Number of visitors to Expo 2020 expected to touch 25-million mark

Business Bureau, Gulf Today

A delegation from the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) visited Expo 2020-Dubai - the first international Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia.

During the field tour, the delegation was briefed on the latest developments in the construction and infrastructure works of Expo 2020 and the opportunities offered to entrepreneurs and small businesses, as well as the benefit that the exhibition will provide for visitors throughout 173 days. They were also briefed about the theme of Expo 2020-Dubai “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” and its three subthemes “Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability”.

They also learnt about the history of the Expo and the expected number of visits during the Expo 2020, which is anticipated to touch 25 million, 70 per cent of which will be from outside the country.

They were also introduced to the legacy of the Expo and its sustainability for a comprehensive city after the event.

The Ajman Chamber’s delegation was further briefed about the Expo 2020- Volunteers Programme in detail and its role in attracting more than 30,000 volunteers of the UAE nationals and residents who will participate in the organisation of an exceptional Expo for millions of visitors and participants.

For his part, Nasser Al Dhafari praised the level of achievement and enthusiasm that the delegation of the Chamber witnessed in the site staff, stressing that every part of Expo 2020 represents a success story. He called on all institutions, government and private bodies, as well as citizens and residents in the country to have a role in the exceptional and successful Expo 2020.

Among the delegation were Nasser Al Dhafri, Executive Director of Corporate Communication and Member Support and Khawla Khalfan, Executive Director of Support Services, along with a number of employees.

Earlier this year, the Ajman Chamber hosted an introductory symposium on “Expo 2020” in the presence of Dr. Amna Khalifa Al Ali, ACCI Board Member and Chairwoman of Ajman Businesswoman Council, and Aysha Al Ghafri, Director of Ras Al Khaimah Office for Expo 2020.

Aysha Al-Ghafri stressed the importance of the national and historical event of the UAE as the first Arab country to host the Expo under the slogan “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”- and its subthemes (mobility - opportunities – sustainability).

The symposium focused on the special pavilions and designs of the Expo-2020 and the approved transport plan for easy access to the exhibition. The Expo-2020’s organisers are keen on involoving all government, private and community members to make a visible contribution to the world event.

Furthermore, the symposium pointed to the sustainable legacy after Expo, whereas 80 per cent of its facilities will remain forming an integrated and modern city. It also explained the volunteers’ programme and its role in the historic event.

Dr. Amna Khalifa praised the efforts of the organisers and the fantastic pace of the work, which highlights the UAE’s position in hosting the world events. She stressed the need to interact and cooperate with the organisers of the Expo 2020 and the importance of visiting the site to explore the current equipment. She further urged the entrepreneurs to register through the Expo-2020 portal.

In the meantime, the attendees stressed the need of involving the community groups in such a global event and the importance of the government and private institutions’ utmost readiness to take advantage of the opportunities offered by the Expo 2020.

Earlier on last Wednesday the Ajman Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) received a delegation from Umm Al Quwain Chamber of Commerce and Industry in order to promote the cooperation and share expertise, in addition to briefing on the most important services and best practices directed to the business community.

The delegation was received by Abdullah Al Muwaiji, Chairman of Ajman Chamber, and Salem Al Suwaidi, the Director General. While, the delegation was led by Khalfan Bin Misfer, Deputy Chairman of Umm Al Quwain Chamber, and Abdullah Khamis Al Suwaidi, the Director General.

During the meeting, Al Muwaiji stressed keenness of Ajman Chamber to strengthen its direct communication with the UAE chambers, which is positively reflected on the private institutions and growth of the economic sector in general.

He praised the efforts of the chambers of commerce in the country and their role in providing the private sector with leading services that enhance its development and sustainability. He further hailed the wise leadership’s keenness to create an attractive and supportive environment for the private sector through harnessing powers of all concerned government departments to provide tools and services that keep pace with the aspirations of investors and traders.