Officials from Expo 2020 Dubai met with representatives from the Dubai South business community to raise awareness of the commercial opportunities for local businesses as part of the journey to the mega event, which will take place on a 4 sq. km site in Dubai South. 

The meeting forms part of Expo's ongoing initiatives to engage local business to join in the journey towards 2020. 

Business leaders from SMEs and corporates, representing key sectors incorporated in the Dubai South business park free zone, including food and beverage, logistics, aviation, trade, legal and retail, attended the session. 

Manal Al Bayat, vice-president of engagement for Expo 2020 Dubai, said: "We are committed to collaboration: it's the essence of Expo 2020's theme, 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future'. The journey to and hosting of the Expo event offers a wealth of opportunities for businesses. Our engagement activities are aimed at providing an inclusive platform that enables everyone to make the most of those. The business community are key stakeholders in the Expo and its legacy, so the chance to meet with them was particularly welcome." 

Al Bayat highlighted various opportunities available to businesses, in addition to demonstrating how businesses can engage with Expo 2020 Dubai through the organisation's procurement portal and engagement sessions, for instance by registering their interest to participate in the Expo's BusinessConnect events. 

The presentation also showcased the activities Dubai is undertaking as host city, the organisers' vision for the event, the theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future', sub-themes of opportunity, mobility and sustainability, the master plan, Expo 2020 Dubai's commitment to engaging and empowering youth, as well as legacy plans for the event.

Ahmed Al Ansari, acting CEO, Dubai Airport City Corporation, said: "We look forward to working with Expo 2020 Dubai and business leaders from the Dubai South area on creating new commercial opportunities in the run-up to the mega event. With the eyes of the world on Dubai, we look forward to demonstrating the strong business potential of Dubai South, and the lasting legacy that will be created for our city and our country." 

Earlier in May, Expo unveiled its master plan at the Arab Media Forum. The Expo site lies in Dubai South, and will become an easily accessible international transit hub with direct access to Dubai World Central, as well as being situated conveniently for Abu Dhabi International Airport and Dubai International Airport. The site is also in close proximity to Jebel Ali Port. 

The team overseeing the delivery of Expo 2020 Dubai has moved to new offices on the site, which has seen over 4 million cubic metres of earth moved as the site has been levelled in preparation for construction.

Source: Khaleej Times