Expo 2020 will give UAE construction and tourism a boost

DUBAI // Construction, trade, tourism, transport, aviation and logistics sectors stand to benefit if the UAE wins its bid to host Expo 2020.

“It would be a first for the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, and would mean an opportunity for some of the world’s fastest-growing emerging markets to participate,” said Paul Griffiths, chief executive of Dubai Airports.

“If one of the key attributes of a successful expo is measured in the diversity and volume of international visitors, the UAE already has the world-class infrastructure to support that and to make it successful.”

As the first expo for the region, it would give about 2 billion people who had never seen a world fair the chance to do so.

Business between the emirates would be boosted by construction in the Jebel Ali area, with investment for hotels, roads and offices around the convention centre.

Hamad Buamim, director general of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the site was ideal.

“It will provide a boost for the private sector, especially construction, leisure and transport sectors, and it is in an ideal location near the new Al Maktoum Airport and the Jebel Ali Port and Free Zone,” he said.

“And it is close to the border with Abu Dhabi, which will boost inter-emirate business.”

rtalwar@thenational.ae