Business Bureau, Gulf Today

Mohammed Abdulla Ahli, Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (dans), has said that the aviation sector, which accounts for about 30 per cent of Dubai’s GDP, will play a significant role in the success of Expo 2020 by providing unparalleled facilities and logistic services to exhibitors and millions of visitors, and indicated that there is high level coordination between DCAA, dans and the Expo 2020 management to realise the wise government’s vision of hosting the Expo.

He said preparations are at an accelerating pace at the level of Dubai International and other strategic partners to launch new smart services to facilitate the flow of visitors and official delegations through Dubai airports and ensure they have very good impression the minute they step in the country.

He made the comments during an awareness-raising seminar organised by dans for its employees in cooperation with the Volunteer Attraction Team of the Expo 2020 with the aim to attract more volunteers to support the event. The seminar was held in the presence of Ibrahim Ahli, Deputy CEO of dans, and the participation of a large number of people interested in gaining more knowledge about such opportunities and volunteering requirements.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has stressed that Expo 2020 represents a sustainable legacy for the future generations of the country as it provides a source of inspiration and sets the solid foundations for a future full of opportunities for them, Al Ahli said.

Based on the directions of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, Chairman of Dubai Airports and Chairman and Chief Executive, Emirates Airline & Group, and Chairman of Higher Committee of Expo 2020, that stressed Expo 2020 being an opportunity for the UAE to showcase its evolution history, culture, values and future vision, the dans has taken the initiative to support one of the world’s largest event by registering with Expo 2020 Volunteer Programme.

“This represents a golden opportunity that allows us to represent the UAE to an influx of Expo visitors coming from around the world. It is an honour and a valuable medal for each one of us to represent a culture that is globally renowned for its refinement, innovation, generosity, advancement and inspirational leadership. It is our duty to participate in the programme to pay part of the debt to our wise government and to the genuine people of the UAE, who has become a role model for other nations in building a civilised state,” he said.

On his part, Ibrahim Ahli delivered an opening speech welcoming the Expo 2020 team and employees of dans, and pointed out the importance of Expo and its great positive impact on the reputation and economy of the UAE. He stressed that the employees of dans will leave their voluntary fingerprint on the record of this global event; the thing that reflects the moral refinement and the genuine customs and traditions enjoyed by the people of the UAE.

The seminar included an extensive explanation of the country’s rich history of participating in previous editions of the Expo, and the preparations currently in place for the event, in addition to broadcasting actual pictures of the equipment of the UAE pavilion and the innovative designs currently being applied and implemented. During the seminar, the volunteer attraction team also spoke about the opportunities and volunteering categories available to support the Expo.

dans is the only air navigation service provider that manages the airspace of Dubai and the Northern Emirates. It also provides air navigation services to airport authorities and several prestigious airlines, including Dubai International Airport, which is the most used airport in the world in terms of international passenger numbers.

Expo 2020 Dubai has a strong belief that innovation and progress are the result of people working together and sharing ideas in creative ways. During its six months from October 2020, the Expo will attract millions of visitors to Dubai to celebrate human creativity under the theme “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

Expo 2020 Dubai, scheduled from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021, will welcome over 200 exhibitors from 219 countries. A remarkable programme has been prepared with the aim to attract over 30 thousand volunteers from all age segments, nationalities, cultures and backgrounds.