BIE makes first 'technical visit' to Dubai Expo site

Dubai - Emirate 'on track to deliver an exceptional Expo': Shaikh Ahmed

Shaikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, was present to greet the Bureau International des Expositions team as they began a milestone two-day visit to the Expo's new offices at the site in Dubai South.
"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," said Shaikh Ahmed, who is also President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Emirates airline and Chief Executive of the Emirates Group.
The BIE's "technical visit" was part of a regular programme of meetings to update the BIE on developments as the UAE prepares to host the mega event. This was the first such visit since Dubai was formally registered as host city. The BIE delegation was able to see the site, where work has been underway since last September. Vicente Loscertales, secretary-general of the BIE - the international body that oversees all World Expos - praised the progress being made by the organisers of Expo 2020. He shared his excitement at seeing the Expo enter a new phase.
"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."
Reem Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Cabinet Member and UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation 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. "
- business@khaleejtimes.com