Dubai to host first World Expo held in Middle East
City promises to 'astonish the world' with event that will be major boost to tourism and business
Dubai fended off opposition from Brazil, Russia and Turkey to win the right to host the 2020 World Expo, sparking celebrations in the Gulf city and a stunning fireworks display at the world's tallest building.
City authorities declared yesterday a school holiday to celebrate Wednesday night's victory.
[Dubai Expo2020 will] stand out as thebest edition in history
The Burj Khalifa tower, which stands 828-metres high, was lit up with the pyrotechnics. Jubilant crowds gathered at the foot of the tower and in Dubai's shopping malls.
"I am so proud to be living in the city of the future," beamed Indian student Depika, who said he was born in Dubai and had seen the city "develop very quickly".
"This announcement makes me even prouder to be Emirati," said Yacoub al-Shamsi, whose wife donned a scarf in the colours of the UAE flag over her black abaya cloak.
The Gulf city beat Russia's Ekaterinberg in the final round of voting in Paris to clinch a prestigious event that is credited with delivering a huge boost to tourism and business in the host city.
Dubai, the economic and transport hub of the United Arab Emirates, won 116 votes in the third round, comfortably beating Ekaterinberg with 47. There was one abstention.
