Expo 2020 Dubai today announced the formation of its Premier Partnership with Emirates Airline to help bring 25 million visitors to Dubai for the global mega event.

Under the agreement, Emirates Airline will be Expo 2020 Dubai's official airline partner.

The partnership agreement, which was signed by Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general Bureau Expo Dubai 2020, links Emirates, one of the world’s largest international airlines, with the Expo which will be one of the most-visited global mega events of 2020.  

As Expo 2020’s first Premier Partner, Emirates Airline will play a key role in bringing visitors to the event.

Under the terms of the partnership, Emirates will be a licensed ticket reseller. Emirates’ strong global brand and marketing efforts, and its extensive route network to over 150 destinations means that it is uniquely well placed to support Expo 2020 Dubai in attracting 25 million visitors, 70 per cent of whom are expected to travel internationally to visit the Expo.

The size and duration of the mega event means that Expo 2020 will be one of the most-visited global events that year.

Sheikh Ahmed welcomed the partnership, saying: “We believe the Expo will contribute greatly towards future thinking and progress, and also strengthen the UAE’s role as a global hub that brings together diverse people, institutions, and ideas from around the world, for the betterment of society. Emirates has played an important part in Dubai’s transformation into an international centre for commerce and tourism, and a globally-connected host city for a truly global event like the Expo. The airline has been an early supporter of Dubai’s successful bid to host the Expo, will now partner with Expo 2020 to bring this event to Dubai, and to build a lasting legacy for the UAE and the entire region.”

Al Hashimy commented: “Emirates Airline carried over 50 million passengers last year. It is a global super-connector, and has always been forward-thinking and innovative in its outlook, leading the way in offering greater opportunity and mobility to people. It is a natural partner for Expo 2020 Dubai - an event which will bring the world together here in Dubai to celebrate the power of connections to create the innovation and inspiration that will shape our future - as we step onto the global scene.”

The Premier Partnership with Emirates Airline is the highest of three tiers of partnerships that Expo will be entering into. The agreement grants exclusive rights and benefits for Emirates Airline and other businesses within the Emirates Group, including branding and marketing rights, the ability to leverage signature events such as Youth Connect – a forum for young people across the GCC region - held in the run-up to Expo 2020, and the opportunity to have a pavilion at the Expo, giving the airline visibility on a par with the Expo’s national participants.

In addition, Expo 2020 Dubai and Emirates Airline are exploring opportunities on the site in the post-event phase, as part of securing a lasting cultural, and economic legacy for the Expo. The site is located in Dubai South, close to the Al Maktoum International Airport, where Emirates will move its operations to later in the 2020s. - TradeArabia News Service