Expo 2020 to boost UAE airport investments

A significant portion of the government investments planned for infrastructure development in the emirate will be for the aviation industry with airports sector being the top priority. The global aviation industry will benefit immensely with the opening of floodgates of new investments in the run up to the event which will attract 25 million tourists to the economically-vibrant region.   

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, vice president and Prime Minister of UAE and Ruler of Dubai. “We have a lot to accomplish and we have no excuse for any delays or poor performance. We have what it takes to achieve as we are blessed with rich resources, capabilities, expertise, positive energy, a thirst for knowledge, dedication and above all, the leadership’s unlimited support.” 

Dubai is expected to invest over US$8.1 billion in new infrastructure to host Expo 2020. Total spending related to the Expo, including private sector projects, could reach $18.3 billion, HSBC estimated. As much as US$43 billion in infrastructure projects would need to be developed in preparation for the event, Deutsche Bank estimated. Aviation has established itself as a vital contributor to the UAE’s economy, contributing more than AE145 billion or 14.7 per cent to the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP). 

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, president of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority, chairman of Dubai Airports, chairman and chief executive of Emirates Airline and Group, and chairman of Expo 2020 Preparatory Committee, said: “The required costs would not be problematic as it makes sense and has a business case.  The World Expo in Dubai would present opportunities and leave a lasting legacy, not only for Dubai and the UAE, but for the economy and the wider region.” 

“This contribution is projected to grow further in the coming years and as such justifies the country’s huge investment in airports and airline networks. Aviation and logistics have had a major impact on other economic sectors such as tourism, hospitality, trade and finance, and activity in one spurs growth in the others,” he remarked. 

Taking place from May 11 to 13 at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre (DICEC) under His Highness Sheikh Ahmed’s patronage, the Airport Show 2014 emerges as the first gateway for the global airports industry players to showcase their portfolio of latest and innovative products, services and solutions and also get business-driven networking with the regional decision-makers and key players. 

Daniyal Qureshi, event director of The Airport Show, said: “The show offers aviation companies and regional airport authorities a win-win formula.  The show had its origin as the first platform for the global aviation industry to benefit from Dubai airport when it going in for the massive expansion and development in the late 1990s. It is going to the best B2B event for the industry to tap the boundless business opportunities over the next seven years leading up to Expo 2020. From readiness point of view, the year 2020 is just around the corner.”   

In the past 13 years of its successful running, the show has emerged as the second largest key B2B event for the airport industry with over 250 companies from across the world participating in the 2013 edition. Significant deals emerged following the discussions that took place during the show, whose prominent feature is the Hosted Buyers programme that brings the key decision-makers of regional airports directly in contact with the leading global suppliers and manufacturers. 

The Airport Show organisers, Reed Exhibitions Middle East, expects a substantial rise in the number of exhibitors participating in the 2014 edition, despite the fact that over half of the 2013 edition’s exhibitors had already confirmed their attendance in the next year’s show.