A delegation representing the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the inter-governmental organisation based in Paris that is responsible for World Expo, today concluded their Enquiry Mission to the UAE.

Led by Mr Steen Christiansen, Chairman of the BIE Executive Committee, the Enquiry Mission met with the country’s government and business leaders and assessed the UAE’s ability to welcome the 25 million expected visitors, of which 70% would come from outside the nation for the first time in World Expo history.

During a press conference held at the Burj Al Arab hotel, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group, in his capacity as Chairman of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai thanked the delegation for their time and focus during the visit.

His Highness said: “If our country’s bid is successful, a World Expo in Dubai will attract new opportunities across the region and around the world, establishing new partnerships and creating a lasting experience for everyone who visits and participates.”

“An economic impact study by Oxford Economics into Dubai Expo 2020 concludes that the total economic output across the Dubai economy would amount to 28.8 billion Euros, and would create over 277,000 jobs between 2013 and 2021. Importantly, for every Expo employee, approximately 50 additional jobs will be sustained across the Middle East and North African economy.”

Mr. Steen Christensen said: “We have had a productive and enjoyable visit to the UAE and thank the leadership for their hospitality. We have been particularly impressed by the country’s robust infrastructure and the level of national support for the bid. The UAE has put forward a strong case to hold Expo 2020 in Dubai - the vision of the project is clear and lined to the traditions and values of World Expos.”

As a result of the visit, the Enquiry Mission will prepare a report detailing their recommendation to all BIE member states as to whether Dubai and the UAE would be a feasible host for the World Expo 2020. The report will be presented at the next BIE General Assembly in Paris in June 2013.

Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 edition of this monumental global gathering. The winner will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 163 member nations of the BIE.