In a major show of support for the UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, the senior leadership of Ajman Free Zone Authority announced today the organisation’s pledge to serve as an “Official Partner” of the country’s bid.

This announcement was made during the third Creativity Without Borders exhibition at the Ajman Free Zone, which was opened by Sheikh Ahmed bin Humeed Al Nuaimi, Representative of the Ruler of Ajman for Financial and Administrative Affairs and Chairman of Ajman Free Zone Authority; and HE Mahmoud Al Hashimi General Manager of Ajman Free Zone; in addition to other senior officials of the Ajman Free Zone.

Ajman Free Zone Authority, which is one of the first government entities outside of Dubai to formally support the Expo 2020 bid, will launch a wide range of outreach programmes across its many touch points to raise awareness about the UAE’s bid to welcome the world on the eve of the country’s Golden Jubilee.

Highlighting the strength of the Authority’s commitment to the Expo bid, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed said: “The UAE is strategically located on the global economic map, making the country an attractive destination for foreign capital investments across its many economic sectors. We at the Ajman Free Zone Authority pledge our support for the country’s Expo 2020 bid with the full confidence that the UAE has a unique ability to host a truly global event of this scale. Ajman Free Zone Authority is fully committed to supporting this important nationwide effort and will promote the bid through a wide range of initiatives to raise awareness among our internal and external stakeholders.”

Ajman Free Zone Authority, which was formed in 1996, is tasked with leading the sustained economic expansion of the emirate. The Authority is currently overseeing the continued development of Ajman Free Zone, which will be able to accommodate over 4,000 businesses upon completion.

World Expos – one of the oldest and largest international events – take place every five years and last for six months. Since 1851, World Expos have provided unique opportunities for people from across the globe to come together and appreciate the world’s cultural diversity and marvel at its technological wonders.

Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo, including Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil).

The winner will be announced in November 2013 following a vote by the 161 member nations of the Bureau International des Expositions, the intergovernmental organisation in charge of overseeing the calendar, bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos.