Multi-award-winning footballer, Lionel Messi has today been announced as the first Global Ambassador for Dubai’s World Expo, taking on an international role as a champion for Expo 2020 Dubai.

Messi, who yesterday won the coveted Ballon D’Or for a record fifth time, is one of the most widely known footballers in the world. With over 80 million followers on social media, and recognition levels above 85%, by international survey respondents, he is one of the most influential players in modern football.

“Expos are all about focusing attention on issues of global interest and global concern to help imagine a better future,” said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Director General of Expo 2020. “What better way to do this than by recruiting allies among people who are already working towards better future outcomes?”

Expo 2020 is guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas combining in new ways. Under the theme ‘Connecting Minds Creating the Future’, the international event aims to bring together hundreds of countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity.

“Lionel Messi’s performances on the football pitch bring people together, and as a result his influence reaches far beyond it. He is the ideal person to be our first global ambassador. He overcame youthful health challenges to achieve his dreams of international excellence through hard work; making him an inspiration. He is perfectly placed to reach out to young people around the world, bringing them together to join us as we work towards hosting our World Expo in 2020 ” H.E. Al Hashimy explained.

Expo 2020 Global Ambassadors will be recruited from leading figures in the sports, arts, music, culture and media, as well as international thought leaders in the fields of architecture & design, science & technology, business, economics, education, philanthropy and sustainability.

Ambassadors will travel the world, talking to stakeholders to explore connections between their work and that of Expo 2020, along with potential opportunities for collaboration and engagement.

The organisers of Expo 2020 Dubai will be making further ambassadorial appointments over the coming months.

Source: https://expo2020dubai.ae

Dubai has won the bid to host the World Congress of Neurology (WCN) in 2019, as the city focuses on business events for its economic development.

The WNC is organised by the World Federation of Neurology, an association of national neurological societies representing 119 neurological societies in all regions of the world. 

 “Dubai has hosted several international conferences across all fields and is known for its hospitality, excellent infrastructure and world-class facilities,” said HE Humaid Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board and Director-General of the DHA, speaking at the 22nd World Congress of Neurology in Chile in November 2015. 

“We look forward to hosting this conference in 2019 and we strongly believe that conferences are a platform that brings together experts from the region and abroad to discuss latest advances in the field. 

“Exchange of latest information and know-how is vital for growth and development, particularly in the medical field, which is ever-evolving.”

Business tourism is a large and growing global industry and an important cornerstone of Dubai’s economy.

“Conferences are big business and the number is growing worldwide, with a wider range of cities gaining market share,” said IOC Vice President Sir Craig Reedie in his opening address to Host City 2015, the leading EU-based meeting of cities and sports, business and cultural events. 

Previous editions of the WNC have attracted more than 5,000 delegates. 

“Presently, in the region, there are 4000 to 5000 neurologists and this conference presents an opportunity to discuss the latest advances and treatment methods in the field,” said Dr Suhail Al Rukn, head of stroke unit at Rashid Hospital and president of Emirates Neurological Society.

“This conference will help foster collaboration and cooperation with neurologists and neurological societies in the region and abroad.”

The next World Congress of Neurology takes place in Kyoto in Japan in 2017.

The European Union (EU) and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Wednesday signed an agreement which enables Emiratis through Europe without applying for visas. 

Under the agreement, Emiratis can now stay in Schengen zone countries for 90 days in any 180-day period. 

The diplomatic breakthrough coincided with the first week of Expo Milan 2015, where the UAE has a national pavilion designed by Foster + Partners. Dubai is to host the next such “universal” World Expo in 2020. 

The UAE is the first Arab country to be granted free entry to the Schengen zone, which includes 26 European countries. 

“Our UAE citizens have the full right to feel proud of their leadership, which exerts every possible effort to take care of their welfare internally, as well as anywhere else in the world,” Sheikh Abdullah said.

Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Minister of Foreign Affairs welcomed the agreement. “Our UAE citizens have the full right to feel proud of their leadership, which exerts every possible effort to take care of their welfare internally, as well as anywhere else in the world,” he said.

The agreement will be a boost to business tourism from the UAE.

“It will also allow our students more opportunity to know European universities better and choose whichever suits them best in the pursuit of their education,” said Sheikh Abdullah.

UAE citizens now have visa-free access to travel without a visa to Austria, Belgium, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland.

They will also be able to travel to eight non-Schengen countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Romania, the Vatican, Andorra, San Marino and Monaco.

Emiratis have since the start of 2014 been able to apply online for a visa waiver for travel to the UK.

