‘Expo 2020 would put Dubai on the world map,’ citizen says

Emirati manager believes if Dubai is successful, the city should then look to host the Olympics.

Ali Hassan Ali, 27, said winning the Expo in 2020 could lead to future bids for the Olympic Games. Clint McLean for The National

DUBAI // Ali Hassan Ali believes winning the bid for Expo 2020 would boost the country’s international prestige.

The 27-year-old manager from Dubai said it would also improve the name recognition of Dubai, and the UAE, among international audiences.

“The Expo 2020 is not just a small festival,” Mr Ali said. “If we win, it will improve many things.

“Our country’s name will go on the list of the big countries who are doing these festivals.”

Mr Ali said that should Dubai win, it would not be such a big step for it to bid for the Olympic Games.

This year, the organiser of the London 2012 Olympics, Lord Sebastian Coe, said the UAE should consider hosting the sporting event at a later date if it was successful in getting the Expo 2020 vote.

“Dubai is a good place for this,” said Mr Ali. “Security is very good and so is infrastructure. In addition, people visiting here can see a unique and different culture from what they are used to.”

The Emirati said the Expo bid would have long-term benefits for the country as a whole.

“There would be a lot of changes,” he said. “The economy would go up and people’s lives would improve. A lot more tourists would come to our country.”

Mr Ali said the UAE was the best place to host Expo 2020. “If you’re comparing the UAE with any country in the region, it is the number one.

“Sheikh Mohammed [bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai] says we always need to become number one and now that has become a reality.”