DUBAI// Fireworks lit up the night sky around the Burj Khalifa and jubilant crowds roared in celebration when Dubai was named the host city for Expo 2020.
Thousands gathered in and around Dubai Mall and the world’s tallest building hours before voting took place.
Emiratis and expatriates revelled in the news of the win, waving UAE flags and scarves as big screens broadcast the results.
“I’m just so proud of Dubai,” said Khalid Al Marri, an Emirati who had been anxiously waiting for the final result.
“My excitement was getting higher and higher because we easily won the first round but at the same time I was worried we would lose in the final vote.
“There was as much relief as joy when they said Dubai won.”
For Mariam Al Hashmi, an Emirati who was at the mall with three of her friends, the win was a dream come true.
“I still can’t quite believe it,” she said, her voice hoarse after celebrating the triumph.
“Dubai has come so far in only a few short years and a lot of that is down to Sheikh Mohammed.
“He has had the vision for the emirate and we are on the right path for a bright future.”
After hearing the news of the win, hundreds of people rushed to get outside to the Dubai Fountain and catch a glimpse of the spectacular fireworks display at the Burj.
It was standing room only as security staff tried to direct people.
“The news was fantastic and so was the fireworks show,” said Timo Fernandez, from the Philippines.
“This is just the boost that the city needed and it will really help to improve all kinds of industries.
“Dubai is getting more and more exposure in the rest of the world and the Expo will help that even more. People will be even more interested to come to Dubai.”
Some residents had planned to be at the Burj Khalifa for the vote weeks in advance.
“I wanted to be here because it was going to be a historic night for us,” said Emirati Adel Al Ali, who rearranged his work schedule so he could celebrate.
“I was confident that we had a very good chance. But I still can’t quite believe it’s happened and it will take me a couple of hours for it to sink in fully.”
Briton James Wilson said he was delighted for his adopted home of 10 years.
“Dubai is constantly at the forefront of achievements and winning the Expo is just the latest in a long line of success,” he said.
“More and more people internationally are hearing about Dubai and that is only going to continue in the years to come.”
David Franklin, also from the UK, believes a host of other projects could now be announced.
“I’ve felt as though everything was on pause until Dubai won the bid,” he said. “Now you’re going to see a wide range of projects that will benefit everyone living in the UAE, not just things associated with the Expo.”
Mr Franklin said the city’s infrastructure would be expanded to meet the needs of the Expo, which would have the knock-on effect of improved services and facilities for residents and visitors.
Dubai’s win was also met with great joy among people working at Dubai Mall.
“It’s wonderful news for the country,” said one employee, who did not want to be identified. “It means in the coming years there will be more and more opportunities for people and that will attract visitors here.”
For others, the win brought relief as well as excitement.
“It’s been an absolutely crazy day because we have had so many people coming here,” said one of the mall’s ushers.
“There was a really positive feeling among everyone here and with the weekend coming I think the celebrations are only getting started.”
nhanif@thenational.ae
