A Gala Dinner, held in honour of the 250 representatives from the 167 member nations of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), concluded the first day of the Dubai Expo 2020 Theme Symposium, entitled Connecting Minds, Creating the Future: Partnerships for Global Innovation and Sustainable Development.

In an opening speech, His Highness Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airport, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group and Chairman of Dubai Expo 2020, welcomed guests attending the Dubai Expo 2020 Theme Symposium to the UAE.

His Highness said, “It is wonderful to see so many of you here, a true reflection of the connecting power of World Expo. The discussions today have no doubt given you a glimpse of our passion and ability to deliver on global projects and to address the issues faced by the international community in partnership together. We hope you have also witnessed the strong national support our bid receives from across the country. Dubai is fully committed to delivering an exceptional World Expo in 2020 – an Expo that will present opportunities and leave a lasting legacy for all.”

During dinner, His Excellency Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties PJSC, gave an insightful and personal account of Dubai’s growth story which was particularly pertinent at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building that was developed by Emaar and serves as an example of international cooperation sitting at the heart of the vibrant and multicultural Downtown community in Dubai.

Guests were treated to a special performance by Julio Iglesias, one of the 10 Best-selling Music Artists in History.

The specially created performance of the Dubai Fountain, which was choreographed to Czech composer Antonin Dvořak’s “Symphony from the New World” – the anthem of the BIE - for the Enquiry Mission in February, was also featured throughout the night for delegates.

Dubai is competing against three other candidate cities in its bid to host the World Expo in 2020. The final decision will be made following a vote by the 167 member nations of the BIE in Paris on 27th November.