Expo vote reflects global solidarity with UAE

The voting by two-thirds majority of Bureau International des expositions, BIE, Member States in favour of postponing the World Expo by one year is a clear expression of solidarity by the world community with the UAE.

Dubai is known for its penchant for the Number 1 slot, resilience and innovation.

Expo 2020 Dubai has already announced that it is gearing up to help shape a post-pandemic world and create a better future for all.

Since being named the host of World Expo 2020, the UAE has left no stone unturned to make the event extraordinary, especially because it will be the first to be staged in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, MEASA, in the 168-year history of the event.

Tremendous efforts that have been ongoing to make the event a grand success are bound to continue and Dubai would certainly amaze the world with a spectacular event.

With the show now slated to run from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022, the delay would actually help all participants to safely navigate the impact of COVID-19.

It would also allow the World Expo to focus on a collective desire for new thinking to identify solutions to some of the greatest challenges of our time.

As pointed out by Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Airports, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman and CEO of Emirates Group, and Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, the swift and overwhelming vote reflects the strength of our international partnerships and truly reflects the positive role the UAE and Dubai play with all countries around the world.

As he put it, “This affirmation by the international community of Dubai’s offering and its ability to deliver, further strengthens our commitment to matching ambition with achievement to hosting an event that will capture the world’s imagination, when the time is right.”

Expo 2020 Dubai retains its name and remains committed to hosting an exceptional event that will celebrate humanity’s resilience, creativity, culture and innovation – including major technological advances in the fields of medicine and science.

Dimitri S. Kerkentzes, Secretary General of the BIE, has rightly applauded the swift response by BIE Member States.

In his words: “Their support for the postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai - which will be formally approved on 29 May - is a renewed sign of solidarity and demonstrates the shared will to work together in ‘creating the future.’ In their support for the one-year postponement of Expo 2020 Dubai, Member States of the BIE are giving the world the opportunity to reconvene in 2021, when together, we can address the challenges facing humanity and celebrate the unity and solidarity that strengthen us.”

Since the BIE was created in 1928, no Expo has ever been postponed by a year. The proposed postponement of a year demonstrates not only the unprecedented nature of the current Covid-19 pandemic but also the engagement of the UAE and all participating nations in making Expo Dubai a truly inclusive and inspirational Expo.

The mega event will turn out to be an ideal podium for all nations to share their collective visions of the future. It will provide a great platform for encouraging creativity, innovation and collaboration.

Expo Dubai will impressively offer the world a unique platform to share the lessons, solutions and ideas for a better tomorrow.