DUBAI // Mohammed Jasem Al Hammadi is only 22, but he has already seen his home city undergo enormous changes.
In seven years’ time, the Emirati student expects himself and Dubai to have developed almost beyond recognition.
“Dubai is growing fast,” he said. “It is already a different place from five years ago, so in seven years there’s going to be a big difference again.”
He imagines Dubai will be more developed and more densely populated.
“There will be more companies coming here, more artists and generally more people,” he said.
“It’s going to be good for the economy. Dubai is already well regarded around the world, and that is going to be more and more.”
The Expo 2020 bidding process ends on November 25, with the final vote in Paris on November 27.
Dubai is hopeful of winning the bid but the emirate is confident that it will continue to prosper even if the result is not favourable.
Mr Al Hammadi is a media student and an aspiring journalist who hopes – should Dubai win the Expo 2020 bid – to be able to cover the opening of the fair as a reporter.
“It would be a big moment for the country, and for all of us,” he said.
“It will be a moment of pride for everyone, and that is something I would like to see.”
mcroucher@thenational.ae