Category: EXPO 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai awarded AED 6.8 billion of contracts to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs)…writes Krishnan Nayar

Expo 2020 Dubai awarded AED 6.8 billion of contracts to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), providing a significant contribution to a vital sector of Dubai’s vibrant economy and exceeding a commitment made in 2016 to award at least 20 percent of all direct and indirect spend to SMEs.

The figure represents more than a quarter of all Expo 2020 Dubai contracts in terms of value. Of the 3,245 suppliers awarded Expo 2020 Dubai contracts, 66 percent (2,150) were SMEs, with 64 percent (1,390) of these comprising domestic SMEs, reflecting the calibre and diversity of UAE-based enterprises and supporting the UAE’s wider drive towards a thriving private sector and more resilient economy.

The majority of the 760 overseas SME suppliers hailed from the United Kingdom (24 percent), the United States (16 percent), France (4 percent), India (4 percent) and Australia (4 percent). Overall, suppliers from outside the UAE were sourced from 94 countries, indicative of the World Expo’s global reach and impact.

Mukhtar Safi, Chief Financial Officer and Deputy CEO, Expo 2020 Dubai: “Our commitment to SMEs has been embedded into our planning since the very beginning of our World Expo journey, honouring the visionary leadership of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to support and empower SMEs – the lifeblood of economies across the world, including the UAE, where they are an important driver of economic growth and a vital source of job creation. The integration of SMEs into the delivery of what has been a truly exceptional World Expo will be an important part of Expo’s legacy for the UAE and wider region, stimulating employment, strengthening existing industries, enhancing SME competitiveness and ultimately contributing to sustainable economic growth.”

From construction firms to event organisers, retail stores to food and beverage outlets, SMEs played a key role in the success of Expo 2020 Dubai, which awarded AED 1.06 billion to UAE-based SMEs in 2021 alone.

ALSO READ: Expo 2020 boosts biz growth for Dubai firms

Of this, AED 161.7 million (US$44 million) in contracts were awarded to Dubai SMEs, strengthening Dubai’s Government Procurement Programme, which requires UAE Government entities and establishments where the government holds equity of 25 percent or more to allocate 10 percent of their purchasing to Emirati firms that are members of Dubai SME – part of the Department of Economic Development that provides support, information and outreach for the growing SME sector.

The Expo 2020 Dubai procurement process itself was based on three principles: Simplicity, Transparency and Inclusivity, allowing business of all sizes to do business with Expo 2020 Dubai as easily and competitively as possible. In 2018, Expo 2020 Dubai became the first World Expo and only the second ever mega-event to secure an Excellence in Procurement Award from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply.

Expo 2020 Dubai became a beacon of unity and hope, one that reminded us of the importance of human solidarity and international cooperation in navigating common challenges, Kerkentzes said in an interview with Ahmed Elneimy

UAE’s hosting of the Expo 2020 Dubai was “a truly remarkable World Expo” thanks to the vision of the UAE, and the joint efforts of the organisers and all participants, who worked hard to offer a historic event for the region and the world, said Dimitri S Kerkentzes, Secretary-General of the Bureau international des Expositions (BIE).

In an interview, Kerkentzes said, “Expo 2020 Dubai became a beacon of unity and hope, one that reminded us of the importance of human solidarity and international cooperation in navigating common challenges.

“After a period of being apart, Expo 2020 Dubai was the perfect opportunity for the 192 participating countries to meet and connect, join together in search of solutions to global challenges, and engage in dialogue for a better tomorrow. Expo 2020 Dubai has been the ideal platform to launch a new dynamic, where countries were able to foster reflection and debate on where we need to go from here.”

Legacy of Dubai Expo

Regarding the effects of Expo 2020 Dubai on the various sectors, especially the economic, social and humanitarian ones, he said, “The legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai will be measured in years and even decades, with its lasting impact extending into a wide array of intangible areas such as education, social progress, sustainable thinking and international cooperation.

“I am nevertheless certain that, for each visitor, the Expo has already played a defining role in changing their behaviour, making new connections, expanding their horizons, and shaping their future. In addition, the Expo, of course, leaves behind an important physical legacy steeped in innovation, including the incredible site, which will continue to generate new ideas and ambitious solutions as a beautiful new neighbourhood for Dubai.

Role of youth

Asked about the evaluation of the youth efforts in hosting Expo, Kerkentzes said, “It is not enough to thank the young people of the UAE for the immense efforts they have put into making Expo 2020 Dubai the success that it was and for the warm welcome they gave to the world.”

About the UAE model in organising Expo 2020 Dubai, he noted, “One of the intangible legacies of Expo 2020 Dubai that will certainly inspire future Expos is the role of young people. Expos have always been about the education of the public. Yet, in Dubai, we have seen a whole new level of youth engagement in addressing the Expo theme and pushing for new solutions adapted to future generations.

“The way that younger generations have shaped the Expo 2020 Dubai experience will without a doubt influence all upcoming Expos, not only in the theme development, but also in the way content and pavilions are conceived and curated, and in the manner in which the Expo’s reach is extended beyond the site itself.”

Serving humanity

On the achievements of Expo 2020 Dubai in serving humanity, Kerkentzes said that the humanity faced many challenges whether in terms of environmental protection, biodiversity, education or health, and confronted with the multiple inequalities that the pandemic has exacerbated even further, Expo 2020 Dubai has shown that cooperation based on solidarity is not only possible but essential.

