Transport me! : DUBAI, THE CITY OF THE FUTURE

On French chanel TV LCP...

Documentary about Dubai on the occasion of the candidacy for EXPO 2020!

A monthly magazine (26 ') presented by Sabine QUINDOU
Offered by Gerard Feldzer and Bernard VAILLOT

This month, "transport me! "Went to the United Arab Emirates, on the occasion of the bid of the city of Dubai at the Universal Exhibition of 2020, with the theme:" Connecting Minds - Building the future. "The aerotropolis concept: while most airports are located farther away from urban centers, the Aerotropolis philosophy offers the reverse. The airport is located in the heart of Dubai, with a pharaonic project of € 33 billion! True "hub", the city of 140 km2 combines a seaport by channeling 12 million tons of cargo, an airport able to accommodate 120 million passengers, a business city, shopping centers and homes.

Masdar sustainable city: the UAE more than elsewhere, it is crucial to develop innovative projects for the generation, transmission and consumption of natural resources. The main challenges are to ensure universal access to energy and water, and to promote the adoption by all the principle of sustainable development. Concrete example with Masdar, "sustainable city" in the middle of the desert that runs on solar energy.

Burj Khalifa: how works the world's tallest tower, which rises to 828 meters work?

A century of world expositions: From London 1851 in Yeosu (South Korea) in 2012 via Paris, New York and San Francisco, back on these events, real showcases of human genius, who scored and transformed cities and host countries. The France itself wishes to be a candidate for 2025.

LCP / Galaxie Presse co-production.
with partners MAAF Assurance et ADEME support.

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http://www.lcp.fr/emissions/transportez-moi/vod/147730-dubai-la-ville-du-futur

Next diffusions on french TV :

24/24	samedi 15 juin 2013 à 23h25
24/24	dimanche 16 juin 2013 à 08h00
LCP	dimanche 16 juin 2013 à 08h20
24/24	dimanche 16 juin 2013 à 20h30
24/24	lundi 17 juin 2013 à 12h00
24/24	lundi 17 juin 2013 à 23h55
LCP	mardi 18 juin 2013 à 00h00
24/24	mardi 18 juin 2013 à 13h25
24/24	samedi 22 juin 2013 à 10h30
LCP	samedi 22 juin 2013 à 10h30
LCP	lundi 24 juin 2013 à 09h25
24/24	lundi 24 juin 2013 à 09h30
LCP	mercredi 26 juin 2013 à 03h30
24/24	mercredi 26 juin 2013 à 03h35
24/24	mercredi 26 juin 2013 à 21h30
LCP	mercredi 26 juin 2013 à 21h30
LCP	dimanche 30 juin 2013 à 08h00
24/24	dimanche 30 juin 2013 à 08h00

The "Russian" empire strike back ... Ekaterinburg 2020

Also as part of the 153th General Assembly of the BIE, the second evening of reception had been reserved by the Russian bid of Ekaterinburg 2020.
In answer to Dubai, which was particularly well illustrated during their evening in November 2012, it appears that the Russians had wanted to be very strong, but relying on another register.

I remember these events, evenings in marges of the General Assemblies of the BIE are of course better to know the candidates and the culture of their country, but also to prove to the guests, most of whom are delegates from member countries of the BIE, the involvement of the main advantages of the bid, with a reception of quality, which also involved personalities supporting the project.

We saw Monday, Sao Paulo 2020 has chosen for its reception a place in direct relation with the Expos, the Palais de Chaillot, built for the International Exhibition of 1937 in Paris, it was the same for Ekaterinburg Expo 2020, with a very prestigious place, linked to the most famous of the universal Exhibition that took place in Paris, also a reflection of the Franco-Russian friendship ... a symbol!

Indeed, it is at the foot of the Grand Palais and the Pont Alexandre III that Russia's bid was chosen to install this event!
As for the reception itself? this is actually the Russian Empire, in all its splendor and its classicism, which had made ​​an appointment to all BIE delegates. I rather not go into the details of the evening, you can watch the photos below.

The Ekaterinburg reception along the Seine, at the foot of the Pont Alexandre III.

So what's about the Russian bid? what are his chances?

Of the five candidates in the presence (Turkey - Thailand - Russia - UAE - Brazil), it is clear that the two tenors Dubai and Ekaterinburg, to keep it simple, on each side, deep pockets and a strong desire to accomplish but there will be only one winner!

But money is not everything, many criteria are taken into account, the criteria that will be decisive for the BIE delegates during the votes in next November.

