Expo 2020 Dubai announced that it will host the 5th edition of the Aqdar World Summit, an international event organised annually under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, by the Khalifa Empowerment Programme - Aqdar.

The announcement was made in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Dubai will host the Mena region’s first Expo 2020 from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021, under theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

Details of the Summit were announced in the presence of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; Sheikh Maktoum Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai; Sheikh Tahnoun Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; Lieutenant General Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior; Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs; Sheikh Khalid Bin Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of Abu Dhabi Executive Council and Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; Sheikh Theyab Bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline & Group; Sheikh Ahmed Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Media Council and Chairman of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Knowledge Foundation and several dignitaries and senior officials.

Sheikh Saif Bin Zayed said: “Expo 2020’s theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, reflects the firm conviction of the UAE leadership that progress and innovation can only be achieved by investing in human resources and new ideas. We look forward to the Aqdar World Summit that will be held at Expo 2020.

The event will bring together leaders, experts and high-profile speakers from various fields to discuss vital topics and generate initiatives and recommendations that can contribute to the development of our societies.”

Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau, said: “Delivering a successful Expo 2020 Dubai will further consolidate the UAE’s position as a hub for mega global events. The Aqdar Summit will be an excellent opportunity to put the spotlight on humanity’s achievements, challenges and opportunities. Through specialised workshops and discussions, the Summit will address key topics that Expo 2020 will focus on including sustainability, environment, education, culture, innovation, trade and business.” Under the theme, ‘Nourishing Minds, Flourishing Nations’, the annual Aqdar World Summit brings together government officials, experts, decision-makers, professionals and the youth to discuss critical topics related to the development of individuals and societies, and innovative initiatives that can benefit communities.

The event is organised by the Khalifa Empowerment Programme - Aqdar and the UAE Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with INDEX Conferences & Exhibitions and in partnership with the United Nations and a number of local, regional, and international entities.

Expo 2020 Dubai and its legacy are expected to contribute Dhs122.6 billion of gross value added (GVA) to the UAE’s economy from 2013–31, according to the EY report, ‘The economic impact of Expo 2020 Dubai’.

The report states that Expo 2020 is also expected to support up to 905,200 full-time equivalent (FTE) job-years in the UAE from 2013–31, which is equal to approximately 49,700 FTE jobs per annum in the UAE over this period. Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, says: “This independent report demonstrates that Expo 2020 Dubai is a critical long-term investment in the future of the UAE, which will contribute more than Dhs120 billion to the economy between 2013 and 2031.”

Matthew Benson, Partner, Transaction Advisory Services, MENA, EY, says: “Expo 2020 is an exciting long-term investment for the UAE, and is expected to have a significant impact on the economy and how jobs are created directly and indirectly. As the host, Dubai aims to use the event to further enhance its international profile and reputation. The event will celebrate innovation, promote progress and foster cooperation, and entertain and educate global audiences.”

Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to attract 25 million visits and participants from 190 countries from October 2020 to April 2021. During this period, the World Expo is expected to contribute approximately 1.5% of the UAE’s annual forecast gross domestic product (GDP).

In addition, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are estimated to receive Dhs4.7 billion in investment during the pre-Expo phase, supporting approximately 12,600 job-years, while also supporting Expo 2020’s aim to foster innovation and support small businesses.

WAM