In support of the UAE’s bid for Dubai Expo 2020, the Dubai Culture & Arts Authority (Dubai Culture), the Emirate’s dedicated Authority for culture, arts, and heritage, hosted a three-day event at the renowned Institut Du Monde Arabe (IMA), the Arab World Insitute, in Paris.

Featuring artworks and talks by Emirati and UAE-based artists and cultural figures, depicting stories of human connections in the city of Dubai, the launch of the second edition of ‘Dubai Next’, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Majid Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of Dubai Culture, promoted international dialogue and cultural exchange, in support of the UAE’s bid for Dubai Expo 2020.

Using Le Mobile Art Pavilion, designed by Zaha Hadid, as a platform for this international dialogue, the programme provided vivid insights into the region’s art industry and was attended by some of the UAE’s leading cultural figures, including, His Excellency Mohammed Al Murr, Chairman of the UAE Federal National Council; His Excellency Abdul Ghaffar Hussain, Chairman of the UAE Human Rights Association; His Excellency Bilal Al Budoor, Assistant Deputy of Arts and Culture, Ministry of Culture, Youth, and Community Development; Mr. Dhaen Shahin, Director-General for Publishing, Dubai Media Incorporated and Chief Editor of Al Bayan newspaper; Mr. Ali Obaid Al Hamli, President of the News Division of Dubai Media Incorporated; Hussain Al Jazeeri, Lawyer and Honorary President of the French Association of the UAE; President and Founder of Al Serkal Avenue, His Excellency Ahmed Issa Al Serkal; artist Abdulqader Al Rais; and from Dubai Culture, Dr. Salah Al Qassim, Advisor to Dubai Culture, and Mr. Khalil Abdulwahid, Manager of Visual Arts of Dubai Culture.

The UAE has a thriving cultural industry and very strong links with France, ‘Dubai Next’ in Paris is a demonstration of the partnership between the two countries.  The work Dubai Culture has done to support the UAE’s bid for Dubai Expo 2020 has helped reiterate Dubai’s global position as a hub for collaboration and creativity.

With nearly 200 different nationalities who live in Dubai and call it their home, the UAE can bring a unique cultural plurality to World Expo. At the same time, a World Expo in Dubai in 2020 will play an important role in spearheading and supporting the continued development and growth of the vibrant cultural scene in Dubai and across the region.

An Expo in Dubai would take place on the eve of the UAE’s 50th anniversary, starting countrywide celebrations. It would also be the first time that a World Expo is held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, presenting a significant opportunity.

Dubai is competing against three other candidate cities in its bid to host the World Expo in 2020.