Sheikh Abdullah also praised the UAE’s successful bid to host the 2019 International Energy Conference and Dubai winning the right to host the World Expo 2020. 

 Click here to see a list of countries that are in the Schengen area »

At its first meeting of the year, the Expo 2022 Dubai Higher Committee heard on Wednesday that preparations are well underway for hosting one of the world’s biggest events. 

The meeting was chaired by Sheikh Ahmad Bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the chairman of Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, president of Dubai of civil aviation and chairman and chief executive of Emirates airline and group. 

The committee discussed the development and final preparation of the Expo 2020 Dubai Registration Dossier, which it is due to present to the Bureau of International Expositions (BIE), the governing body of World Expos, later this year. 

The committee also heard a progress report on the Expo site and marketing and communications strategies.

 “There has been substantive progress on many fronts this year, both in the UAE and across the world,” said Reem Al Hashemi, UAE Minister of State, board representative of the Dubai Expo 2020 Higher Committee and director general, Bureau Dubai Expo 2020.

“We also plan to continue to build strong momentum throughout 2015 with a number of robust awareness engagements and collaborative initiatives that will collectively ensure we deliver an event worthy of the history of World Expos and that does justice to the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the UAE.”

Expo 2020 Dubai launched a nationwide community engagement campaign earlier this month under the banner of ‘For Everyone’. 

The ‘For Everyone’ campaign, an awareness building and engaging series of public activities, will support the UAE and Expo 2020’s participation in the Expo Milano 2015, which takes place from 1 May to the end of October. 

The UAE’s country pavilion at Expo 2015 will focussing on the UAE’s efforts to address food and hunger issues while also promoting the theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, which is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”.

The Dubai Convention & Events Bureau has signed a deal to sponsor the Association of British Professional Conference Organisers (ABPCO).

Dubai Convention & Events Bureau joins the Glasgow Convention Bureau, Barbican and Hiscox Insurance as sponsors of ABPCO. 

ABPCO is the UK’s leading organisation for professional conference and event organisers, industry associates and those studying for, or seeking a career in the conference and meetings industry.

“Having the official convention bureau for Dubai as a sponsor of ABPCO is of course fantastic news for us,” said Caroline Windsor, joint-chair of ABPCO. 

“Their support will enable us to continue growing as an association and it will benefit our members as we seek to promote best practice for individuals and organisations within the industry. 

“Dubai is one of the leading business event destinations in the world so we look forward to working with them to benefit the industry as a whole.”

The Dubai Convention & Events Bureau’s main aim is to establish Dubai as a premier business event destination to help grow economic development, jobs and knowledge in the region. It offers free, impartial advice, guidance and support to international meeting planners.

“As sponsors of ABPCO we hope to further benefit the industry we work in as well as promote Dubai as a dynamic host city for international meetings and events,” said Maris Kuklis, senior manager of Business Events UK & Europe at Dubai Convention & Events Bureau. 

“We have been members of ABPCO for some time and now we are looking forward to taking our relationship with ABPCO one step further whilst further strengthening our position within the industry.”

Mattar Al Tayer, chairman of the board of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee met last week with the Executive Committee of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) to give a status report on preparations for hosting the world’s largest exhibition. 

Al Tayer, who is also executive director of Dubai’s Road and Transport Authority, provided details of the Expo 2020 Dubai registration dossier, which will be submitted to the BIE during the summer of 2015.

“We continue to welcome the opportunity to share our 2015 plans with the BIE Executive Committee,” he said.

“Their insight, guidance and collaborative spirit is key to our ability to communicate our comprehensive strategies, capture best practices and prepare and execute essential milestones.”

The visit is part of a series of meetings required for Expo 2020 Dubai to achieve official registration. 

Dubai was selected as the host city of the 2020 World Expo by the BIE general assembly in November 2013. According to BIE regulations, any Expo project selected by the BIE general assembly must submit its application for registration to the Bureau at the least five years before the opening date. 

The Expo’s final registration is then granted by the BIE general assembly upon previous examination and approval of the dossier by competent committees.

Running from 20 October 2020 through 10 April 2021, the Expo will launch the country's Golden Jubilee celebration. With its theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future", it will serve as a springboard for a progressive and sustainable vision for the coming decades.

Expo 2020 Dubai will be the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and Southern Asia region.

On a visit to Dubai in March, BIE secretary general Vincente Loscertales said he was pleased with the progress made by the Expo Dubai 2020 and reiterated the BIE’s full support and commitment to ensure it is on course to present a global platform, address global challenges, and leverage the convening power of previous and upcoming Expos, including Expo Milano 2015.

