Dubai unveils development plans for Expo 2020

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority confirmed expenditure of Dh10m for extension of the Dubai metro red line and infrastructure. Pawan Singh / The National

PARIS // Smart technologies for security, a greener city, a logistics educational institute and innovations in telecoms have been promised by heads of industry and senior government officials who travelled to France to support Dubai’s ratification as expo host.

Plans for a logistics institute were announced by Sultan bin Sulayem, chairman of DP World.

“We are in contact with the expo team to create an educational institution for logistics,” he said. “We have gained a lot of knowledge as logistics providers and can use this to educate those who can gain from our experience. It will be the first of its kind in the world.”

Dubai Municipality will spend Dh5 billion in expo-related projects to cover setting up infrastructure, drainage, new buildings and making the city greener.

“There is a lot of work to be done but we are ready,” said Hussain Lootah, director general of Dubai Municipality.

“We will be involved in providing the infrastructure required, there will be a special network of drainage required in the expo area, there will be green areas and irrigation. We are also planning smart, green buildings that will be implement through the expo projects.”

While Dubai Police does not plan to increase the number of police officers for the world fair, it will use improved technology to beef up security.

“We will rely on adopting smart electronic technology rather than on hiring more police, said Dubai Police chief Maj Gen Khamis Al Muzainah.

“We will ensure that Dubai continues to be a safe place to live. Despite the occurrences in the region around us, in the Emirates’ people are living in peace whether they are expatriates or Emiratis.”

Al Habtoor Group will spend Dh13 billion in the property, transport and hospitality sectors for the expo, said its chairman Khalaf Al Habtoor.

“Dubai has attracted many companies that have moved their headquarters here and we will see many more moving by 2020. We plan investments to make the event successful and will complement the government’s plans for Dubai’s future.”

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the Roads and Transport Authority confirmed expenditure of Dh10 million for extension of the Dubai metro red line and infrastructure.

“We are geared up but we see ourselves starting from zero,” he said.

“We have extensive plans for roads and bridges and have a big plans with the expo team to start work on Dubai South.”

Etisalat said it was on the lookout for innovations in telecommunication.

“The planning started a long time ago but confirming Dubai will raise the momentum and our energy levels,” said Ahmad Julfar, Etisalat’s chief executive.

“Back in the 1800s in the San Francisco expo, the telephone was presented by Alexander Bell and we are expecting innovations in Expo 2020 since the telecom sector will be a critical one.”