Dubai 2020 initiative launched to host World Expo and Olympic Games

HH Sheikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has launched a new initiative – ‘Dubai 2020′ – to engage Emirati society in shaping their nation’s future in a bid to host the World Expo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Dubai 2020 will focus on a number of sectors within Dubai and expand to cover the UAE. A work group made up of representatives from the government and private sectors will explore the potential of Dubai to host the 2 major events in 2020.

HH Sheikh Mohammad said, “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 2 global events, the Olympic Games and World Expo, give us a sense of common purpose and play to our strengths.”

Hosting of these two prominent world events in one place for the first time in the Middle East would be an unprecedented landmark move. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, will chair the work group while Sheikh Ahmad Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be Vice- Chairman. 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.