What world expo delegates saw during their UAE visit

Delegates have learnt about key elements of the bid, including security, financing, infrastructure, visitor numbers and marketing initiative.

To welcome the BIE delegation, stakeholders from across the UAE have been showing their support to bringing the World Expo to Dubai in 2020. Courtesy Dubai Police

DUBAI // During the meetings with the Higher Committee for Hosting the World Expo 2020, key elements of the UAE bid were examined in detail, including security, financing, infrastructure, visitor numbers and marketing initiatives.

“We have had working meetings, visits and gatherings that have allowed us to examine the support and the commitment of the UAE government, the civil society and all the other relevant stakeholders,” said Steen Christensen, chairman of the enquiry mission.

“We have discussed the whole project and the vision behind it.”

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, has posted a video on YouTube showing his meeting with the delegates at Zabeel Palace on Tuesday.

Later Sheikh Mohammed wrote on Twitter: “I have shared with the delegation our President’s welcome message and his personal support for UAE to win the bid to host the exhibition. I am confident that the UAE has what it takes to host the biggest event in the history of Expo in 2020. And to impress the rest of the world.”

The delegates also met Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and other ministers. On Tuesday they were introduced to students at Zayed University’s Abu Dhabi campus.

The following day they flew over the proposed expo site in Jebel Ali by helicopter.