|
The World Expo 2020 Dubai will boost the logistics industry among other sectors as billions of dollars are being invested in infrastructure and logistics services in preparation for the mega event, according to industry experts.
The global Expo aims to bring together over 180 countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: “Connecting Minds; Creating the Future.” The Dubai government estimate suggests around 25 million people are expected to visit the Expo between its opening day on October 20, 2020 and its close on April 10, 2021.
“I believe mobility is one of the key pillars of Expo2020. The mega expo is a window of opportunity that will connect people, goods and ideas in addition to providing easy access to markets, knowledge and innovation,” said Shailesh Dash, Chairman of Dubai-based Gulf Pinnacle Logistics.
The budget of the Expo2020 site is estimated at more than $8 billion. The Expo site will be served by a world-class road network, a brand-new extension to the Dubai metro system, and three international airports.
The UAE Pavilion will cost approximately AED353 million. The 15,000 square metres project will include exhibition areas, an auditorium, food and beverage outlets and VIP lounges. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava and inspired by a falcon in flight, the UAE Pavilion will be built to embrace sustainable building principles.
“The logistics industry in the UAE is at a very interesting turning point due to Expo2020 and the economic transformation momentum within Gulf economies as well as for further economic integration and cooperation in the regional bloc,” said Dash.
The UAE is home to one of the world’s busiest airports, Dubai International Airport, and the largest container port outside the Far East, namely, the port of Jebel Ali.
The Al Maktoum International Airport will be expanded in order to handle up to 200 million passengers by 2020, thanks to an investment of approximately $32 billion. The airport is part of the secondary infrastructure that will support the Expo2020 to be held in Dubai.
Rodney Viegas, General Manager of Dubai-based Abdul Mohsen Shipping, said, “The logistics industry witnessed positive trends during the past 18 months across the world as many regions recovered from the economic slowdown of the past few years. Recovery in oil prices which recently crossed $80 a barrel, is a key driver for economic growth.”
While Gulf countries move forward with plans to diversify their economies, the logistics and transportation industries form the foundation of such an economic transformation, as the sectors are critical enablers for all other industries.
|
New
