Sheikh Mohammed launches Dubai 2020, considers bidding for the World Expo and Olympic Games

To build upon his vision for the future, H. H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister and Vice President, has today launched 'Dubai 2020', a new initiative that will focus a number of sectors within Dubai and the wider UAE around the common goal of furthering social and economic progress for the region. 

Central to this project, a Working Group of government and private sector representatives will explore the potential of Dubai hosting the World Expo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.

Bringing together these two world events in one place - each for the first time in the Middle East - would be a unique proposition, uniting business, science and  technology with sport, education and culture. This proposal reintroduces a concept that existed for earlier editions of the modern Olympics and begins a tradition of connecting these important global themes every 20 years. 

As per the decree issued by H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE Prime Minister and Vice President, the Working Group will be  chaired by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai while H.H. Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be the Vice Chairman.

The members of the Working Group are H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Mohammed Ibrahim Al Shaibani, H.E. Abdulrahman Mohammed Al Owais, Lt. General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Hussain Nasser Lootah, Matar Mohammed Al Tayer, Qadhi Saeed Al Murooshid, Ahmad Abdullah Al Shaikh, Yousuf Yacob Al Serkal, John Ferguson and Giselle Davies.

A feasibility study will be undertaken before further decisions are taken regarding making any formal bids to the International Olympic Committee and the Bureau of International Expositions. 

H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum has mandated Falcon and Associates to lead the Dubai 2020 project and Working Group. Members of the public will be invited to participate in the initiative. Further details will be announced in due course.