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Discuss this article (13 Comments)Dubai set to investigate bid for 2020 Olympics
by This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it on Sunday, 28 June 2009
DUBAI 2020: Sheikh Mohammed on Sunday launched a new initiative which has, at its core, a possible bid for the Olympic Games in 2020. (Getty Images)
A top level group including government officials has been set up to explore the possibility of Dubai hosting the Olympic Games in 2020, Dubai's ruler announced on Sunday.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and UAE prime minister and vice president, launched ‘Dubai 2020’, a new initiative that will "focus a number of sectors within the UAE around the common goal of furthering social and economic progress for the region".
Central to this project, a working group of government and private sector representatives will explore the potential of Dubai hosting the World Expo and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020.
"Bringing together these two world events in one place – each for the first time in the Middle East – would be a unique proposition, uniting business, science and technology with sport, education and culture," a statement from the Dubai ruler's office said.
Speaking about Dubai 2020, Sheikh Mohammed said: “We need to engage our community here in Dubai and the UAE in a discussion about our vision and everyone’s role in our future.
"For this we need a clear, common goal that highlights shared universal human values. The Dubai 2020 initiative will look at how we can shape our environment and society for future generations. It will address, in an integrated way, the building blocks that underpin social and economic progress - sport, education, culture, business, science, technology, health and the environment.
"These two global events – the Olympic Games and World Expo – give us a sense of common purpose and play to our strengths. Dubai is already home to people from different nationalities and cultures who live in friendship and peace. And I believe we can deepen this respect and mutual understanding if we work together to achieve something spectacular and meaningful.”
The working group will be chaired by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, while H.H. Sheikh Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum will be the vice chairman.
A feasibility study will be undertaken before further decisions are taken regarding making any formal bids to the International Olympic Committee and the Bureau of International Expositions.
READERS' COMMENTS
Disclaimer: The views expressed here by our readers are not necessarily shared by ArabianBusiness.com or its employees.
on time and budget
Posted by Mart on Monday 29 June 2009 at 15:02 UAE time
On the the plus side, with all the empty apartments in Dubai coming online they can save themselves the trouble of building an athletes village.
Posted by Mart on Monday 29 June 2009 at 15:02 UAE time
On the the plus side, with all the empty apartments in Dubai coming online they can save themselves the trouble of building an athletes village.
2020 Olympics
Posted by shakir on Monday 29 June 2009 at 11:25 UAE time
The Olympic Games is for the entire world, for all races, colours, religions, politics. Dubai will not exclude anyone because it is unthinkable.
Posted by shakir on Monday 29 June 2009 at 11:25 UAE time
The Olympic Games is for the entire world, for all races, colours, religions, politics. Dubai will not exclude anyone because it is unthinkable.
The Games that belong to the World...
Posted by BV, Dubai, UAE on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:33 UAE time
I agree with Shakir that the Olympic Games belong to the Entire World, and hence there is no reason why Dubai can't BID for the games... however, all the typical reasons aside like money, temperature, facilities, natural environment etc... IF the Olympic Games indeed belong to the Entire World, and EVERYONE has a right to bid and take part...
What's Dubai going to do when the Israely contingency applies to take part? Are they going to refuse all of them entry 'for their own safety'?
There are many more things required in this world to be eligible for the Olympic Games than just money... openness and acceptance to all races and cultures is one of the KEY ingredients.
Posted by BV, Dubai, UAE on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:33 UAE time
I agree with Shakir that the Olympic Games belong to the Entire World, and hence there is no reason why Dubai can't BID for the games... however, all the typical reasons aside like money, temperature, facilities, natural environment etc... IF the Olympic Games indeed belong to the Entire World, and EVERYONE has a right to bid and take part...
What's Dubai going to do when the Israely contingency applies to take part? Are they going to refuse all of them entry 'for their own safety'?
There are many more things required in this world to be eligible for the Olympic Games than just money... openness and acceptance to all races and cultures is one of the KEY ingredients.
2020 Olympics
Posted by shakir on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:11 UAE time
I salute Dubai's ambition and its vision to host the 2020 Olympics. The Olympics games belong to the entire world and not only to cold countries. Doubters said before that tourists will never come here because it is too hot. They were proved wrong. I wish Dubai the best of luck in its efforts.
Posted by shakir on Monday 29 June 2009 at 10:11 UAE time
I salute Dubai's ambition and its vision to host the 2020 Olympics. The Olympics games belong to the entire world and not only to cold countries. Doubters said before that tourists will never come here because it is too hot. They were proved wrong. I wish Dubai the best of luck in its efforts.
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