais de Chaillot.

The governor of Sao Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin, the mayor of Sao Paulo, Fernando Haddad and Vice President Michel Temer were present to give their unconditional support.

If we could lament over a year since the lack of communication from the Brazilian candidacy, though it appears to be determined to work hard until the vote in November 2013.
But that leaves only six months to convince, 6 months is short!

Brazilian candidacy has many advantages, starting with its theme: "The Power of Diversity, Harmony for Growth", which is one of the most understandable current five nominations themes.
It is worth remembering that the theme of the Expo is important, and it must be clear, easily identifiable and understandable, and be at the heart of current concerns of humanity.

But waiting for the presentations of 12 June 2013 the General Assembly of the BIE for the real "temperature" of this application!

Meanwhile, some images of the evening Sao Paulo Expo 2020 in Paris, Palais de Chaillot :

Accueil au Palais de Chaillot.

S.E.M. Jose Mauricio Bustani, Ambassadeur du Brésil à Paris, Geraldo Alckmin, gouverneur de Sao Paulo et Fernando Haddad, maire de Sao Paulo.

Fernando Haddad, maire de Sao Paulo

 Geraldo Alckmin, gouverneur de Sao Paulo.

Michel Temer, Vice-Président du Brésil.

Geraldo Alckmin, Daniela Mercury et Fernando Haddad.

Une ambiance survoltée, grâce à la musique brésilienne !

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.

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.

The UAE submits final plans in support of its bid to host World Expo 2020

The Bid Dossier is delivered to the BIE’s headquarters in Paris

His Excellency Mohamed Meer Abdalla Al Raeesi, the UAE’s Ambassador to France, has submitted the country’s official Bid Dossier in support of its bid to host World Expo 2020 to the Paris-based Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental body in charge of overseeing the bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos.

Taking 10 months to produce, the 640-page document contains the details of the UAE’s vision for the 2020 World Expo. It discusses the Dubai Expo 2020 theme as well as plans for the Dubai Expo 2020 Site, event visitors, promotion, financial costs, environmental impact and ideas about the legacy to the host city and beyond.

The Bid Dossier will be sent to representatives of all 161 member countries of the BIE.

The five competing cities were required to submit their plans to the BIE by Monday’s deadline and are now not allowed to make any further submission. BIE officials will review the Bid Dossiers in detail before visiting each country to assess the plans.

His Excellency Mohamed Meer Abdalla Al Raeesi, the UAE’s Ambassador to France, has submitted the country’s official Bid Dossier in support of its bid to host World Expo 2020 to Mr. Vicente Gonzalez Loscertales, General Secretary of the Bureau International des Expositions in Paris.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, said, “We have prepared a distinctive dossier to convey an authentic portrait of our Nation and its vision to deliver an unforgettable World Expo in the UAE. In line with our theme – Connecting Minds, Creating the Future – Dubai Expo 2020 aspires to be a celebration of innovative new partnerships offering enduring benefits for future generations. I am confident that the Bid Dossier is a thorough piece of work and a deep portrayal of our capability to host such a mega-event on the eve of our 50th anniversary.”
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 BIE.

About the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai: 
The Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo was formed by decree by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister, in his capacity as Ruler of Dubai. His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of Emirates Group, serves as Chairman of the Committee.

Additional Committee members include: His Excellency Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Director-General of His Highness the Ruler’s Court of Dubai, who serves as Deputy Chairman; Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and the Committee's Managing Director; His Excellency Mattar Mohammed Al Tayer, Chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority; His Excellency Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality; Major General Khamis Mutar Al Muzainah, Deputy Commander General of Dubai Police; and Mr. Helal Saeed Al Marri, CEO of Dubai World Trade Centre.

The Committee submits regular reports directly to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed on the outcomes, milestones, challenges, solutions, proposals and recommendations towards achieving the ultimate goal of ensuring success in hosting World Expo 2020.


For further information about the UAE bid, please visit: 

·        Website: www.expo2020dubai.ae
·        Facebook: www.facebook.com/DubaiExpo2020
·        Twitter:@Dubaiexpo2020

Expo 2020 DUBAI UAE in Paris - November 21, 2012

Yesterday evening at the Paris Opera, the candidature of Dubai had an appointment with the world of Expos during an evening that will stay I think, memorable for all attendees.

Dubai Expo 2020, to present its candidature for Expo 2020 chose a prestigious setting, which we imagine, is quite in mind that Dubai and the UAE want to give in this project.

Imagination and power are certainly the key words of this bid always very dynamic and innovative.
Of course, as everyone will have noticed, this is a candidacy that provides the means to get there, and that is certainly very strong.

This is already the shock when we arrive at the place of the event. For the occasion, the UAE bid gave to the Paris Opera a beautiful dress of blue lighting, recalling the color of the candidacy of Expo 2020 Dubai.
It's also noted that the Parisians and tourists passing seem amazed, admiring and discovering this monument beautifully and artistically dressed!

It was not a simple reception, but already a full evening to learn about Dubai's project, in a very fun and very "Expo" in the form of an initiation, somewhat similar to the visit a real pavilion, such as those you can find in the real World Expos!

After a very warm welcome and well organized, we can visit the gallery, where panels, displays, models and fabulous decors informed us about the content of the Dubai bid, on its goals and expectations.

Needless to comment on the reactions of the guests. Members of various diplomatic corps, the delegates of the Bureau International des Expositions, delegations ... everyone appreciated the effort to implement a pleasant and entertaining presentation of this application.

It was a little hard to leave this long gallery of the pavilion, with so many interests.

We also have the pleasure of meeting a group of young people win a contest organized by Expo 2020 Dubai UAE, on an artistic creation in different fields, supporting the bid. We extend our warmest congratulations.

It's now time to continue the tour and visit the Grand Foyer of the Opéra de Paris, a welcome cocktail.

The Grand Foyer for this event is indeed a great choice.
The reception actually starts at 20h, with a nice concert by Sara Al Qaiwani, the famous soprano UAE. Pure bliss!

Sara Al Qaiwani, international Emirati opera singer.

Then we hear the welcome speech of His Highness Sheikh bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the World Expo 2020 bid and Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for the World Expo 2020 bid.

His Highness Sheikh bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Higher Committee for the World Expo 2020 bid.

Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State, and Managing Director of the Higher Committee for the World Expo 2020 bid.

If something appears mainly in these speeches, it's the immense will of Dubai to organize this Expo, we can even speak of a national concern! Surrounded by a team of quality professionals, they want to put themselves in a strong position to achieve their goals.
Then, we have the pleasure of listening to an exclusive performance of the famous international singer Leona Lewis, a feast for the ears ... performance will continue again in the evening after dinner.

International headline artist, Leona Lewis.

What about the reception?
Certainly, Dubai wants Expo 2020 ... and is already showing his power and will. There is no doubt that this means this candidacy is ready to be implemented in order to organize this global event in 8 years !

Expo 2020 Dubai is also understood that the next deadline is in one year, and every minute counts in this bidn process. Don't waste time and prove to everyone, including delegates from the Bureau International des Expositions, the value of the application Dubai, around the theme chosen for this strong future Expo: "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" .

We look forward to the presentations today at the 152nd General Assembly of the BIE.