DUBAI // The UAE aims to host the best world expo in history, the head of the team running the bid told visiting delegates last night.
"Dubai is fully committed to delivering an exceptional world expo in 2020," said Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
He was speaking at a welcome reception for officials from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), which supervises world expos, at the Armani Hotel at the Burj Khalifa.
The delegates yesterday began a four-day enquiry mission to assess the feasibility of plans to stage Expo 2020 in Dubai. "Over the next few days the BIE mission will have the opportunity to meet the people, who are the soul of the UAE - a country that is home to nearly 200 nationalities and welcomes millions of tourists from around the world every year," said Sheikh Ahmed, chairman of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo.
"They will experience the excitement and strong support for Expo 2020 exhibited by our multicultural nation as well as see first-hand the spirit of Dubai."
The event was attended by the committee and representatives of its premier partners. Guests witnessed a specially created performance of the Dubai Fountain featuring Dvorak's "Symphony from the New World", BIE's anthem.
Dubai is one of five cities bidding to host Expo 2020, and the winner will be announced in November. A 438-hectare site in Jebel Ali has been earmarked for the event.
The BIE team is led by Steen Christiansen, chairman of the organisation's executive committee. The first day of the mission was taken up with meetings and a visit to the Gulfood exhibition at Dubai World Trade Centre.
The bid team is stressing that a Dubai expo would be a global celebration of innovative ideas and international partnerships that would benefit future generations.
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Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed
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COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
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Investors: Core42
Current number of staff: 47
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