The UAE moved into pole position to host the World Expo 202 after reports cited France’s commitment to back Dubai’s bid. A statement issued by the French, following a meeting between His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai and French President Francois Hollande, said: “The President of the Republic reiterated its commitment to the strategic partnership between France and the United Arab Emirates. In the wake of his visit [Hollande] to Abu Dhabi and Dubai, January 15, 2013, he praised the quality of our political dialogue and the dynamism of our bilateral cooperation, particularly in the economic and commercial fields. The head of state praised the advantages of the application of Dubai Expo 2020.”
France is one of 166 BIE member countries. The UAE’s envoy to France, Mohamed Meer Abdalla Al Raeesi confirmed that the French government would support Dubai’s candidature.
Dubai is now clearly a front-runner to host the Expo 2020 and winning the emerging market status has further catapulted the country to the height of glory. It is expected that 25 million visitors would attend a Dubai-hosted World Expo 2020, with 70 per cent of those attending coming from outside the UAE.
