Dubai’s hosting of the World Expo 2020 will contribute over $40 billion to its economy, driven largely by an expected influx of 25 million tourists and new investments, according to experts.

Helal Saeed Al Marri, director general of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing, said: “For the first time in the history of the World Expo, as much as 70 per cent of the expected 25 million visitors would be international - stemming from beyond the host nation. This is important because Dubai Expo 2020 would offer opportunity for both the developed and the developing world.”

Al Marri, who will deliver the opening address at Destination Dubai 2020, which will begin tomorrow (January 28) at the JW Marriott Marquis, will detail the opportunities and challenges confronting Dubai ahead of this important event.

Khalifa Al Zaffin, executive chairman of the Dubai Aviation City Corporation, will provide an overview of the Dubai World Cental masterplan at the event.

“Designed to create a self-sustained economic zone, DWC is now shaping up as a world class development and we are proud to be building a city of the future. It has already seen significant development of what will be world’s largest airport, the Al Maktoum International Airport; it is also the permanent home of Dubai Airshow and the site of World Expo 2020; a recent JV with Emaar has been signed to build an urban centre and a golf destination,” said Al Zaffin.

“A large number of global, regional and local companies have chosen DWC as their regional base and many more are accelerating their plans to establish their presence,” he added.

The strategic initiatives attached to delivering Dubai’s 2020 vision and the drivers that will impact on the growth of the emirate will be outlined, in the presence of leaders from the private and public sector.

Ahmed Bin Sulayem, executive chairman, Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC), one of those participating in the panel, said: "As the international hub for trade and enterprise DMCC has and will continue to play a significant role in bringing multi-business and multi-nationals to the country as the Expo 2020 theme ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ will further drive Dubai’s position as more than just a transfer and trading point between East and West.”

The plan for Dubai after the World Expo 2020 will also be discussed during the conference, outlining potential uses for the infrastructure that will be set up in place. - TradeArabia News Service