Firm to harness world-class digital and physical infrastructure

Accenture is the second global firm to commit to District 2020

Move supports vision to spur economic and social development

DUBAI – Leading professional services company Accenture will open a digital hub in District 2020, the legacy site of Expo 2020 Dubai, to help clients across a variety of industries develop innovative digital solutions, working closely with its technology partners.

This initiative signals Accenture’s support of the UAE government’s initiative to accelerate economic and social development through the World Expo and its legacy.  It is the second global company this year to announce plans to set up a base in District 2020.

In July of this year, Accenture was selected as the Digital Services Premier Partner and Systems Integrator for Expo 2020 and will work with Etisalat Digital, a business unit of the international telecoms and technology service provider Etisalat, Expo’s Premier Telecommunications and Digital Services Partner.  

Unveiled this week at Cityscape Global 2017, District 2020 is an exciting urban development that builds on the journey of the Expo. It will follow Expo in providing impetus to the UAE economy, attracting world-class talent and investment and facilitating collaboration, creativity and innovation for generations to come.

The decision by Accenture to open its digital hub following Expo 2020 was welcomed by Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President of Legacy Development and Impact at Expo 2020 Dubai.

“As a Premier Partner of Expo 2020, Accenture is already playing an important role in making the first World Expo in the region a can’t-miss experience for millions,” she said.

“By confirming it will open a digital hub at District 2020, the company is also demonstrating its faith in Dubai as a gateway to global markets, especially in Africa and Asia, and the vision of the UAE’s leaders for the future.”

Accenture will harness the physical infrastructure at District 2020 that promotes easy connections for residents and businesses alike.

It will benefit from state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and impressive transport links, including the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport, which will connect it with the rest of the world.

Earlier this year, Siemens AG, one of the world’s largest manufacturing and electronic companies and the Intelligent Infrastructure and Operations Premier Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, announced that it would establish a global headquarters for airports, cargo and ports logistics at the site post 2021.

Marjan Faraidooni continued: “Accenture is exactly the type of dynamic, forward-looking company that will be at home among the many other innovators and forward-thinking companies that will be drawn to District 2020.

“We anticipate that many more world-class companies will follow the example of Accenture and Siemens by establishing a presence at what promises to be a wonderful place to live, work and explore.”

Gerardo Canta, who leads Accenture’s Communications, Media and Technology practice in the Middle East and Turkey, said: “The Expo 2020 Dubai journey does not end when the gates close in 2021. Accenture is delighted to be a part of this exciting experience long into the future, with our digital hub at District 2020 demonstrating our commitment to helping companies in the region leverage the power of digital to innovate.”

District 2020 includes 65,000 square metres of residential space and 135,000 square metres of commercial space in a location designed for sustainability that is home to innovation, education, culture and entertainment.

For more information on District 2020 visit Saeed Hall 1, Stand S1D20, Cityscape Global 2017 at Dubai World Trade Centre or go to www.district2020.ae. CityScape runs from 1000 to 1900 and concludes today (Wednesday, 13 September).

About Expo 2020
Expo 2020 Dubai is guided by the belief that innovation and progress are the result of people and ideas combining in new ways. Over the course of six months from October 2020, Expo aims to bring together hundreds of countries and millions of people to celebrate human ingenuity: ‘Connecting Minds; Creating the Future’.

  • Between its opening day on 20 October 2020, and its close on 10 April 2021, it is expected that Expo will be visited by millions of people.
  • 70% of all visitors are expected to come from outside the UAE - the largest proportion of international visitors in Expo history.
  • The goal is to create and deliver an inclusive and global Expo with over 200 participants, including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions.
  • Expo 2020 also has an ambitious volunteer programme, which aims to include more than 30,000 volunteers from a wide range of ages, nationalities and cultures and backgrounds.
  • The Expo site covers a total of 4.38 sq. km, including a 2 sq. km gated area. It is located within the Dubai South District, adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport.

Visit: www.expo2020dubai.ae

Follow: Twitter: @expo2020dubai | Facebook: @Expo2020Dubai | Instagram: expo2020dubai

About Accenture

Accenture is a leading global professional services company, providing a broad range of services and solutions in strategy, consulting, digital, technology and operations. Combining unmatched experience and specialised skills across more than 40 industries and all business functions—underpinned by the world’s largest delivery network—Accenture works at the intersection of business and technology to help clients improve their performance and create sustainable value for their stakeholders. With more than 411,000 people serving clients in more than 120 countries, Accenture drives innovation to improve the way the world works and lives. Visit us at www.accenture.com

For Expo 2020 Dubai media enquiries, please contact:
Jon Bramley
Director – Editor-in-Chief (English)
Email: jon.bramley@expo2020dubai.ae
Tel: + 971 52 757 9993
P.O. Box 2020, Dubai, UAE

Shady Abdel Hamid
Account Director
Email: Expo2020uae@brunswickgroup.com
Tel: +971 52 495 7284

For Accenture media enquiries, please contact:
Theodore Halabi
Media & Analyst Relations Lead, MENA
Email: Theodore.halabi@accenture.com
Tel: +971 50 662 7053

© Press Release 2017