Dubai has formed a working group to explore the possibility of the city hosting the World Expo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.

The move is part of Dubai 2020, a new initiative that will focus on a number of sectors within Dubai and the wider UAE, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister and Vice President, today. The initiative is aimed at furthering social and economic progress for the region.

Bringing together the World Expo and Olympics in one place – each for the first time in the Middle East – would be a unique proposition, uniting business, science and technology with sport, education and culture, said a statement.

This proposal reintroduces a concept that existed for earlier editions of the modern Olympics and begins a tradition of connecting these important global themes every 20 years. 

Speaking about Dubai 2020, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We need to engage our community here in Dubai and the UAE in a discussion about our vision and everyone’s role in our future. For this we need a clear, common goal that highlights shared universal human values.  The Dubai 2020 initiative will look at how we can shape our environment and society for future generations. It will address, in an integrated way, the building blocks that underpin social and economic progress - sport, education, culture, business, science, technology, health and the environment. These two global events – the Olympic Games and World Expo – give us a sense of common purpose and play to our strengths. Dubai is already home to people from different nationalities and cultures who live in friendship and peace. And I believe we can deepen this respect and mutual understanding if we work together to achieve something spectacular and meaningful.”

As per the decree issued by Sheikh Mohammed, the Working Group will be chaired by  Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai while  Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be the vice chairman. The members of the group are Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Hussain Nasser Lootah, Matar Mohammed Al Tayer, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh, Yousuf Yacob Al Serkal, John Ferguson and Giselle Davies.

A feasibility study will be undertaken before further decisions are taken regarding making any formal bids to the International Olympic Committee and the Bureau of International Expositions. 

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum has mandated Falcon and Associates to lead the Dubai 2020 project and Working Group.

Members of the public will be invited to participate in the initiative. Further details will be announced in due course, said a statement. –TradeArabia News Service

The Games of the Olympiad take place every four years. The World Expo takes place every 5 years.  The two events coincide in the same year every 20 years. – TradeArabia News Service