After a thrilling night of voting in Paris, Dubai has won the right to host the World Expo 2020
Paris: Dubai has won the right to host the World Expo 2020 after a thrilling night of voting in the French capital Paris.
A roar of jubilation went up from the bidding committee in the OECD auditorium as the realization that years of preparation - or pure blood, sweat and tears - had finally come to fruition.
The bidding committee made its mark during their final 20 minute presentation. It was a bid that stood out for its sincerity and honesty.
Reem Al Hashimi began with her telling the audience that ''today I make the biggest speech of my life. We began this journey with a view that we were willing to understand what the future would be.''
The future the committee foresaw under the able guidance of the country's Rulers now seems to be laden with nothing but promise, prosperity and a optimistic feeling that the best is yet to come.
There was no doubting Dubai's bid from the day the emirate put their credentials on the table. Nothing can be done by halves and this statement of intent has seen the emirates climb from one peak to another, even in challenging times. This is a lesson for the future generations: the legacy that they will inherit post 2020 will be one full of substance and immense possibilities.
This is Dubai's way. This is the line of thought employed by His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and this thought process percolates down to everyone in the emirate irrespective of their social standing.
The reality and the success of the occasion is never lost as the country begins to prepare for a set of fresh challenges.
Al Hashimi said in closing: ''Ladies and gentleman, even as you cast your vote know that we are humbled by this powerful and decisive moment that is upon us. I stand before you as a civil servant, mother and daughter, but also as someone who will make a difference and inspire a change."
That change is now upon each and everyone of us.
© Gulf News 2013