At the meeting with the BIE last week, Al Tayer explained how Expo 2020 Dubai will be presented in the UAE Pavilion during the Expo 2015 Milan, which takes place from May to October 2015, as well as discussing ongoing national engagement activities.

“The submission of our Registration Document, our presence in Milan, and our national engagement activities are all part of our ongoing efforts to deliver on a truly inclusive and extraordinary Expo,” said Reem Bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State, Director-General of the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.

“We continue to appreciate the BIE process and the occasion to update the Executive Committee on our plans, which we are confident will lead to delivering a transformative World Expo.”

The BIE is the intergovernmental organisation responsible for overseeing the organisation of World and International Expos.

Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) has appointed a consortium of CH2M HILL and Mace to deliver the Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development, the site that will host Expo 2020 Dubai and act as focus for events beyond 2021.

In a rigorous procurement process, the joint venture of US firm CH2M HILL and UK-based Mace had to compete with other leading global firms with mega-event experience. 

In winning the tender, CH2M HILL-Mace is now responsible for providing full-service consultancy, real estate programme management, design, construction and operations management for the end-to-end development and delivery of Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali and the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development is the master district that will host Expo 2020 Dubai within a secure gated area from October 2020 until April 2021. 

"In CH2M HILL and Mace we have a proven partner that we feel confident will enable the delivery of a state-of-the-art home for Expo 2020 Dubai," said Ahmed Al Khatib, Director - Real Estate, DWTC. 

The site, designed by architectural firm HOK and engineering company Arup, contains precincts that are being programmed specifically for long term use beyond the Expo.

The Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali development is being planned as a new focal point of global business tourism for the region, reinforcing the UAE's established position as an international destination fostering thought leadership across key sectors for economic development and a business networking hub through trade fairs, mega-events and conferences.

The site is also being planned as an inclusive environment that inspires the region's young people while fostering cultural learning, cooperation, creativity and business.

The vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai is to create a smart destination for 'purposeful innovation', with a core focus on youth and culture to establish Dubai as a global city of the future.

“The success of the development is critically linked to its timely and efficient evolution to the planned legacy of Dubai Trade Centre Jebel Ali, and we look forward to seeing this partnership with CH2M HILL-Mace support DWTC and Dubai in fulfilling this long-term commitment,” said Al Khatib.

CH2M HILL-Mace have previously joined forces on several occasions in the sports and events industries, most recently for the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. 

CH2M HILL has also played a strategic consulting role on Rio 2016. Mace is programme manager for the Qatar Public Works programmes and has provided strategic advice to the organising committee of Astana Expo 2017. 

Both companies have a strong presence in the Middle East. In the UAE they have independently delivered major private sector and government projects including Jumeirah Beach Residences, Mall of the Emirates, Business Bay Development, Media City, Silicon Oasis, the Abu Dhabi STEP Programme, ENEC Nuclear Programme and Masdar City.

"As a world leader in programme management, we will bring our track record of delivery excellence, sustainability and innovation to this programme, a benchmark for major events,” said Joseph Danko, senior vice president and operations director, urban programmes at CH2M HILL.

“We are excited to take on this amazing opportunity and contribute to the ever increasing global role of Dubai, its leadership and people."

The Higher Organising Committee for Expo 2020 signed an agreement on Tuesday that positions Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre as its Heritage Strategic Partner.

Under the partnership, the Centre will organise a wide range of events and activities to promote the UAE’s heritage and culture during Expo 2020, which will be held in Dubai over nearly six months.

“The appointment constitutes an important step in our efforts to promote this international exhibition, add a cultural and heritage dimension to the event and enrich the experience for visitors and exhibitors,” said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, Managing Director of Expo 2020 Higher Committee.

“As a credible and trusted source on UAE national heritage and cultural traditions, the Centre has played a salutary role in preserving the country’s heritage and passing it on from one generation to the next. We are fully confident that the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre will be able to achieve our goals for the Expo 2020, promote this international event effectively and highlight the heritage of our beloved nation in a befitting and honourable way.”

His Excellency Abdullah Hamdan Bin Dalmouk, CEO of Hamdan Bin Mohammed Heritage Centre, said “We look forward to working together with the Higher Organising Committee for Expo 2020 and establish the heritage concepts of the UAE to create a unique experience for all visitors. 

Up to 25 million people are expected to visit the Expo, of which 70 per cent are expected to be from overseas. 

