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BIE in key Dubai visit as Expo 2020 enters new phase

DUBAI, April 16, 2016

A high-level delegation from the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the international body that oversees all World Expos, was in Dubai, on its first technical visit since the UAE emirate was formally declared the host city for Expo 2020.

It was part of a regular programme of meetings to update the BIE on developments as the UAE prepares to host the mega event.

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee and chairman of Dubai Airports and Emirates Airline, was present to greet the BIE team as they began the milestone two-day visit to Expo’s new offices at the site in Dubai South.  

The delegates were able to see the site, where work has been under way since last September. More than 3.9 million cu m of earth have been moved and reused to level the site, in preparation for initial infrastructure construction later this year.

"We are on track to deliver an exceptional Expo that will truly connect people around the world, where they can come and experience ideas and innovations that will define the next 50 years. We are delighted to share the progress we are making with representatives from the BIE," remarked Sheikh Ahmed.

Vicente Loscertales, the secretary general of BIE, praised the progress being made by the organisers of Expo 2020.

Sharing his excitement at seeing the Expo 2020 enter a new phase, Loscertales said: "The breadth of vision and scale of ambition Dubai displayed was crucial to winning the right to host this event. It’s wonderful to have been able to stand on the ground, with the organisers, and see things taking shape."

As part of the visit, Expo officials briefed BIE representatives on the masterplan, theme pavilion designs, local engagement, and international outreach plans.

Commenting on his discussions, Loscertales said “the plans that have been put in place, and the progress being made in delivering them are impressive”.

Reem Al Hashimy, the UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation, and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai,  noted the timely nature of the visit.

"This is the first BIE technical visit since Dubai formally became host city for Expo 2020, and it marks another milestone on our Expo journey. Our progress is accelerating. Next month we will be hosting delegates from the many nations that we hope will participate in Expo 2020, and we will begin building infrastructure later this year."

"We continue to engage with the local community through our Business Connect series, as well as a range of cultural and youth initiatives," she stated.

Last month Expo 2020 launched its new logo at a spectacular public event, attended by thousands, in front of the Burj Khalifa. This followed successes for Foster + Partners, Grimshaw Architects and Bjarke Ingels Group, leading global architecture practices that won a competition to design the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability pavilions for the mega event.

Between October 2020 and April 2021, the event will welcome more than 180 nations and an international audience of 25 million visitors to witness the very latest in thinking and technology, people from around the world will be able to share an experience that has one aim: to contribute to building a better future.-TradeArabia News Service




Tags: Construction | Dubai | phase | Visit | expo 2020 |

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