“It has shown that by connecting the world, we can explore the realm of infinite possibilities for the benefit of humanity and that, together, we can dare to innovate and move forward. I truly believe that Expo 2020 Dubai is a beautiful symbol of resilience and optimism that has helped show the way forward to a better tomorrow. This undeniable celebration of human progress demonstrates that hope and cooperation together have the power to unleash the best of humanity.

Workers’ welfare

Regarding Expo’s efforts in supporting the workers’ welfare, he said that working conditions and worker welfare have been the highest priority for Expo 2020 Dubai’s organisers, the BIE and International Participants. This was translated into the stringent measures adopted, which went above and beyond the standard requirements for the UAE and the region.

With innovation in mind, from the planning of the Expo to its management, Expo 2020 Dubai implemented, voluntarily, a programme using cutting-edge technologies to monitor the health and well-being of workers. Through the use of innovative wearable technologies, Expo 2020 Dubai helped improve the safety of workers on-site and contributed to the development of predictive models that are capable of changing the whole industry for the better.

ALSO READ: Ramadan Nights 2022 kicks off at Expo Centre Sharjah

Historic occasion for Middle East, UAE

Regarding the impact of Expo being held for the first time in the Middle East, he noted, “Having opened its gates in the year of the UAE’s Golden Jubilee, Expo 2020 Dubai beckoned a new chapter in the country’s history. I believe that this was the right time to host the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region. It has been a great opportunity for Dubai, the UAE as a nation, and the wider Middle East to showcase to the world that the ideals, values, and vision for a better tomorrow are all here.

“The UAE has put tremendous efforts into delivering a World Expo that gathers the best and brightest ideas from around the world and will have a transformational impact. I am certain that this momentum will play a lasting role in rebalancing the economy towards fairer, more sustainable, and more inclusive growth. Considering the interest sparked by Expo 2020 Dubai and the demonstrable benefits of organising an Expo for the host city and host country, I am certain that Expo 2020 Dubai will serve as a shining example that will inspire others, in the region and further afield.”

The Women’s Pavilion has left a thought and action-provoking message that transcends gender and age…reports Asian Lite News

The Women’s Pavilion by Expo 2020 Dubai, in collaboration with Cartier, brought together government and institutional leaders and change-makers – men and women – to discuss women’s leadership and tackle barriers that remain in achieving gender equality and women’s empowerment. It has left a thought and action-provoking message that transcends gender and age.

Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo to receive the event-specific Gender Equality European and International Standard for workplace equality, and the first in more than 50 years to host a standalone pavilion dedicated to women – a pavilion that inspired the 340,000-plus visitors who entered its doors, including more than 3,500 school students.

Hind Alowais, Senior Vice President, Participant Management, Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 Dubai is a real-life example of the limitless possibilities achievable when gender equality and women’s empowerment are embedded into the ethos of an organisation, resulting in the conceptualisation and delivery of a dedicated pavilion to raise awareness and advance collective action on Sustainable Development Goal 5. Together with Cartier, we challenged misconceptions about the roles women have played throughout history until today and built a community of advocates who will help women rise – because as we demonstrated throughout the six months of our World Expo, when women thrive, humanity thrives.”

Sophie Doireau, CEO for Middle East India and Africa, Cartier, said: “We are extremely proud of the impact we have had throughout the past six months, showcasing to millions of people that when women thrive, humanity thrives. This has been a truly meaningful and impactful journey, taking Cartier’s commitment to women’s empowerment and gender equality to the next level, sharing new perspectives that challenge the status quo and demonstrating the potential of meaningful collaborations. Looking ahead, we will build on this legacy and continue to develop unique alliances, coalitions and initiatives that contribute to a better world.”

Trailblazers and thought-leaders took to the stage physically and virtually to share their visions, strategies, and policies for a gender-equal future while providing insights into their personal journeys across more than 170 events.

Speakers included Ohood bint Khalfan Al Roumi, Minister of State for Government Development and The Future; Epsy Campbell Barr, First Vice President of Costa Rica; Sonja Hyland, Deputy Secretary-General Global Issues, Department of Foreign Affairs of Ireland; Ambassador Dr. Haifa Abu Ghazaleh, Assistant Secretary-General, Head of Social Affairs, League of Arab States; Nanaia Mahuta, Minister of Foreign Affairs, New Zealand; Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, former Executive Director, UN Women; Kampeta Sayinzoga, CEO, Development Bank of Rwanda; Academy Award-winning actor Rami Malek; and Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, and former Managing Director of the International Monetary Fund.

ALSO READ: Al Zeyoudi hails Dubai Expo for boosting economy

Across the 182 days of Expo 2020 Dubai, the message “when women thrive, humanity thrives” was amplified among visitors, who also shared their thoughts and aspirations for the future in the pavilion itself. Among the messages on the pavilion’s walls was a visitor quoting late US Supreme Court justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg – “Women belong in all places where decisions are being made” – as well as assertions that “Gender equality is at the heart of all the global goals” and “Letting little girls dream, learn and achieve helps ALL. Everyone benefits when girls and women grow”.

The Women’s Pavilion celebrated International Women’s Day under the theme of ‘Break the Bias’ and brought together representatives from governments, corporations and change-makers from around the world. In partnership with Dignified Storytelling, the pavilion also hosted the Middle East’s first female-led music festival as part of its International Women’s Day celebrations, with incredible performers from every corner of the globe reinforcing the ‘Break the Bias’ message. It called on the world to recognise the invisible barriers women face and dismantle harmful biases that hold them back to enable them to reach their full potential in the workplace and in society.