Senior officials from Emirates NBD participate in UAE Expo 2020 gala reception in Paris

1 Min | 01 January 2012

Senior officials from Emirates NBD participate in UAE Expo 2020 gala reception in Paris

Expo 2020 team welcomes diplomats and officials to special reception at Palais Garnier on eve of country's presentation to BIE General Assembly

As a premiere partner of the UAE's bid to host World EXPO 2020 in Dubai, Emirates NBD is supporting a range of activities designed to endorseand boost the country's position in the up-coming bid. Senior officials from the bank, including Rick Pudner, Chief Executive Oficer and Abdulla Qassim, Chief Operating Officer, also participated in the special reception that was organised recently by the UAE's Expo 2020 team at Paris's prestigious opera house, the Palais Garnier.

The gala event, whichshowcased the UAE's unique heritage and culture while highlighting the country's strengths and ability to host high-profile global events, was attended by senior officials from the BIE and members of the international diplomatic community.

The hi profile guests were welcomed by members of the Higher Committee for Hosting the 2020 World Expo in Dubai, along with senior representatives from the UAE bid campaign's Premier and Lead Partners.

Guests were also treated to an exclusive musical performance by Sara Al Qaiwani, a celebrated UAE opera singer, and Leona Lewis, a multi-platinum-selling recording artist and three-time Grammy nominee.

The receptionwas held on the eve of the UAE's presentation to the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the intergovernmental body in charge of overseeing the bidding, selection and organisation of World Expos. Dubai, UAE, is competing against four other candidate cities bidding to host the 2020 World Expo, including Ayutthaya (Thailand); Ekaterinburg (Russia); Izmir (Turkey); and Sao Paulo (Brazil).The BIE officials are expected to cast their votes in November 2013 to select which country will host the 2020 World Expo.

"It was our honour to welcome the BIE delegates in the traditional spirit of Emirati hospitality on the occasion of the 152nd BIE General Assembly.," said His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, President, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority andChairman
Emirates Group and Emirates NBD Group andChairman of the Higher Committee.

"Our bid to host World Expo 2020 has national support, and we were proud to have more than 50 leading representatives from the country's public and private sectors in attendance, including the winners of our 'Be Part Of It' competition." said Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State and Managing Director of the Higher Committee.

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