Expo 2020: UAE President applauds timely win for nation

DUBAI // The President, Sheikh Khalifa, last night congratulated Dubai on its successful Expo 2020 bid, describing the timing of the win as "auspicious".

In a telephone conversation to the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Sheikh Khalifa said: "Our joy in the UAE was double by the win as it coincides with the celebrations of the 42nd National Day.

“From day one when we submitted our bid to host Expo 2020, we were fully confident that Dubai deserves to win the bid, and that our country possesses all it takes to successfully organise a unique event that will add a new and outstanding imprint on the Expo series of events.”

Sheikh Mohammed praised the “great support” of Sheikh Khalifa, and congratulated the entire nation. “I am proud of our teams who earned this victory for Dubai with two years of hard work, dedication and commitment,” he said.

“We renew our promise to astonish the world in 2020.”

He added: “We have two reasons to celebrate. The UAE’s epic win to host the world’s most prestigious fair adds to our joy of celebrating the 42nd National Day of our beloved country.”

Sheikh Mohammed also praised the other candidate cities, Sao Paulo, Yekaterinburg and Izmir.

“The competition was challenging and the competitors were strong,” he said. “We wish them all the success in all their future initiatives. We are all partners in making a better future for humanity without differentiation or discrimination.”

Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai, said the success owed much to the support from the public.

“We draw success from the spirit of the union that dwells deep within our people.

“The milestone achievement marks a new phase in the UAE’s and Dubai’s economic development drive.”

The news also attracted congratulations from various embassies, including the French and Canadian. David Cameron, the British prime minister said: “I believe this was the right choice and am pleased others agreed.”

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, was one of many to pay his congratulations, saying the success of the Expo bid was a credit to the nation.

"This is a moment to be embraced and owned by the entire nation and beyond – this is your Expo," he said.