5 firms announce support of host Expo

Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President of the Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chairman of the Emirates Group, in his capacity as Chairman of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, led lately a signing ceremony with senior representatives of five UAE firms that will officially support the country\'s bid. These \"Premier Partners\" include Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline, Emirates NBD, Etisalat and Jumeirah Group. Sheikh Ahmed welcomed these globally recognised companies as they join this important national effort to host the 2020 Expo in Dubai, underlining the value of their contribution. He said: \"With their active support, the UAE is now even more strongly positioned to be selected as the host nation for this celebration of new ideas and global partnerships, which will provide enduring benefits to the country and the rest of the world.\" These major UAE-based companies, which collectively employ tens of thousands of staff from across the world and have operations spanning the globe, will engage in a wide range of activities to promote the country\'s bid to host the first Expo ever in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia region. Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and the Managing Director of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, said: \"Spanning sectors as diverse as aviation, financial services, telecommunications, and tourism and hospitality, these five great companies have made clear their common commitment to bringing the 2020 Expo to the UAE.\" She continued: \"As we continue to accelerate our efforts to host the 2020 World Expo, forging sustainable partnerships with the private sector will prove critical to the strength of our bid - and to our ability to host an Expo that will connect nations, peoples and ideas from across the globe.\" The Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo announced that it will further expand this partnership network, welcoming additional firms and organisations that share a commitment to achieving the nation\'s strategic goal.