Dubai, UAE; March 30, 2014: The sustainability aspects of the World Expo 2020 in Dubai were on spotlight at the monthly networking event of Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC), an independent forum aimed at conserving the environment by strengthening and promoting green building practices, held at Sheraton Hotel, Mall of Emirates, Dubai.

Organised once in five years, the World Expo 2020 marks the first time the event is held in the Middle East, Africa and Southeast Asia region. Under the theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,’ Expo 2020 in Dubai is envisaged to be the best ever witnessed by the world. According to reports, more than US$8.1 billion is being invested to further strengthen the city’s infrastructure to host the mega-event that will attract an estimated 25 million visitors, nearly 70 per cent of them international travellers, over the six-month period.

Saeed Al Abbar, Chairman of EmiratesGBC, said: “As Dubai prepares to host the World Expo 2020, one of the central considerations is in creating smart and sustainable environments. This builds on the sub-themes of the Expo, ‘Mobility, Sustainability and Opportunity.’ We now have a unique opportunity to present to the world the UAE’s commitment to sustainable development as well as set an environmental benchmark for future mega-events globally.”

He added: “The networking event of EmiratesGBC, under the theme ‘Dubai Expo 2020: The way Forward,’ brought together key industry stakeholders who play a direct role in driving the city’s infrastructure development for hosting the Expo 2020. The event discussed the green features of the futuristic Expo Pavilion, and how the entire building industry supply chain can contribute to a more sustainable economy that fulfils the ‘green vision’ announced by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.”

At the networking event, Christopher Scott, Director, Investment & Development Management, Dubai World Trade Centre, delivered a presentation on the masterplan of Expo 2020 Dubai and outlined the key environmental initiatives that are being rolled out in preparation for the event. Majid Al Futtaim Properties and UK Cares were the sponsors of the event.

EmiratesGBC regularly hosts and participates in multinational events, conferences and forums. EmiratesGBC has also developed a suite of activities, inclusive of networking events, technical workshops, focus days and facilitated training based around specific issues related to the built-environment that meet the needs of its members, of the UAE community, and the wider Middle East.

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About Emirates Green Building Council:

The Emirates Green Building Council (EmiratesGBC) was founded in June 2006, and became the 8th full member of the World Green Building Council in September 2006. EmiratesGBC is an organization that promotes and educates on green issues in the built environment and is the official body for the UAE endorsed by the World Green Building Council. EmiratesGBC currently has around 260 members in the UAE which represents 1000s of individuals interested and involved in Green Building in the UAE and the region. In addition, EmiratesGBC members receive discounts on a number of programmes such as those related to conferences, seminars, training and green building events.

For further information, please contact:

Kelly Home / Mohammed Al Tawil

ASDA’A Burson-Marsteller

+9714 4507600

kelly.home@bm.com / mohammed.altawil@bm.com