DUBAI // The Pakistani community in Dubai has given its support to the emirate's Expo 2020 bid.
Faisel Ikram, general secretary of the Pakistan Association Dubai (Pad), an officially registered supporter of the bid, said a win would benefit people of all nationalities.
“The Pakistani community has such a long-standing connection with Dubai and the UAE that we feel a part of this country and want the bid to succeed,” said Mr Ikram.
The Pad has organised a series of ‘solidarity’ celebrations as part of UAE National Day on December 2.
“If Dubai wins then we will have a double celebration,” he said.
“We have a solidarity walk on November 29 and if we win then that will be a wonderful way to celebrate it.”
Mr Ikram believes an Expo 2020 win would provide a boost for the UAE's economy.
“We have Pakistanis in every sector and profession in the UAE and obviously having an Expo here will see a huge boost for businesses and jobs.
“Dubai should be given the right to host the event because compared with the other candidate cities it is the only one you could say is a true global village.
“We have people from so many different nationalities living and visiting here that it makes sense to host it here.”
The other candidate cities to host Expo 2020 are Sao Paulo, Brazil; Izmir, Turkey; and Yekaterinburg, Russia.
The winner will be announced at a ceremony in Paris on Wednesday.
nhanif@thenational.ae