Already, we can't say that one of these two candidates shines the light of the chosen theme ... Dubai is interested in "Connectivity" (similar to the Belgian candidate for 2017 theme) and Ekaterinburg in "The Planetary Spirit: The Future of Globalization and its impact on our world," they summed up in "Global Mind, "but not much more explicit ... and as to approach the theme of Ayutthaya, but much less understandable. Moreover, it has been observed many times they struggle to explain the concept of this topic.

But if the theme is one thing, the whole project is another much larger and complex, this project has been submitted to the BIE enquiry mission from 25 to 29 March 2013.

The project had the approval of BIE about the prerequisites, and appears in the good average of the Expos project. With 32 million visitors expected, the candidacy of Ekaterinburg provides a most popular event in the case of Dubai, which is especially international visitors. We still have to remember that these Expos are primarily large public events, it is an undeniable point in favor of Ekaterinburg.

However, the Russian still need to work hard to reassure, persuade, and to be very honest.

We will see after this 153th BIE General Assembly if the presentations of different teams have made real new elements, and if the balance between the candidates has changed.

Sao Paulo Expo 2020 ... still in the race ?

On 11 and 12 June 2013 will be held the 153th General Assembly of the BIE.
On the sidelines of this event, bids organize receptions where guests are the various delegations and BIE member countries. This is an opportunity to involve personalities candidate countries who come to Paris to give their support, at a party as festive as friendly.
Monday, June 10, 2013, it was the turn of Brazil, Sao Paulo candidate city to host this event, followed by a concert of Brazilian music with the famous singer Daniela Mercury, all in the magnificent setting and very "EXPO" Palais de Chaillot.

The governor of Sao Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin, the mayor of Sao Paulo, Fernando Haddad and Vice President Michel Temer were present to give their unconditional support.

If we could lament over a year since the lack of communication from the Brazilian candidacy, though it appears to be determined to work hard until the vote in November 2013.
But that leaves only six months to convince, 6 months is short!

Brazilian candidacy has many advantages, starting with its theme: "The Power of Diversity, Harmony for Growth", which is one of the most understandable current five nominations themes.
It is worth remembering that the theme of the Expo is important, and it must be clear, easily identifiable and understandable, and be at the heart of current concerns of humanity.

But waiting for the presentations of 12 June 2013 the General Assembly of the BIE for the real "temperature" of this application!

Meanwhile, some images of the evening Sao Paulo Expo 2020 in Paris, Palais de Chaillot :

Accueil au Palais de Chaillot.

S.E.M. Jose Mauricio Bustani, Ambassadeur du Brésil à Paris, Geraldo Alckmin, gouverneur de Sao Paulo et Fernando Haddad, maire de Sao Paulo.

Fernando Haddad, maire de Sao Paulo

 Geraldo Alckmin, gouverneur de Sao Paulo.

Michel Temer, Vice-Président du Brésil.

Geraldo Alckmin, Daniela Mercury et Fernando Haddad.

Une ambiance survoltée, grâce à la musique brésilienne !

Hello 2020 - Newletter n12 May 2013

Welcome to the May edition of Hello 2020. This month’s focus is on mobility, with innovative approaches to logistics and transportation a key sub-theme of the UAE bid to host World Expo 2020 in Dubai.

As future world populations prepare to be overwhelmingly urban, governments and policy-makers need to make cities better places in which to live, keeping sustainability front of mind at all times.

Download Hello 2020 - Newletter n12 May 2013 PDF

UAE Expo 2020 Bid News
- Africa Business Forum uses Dubai as a platform to reach out to global markets
- Mobility in Dubai goes green with new cycling tracks
- London Mayor backs Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid

FOCUS
Going Places
With business and work transformed by global mobility and the internet,
Hello 2020 investigates how a new generation of entrepreneurs and talent is dissolving borders

INTERVIEW
Q&A - ‘We have to shift our relationship with information and understand “big data” as an integral part of our environment’
Carlo Ratti, architect, engineer and Director of the MIT SENSEable City Laboratory
and Dietmar Offenhuber, a media artist and research fellow at the MIT SENSEable City Laboratory, discuss the opportunities and challenges of planning technology into the city.

World Expo Legacy :
Shanghai World Expo, 2010

Global Events Agenda
- UITP World Congress
Geneva, Switzerland, 26-30 May
- World Economic Forum on The Middle East and North Africa
Dead Sea, Jordan, 24-26 May
- European conference on Mobility Management
Gävle, Sweden, 29-31 May
- International Conference on Advanced Logistics and Transport
Sousse, Tunisia, 29-31 May

The Big Picture
Electric taxis are now being introduced in Costa Rica as part of a ‘Green Taxi’ initiative.

