His Highness Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, today discussed the importance of education with students from Zayed University and the BIE Executive Committee, the delegation representing the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the inter-governmental organisation in charge of overseeing the selection of World Expo host cities.

During his speech, His Highness said that World Expos represent a wonderful opportunity for students to learn and interact with people from different cultures, organisations and countries from around the world as they prepare themselves for future roles in an increasingly competitive and globalized environment. His Highness also highlighted to the BIE Executive Committee the crucial role education has played in the UAE’s development and continues to play in its future growth.

“With one of the world’s youngest and most dynamic populations, education will continue to be a priority for the UAE. Education is at the heart of our nation’s continued quest for excellence as we transition to a knowledge-based economy. It is the primary foundation of the next generation’s development and the best possible means of nurturing the innovators and entrepreneurs of tomorrow,” His Highness said.

The BIE Executive Committee visited Zayed University following a morning tour of Jebel Ali Port, DP World’s flagship port and the largest container port between Rotterdam and Singapore. Located within 10 minutes of the Dubai Expo 2020 site, the visit demonstrated the UAE’s strength in infrastructure that would allow easy access for participants to bring in materials when constructing their pavilions and exhibitions for World Expo 2020.

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