“The exhibition provides our country an opportunity to show the world its capability for innovation by staging a world-class event that combines state-of-the-art technology with a proud display of our cultural heritage and traditions.”

Expo 2020 will be held in Dubai from 20 October to 10 April 2021 under the slogan “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”. With three thematic concepts of “Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity”, the exhibition seeks to nurture new partnerships for future growth and sustainability.

The event coincides with the UAE’s 50th National Day and as Dubai is taking the opportunity to celebrate and promote the host nation.

“We have been able to make huge progress in several areas, foremost among which is building a pool of globally competitive Emirati individuals, consolidating citizens’ sense of belonging to their homeland and strengthening the national identity among the youth, and generally deepening patriotic fervour among people all around the UAE,” said Bin Dalmouk.

Expo 2020 will be the first to be held in the MENASA (Middle East, North Africa and South Asia) region.

Dubai government officials have revealed plans to expand the emirate’s sporting facilities with an eye to bidding for a future Olympic Games.

The National Olympic Committee of the United Arab Emirates previously opted out of a bid for the 2020 Olympic Games with the intention of placing a bid for the 2024 or 2028 Games instead.

Ali Omar, Director of Dubai Sports Council sports development department, recently revealed that those intentions are still in place. “Hosting the Olympics is a dream,” said Omar. “We hope to submit such a bid within the next eight years, God willing.”

Their Gulf Arab neighbours Qatar have been rumoured to also be considering a bid for the 2024 Games, for the city of Doha, following their success in securing the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Omar cited Qatar’s success as an important factor that could help Dubai bring another major global event to the region. "Qatar's move has brought the world's attention to professional sports in the whole Gulf Arab region," said Omar.

Dubai already has a prestigious history in hosting global sports events including the Sevens World Series, the Dubai World Cup thoroughbred horse race, the Dubai Desert Classic golf tournament, the Dubai Tennis Championships and a number of international cricket matches due to political unrest in Pakistan. Dubai will also host Expo 2020, a universal exposition taking place over six months which could  set the stage for hosting an Olympic Games shortly afterwards.

The Dubai Sports City, a 50 million square feet purpose-built sports hub, would also add considerable weight to the bid with a 60,000 seated multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 10,000 seated indoor arena, rugby and hockey stadiums and a golf course all situated within the colossal development.

The National Olympic Committee of the United Arab Emirates estimated in 2011 that 70 percent of the infrastructure needed for a Games in Dubai was already in place. But despite this Dr Ahmed Al Sharif, Dubai Sports Council secretary general, recently told media that more stadiums and facilities would be needed in order to host an Olympic Games in the city.

The Global Esports Federation has confirmed Dubai as the host city for the GEF’s flagship Global Esports Games 2025, while the GEF delegation, led by CEO, Paul J. Foster, was at the Season 2022 LIVE kick-off of the Global Esports Tour, staged at the Dubai World Trade Centre from June 9-11. 
The landmark announcement was made in the presence Abdulla Al Gurg, Vice-President of Emirates Esports, Chair of GEF Digital Transformation Commission and Founder of Esports Management Group (EMG), the Secretary-General, Saeed Al Taher, and Board Members of Emirates Esports, in front of a capacity crowd at the GET Dubai.
The GEF delegation, comprising GEF Vice-President, HRH Prince Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud; GEF Board Members, Adrian Lismore and Hala Ghandour; as well as Alper Afshin Özdemir, President of the Turkish Esports Federation; and Paulo Ribas, President of the Brazil Esports Federation, attended a series of meetings and events in the United Arab Emirates as Dubai was confirmed as the host for the GEG 2025.
“Congratulations Dubai and the people of the United Arab Emirates. The Global Esports Federation is delighted to confirm Dubai as the host of our global flagship property – the Global Esports Games – in December 2025. Once again, the eyes of the world, the energy, and passion of our #worldconnected community will light up Dubai, the UAE, and the region,” expressed Chris Chan, President of the GEF. 
“We are excited to see the incredible progress since our signing of a Strategic Framework Agreement with Emirates Esports at Expo 2020 Dubai last November, to unlock opportunities and develop esports in the region. The world will once again unite in Dubai with the city confirmed to host the Global Esports Games in 2025,” said Paul J. Foster, CEO of the GEF. 
"The whole world knows that Dubai is a great host and offers an epic world-class setting. We can’t wait to see athletes from across the world – standing on center stage at the GEF Arena in December 2025 – as they compete for the glory of their home country flag, the fans at home and in the stands, and the chance to show the world their many skills, talents, their personal journey and desire to compete,” he added.