Download Hello 2020 - Newletter n12 May 2013 PDF

Great Britain supports Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE

Expo 2020: Why Britain is backing Dubai

The emirate is not only a city of Arabia, but of the world, a global hub where cultures, ideas and people from around the planet meet.

The story goes that when the Crystal Palace was unveiled in Hyde Park in 1851, at the start of the Great Exhibition, covered in glass and glittering in the sun, observers said it resembled something out of the Arabian Nights, much in vogue at the time. Nothing like it had ever been seen in London before.
For five months, the Crystal Palace displayed the wonders of contemporary industry and manufacturing to millions of visitors. Over 100,000 objects were displayed over more than ten miles by more than 15,000 exhibitors. As Queen Victoria wrote in her diary at the time, “every conceivable invention” of the day was on display. Britain was going through a manufacturing revolution and the time was ripe to show the world her achievements and to invite other countries to do the same.
Since then, the world has changed beyond recognition and the nature of innovation has changed too. Today we can “gather” online in real time or experience an art gallery or music concert anywhere in the world from our own homes. We live in a world of unprecedented technological development and we can share in the benefits of innovation wherever we are. However, while the digital world has brought us closer together, it cannot replace the need for meeting face to face. International expos remain as valuable today as they were in the mid-19th century.
The institution of the world exposition is now more than 150 years old and yet it has never been held in the Middle East, Africa or South Asia.

There is an extremely strong field of contenders to host the 2020 Expo, the successor to the Great Exhibition. Sao Paulo, Izmir, Ekaterinburg, Ayutthaya and Dubai are all extraordinary cities which offer something unique to the world. But to my mind, one bid stands out. Today, I announced in our parliament that the United Kingdom will be backing Dubai as the host of the 2020 Expo.

This is for three principal reasons:

The first is that just as it was London’s moment to host the Great Exhibition in 1851, so it is Dubai’s moment today to show its achievements to the world. In the last 50 years, Dubai has undergone a remarkable transformation from a small trading, fishing and pearling town to one of the world’s most cosmopolitan cities and a global centre for transport, tourism and trade. The inspired step to dredge the creek has reaped tremendous benefits and now hosts the spectacular terminals of Jebel Ali and Dubai Airport.

Dubai is not only a city of Arabia, but of the world, a global hub where cultures, ideas and people from around the planet meet and where more than 200 nationalities live and work. Because London has been a global city for hundreds of years, in Britain we can recognise a kindred spirit.

Drive through Dubai and you see stunning architecture and infrastructure serving Emirati, Indian, African, European and Asian residents and visitors, who use a stylish metro, designed by one British company and operated by another.

Visit Dubai, along with almost one million other Britons a year, and speak to its residents and you will hear Arabic, Urdu, Malayalam, Somali, Tagalog, Russian and of course the international language of English.

Under the leadership of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the emirate has blazed a trail of ideas and embarked on a vision which influenced the wider region and beyond. Dubai does not rest on its laurels, but continues to set itself bold targets to be the best and to achieve this in collaboration with its diverse community. Dubai thinks big. The 100,000 or so Britons who call Dubai home are proud contributors to Dubai’s extraordinary development and have bought into the Dubai vision and to a “can-do” culture.

Second, holding the 2020 Expo in Dubai will remind the world that the Middle East is a region of dynamism, innovation and human potential, not the conflict and insecurity for which it is often known. What better place to illuminate the creativity, energy and potential of the region than in Dubai. It can also inspire people to believe they can change their own countries for the he better with vision, conviction and hard work.

Third, if Dubai were to host such an event, it would not be only about the Middle East, but the dynamic societies and economies in Africa and Asia as well — just a short flight away.

So the United Kingdom will be backing Dubai to host the 2020 Expo because it deserves the opportunity to share its achievements with the world and because it would be a fantastic demonstration of the dynamism and potential of the region. I wish its people every success in the bid and beyond.

Source: http://gulfnews.com/opinions/columnists/expo-2020-why-britain-is-backing-dubai-1.1183093

Nahyan family, Expo 2020 Dubai mascot !

Find out the Nahyan family, on the Emirates A380 model... why not as huge support...

Don't forget to download your Expo Cartoon Characters :
http://expo2020dubai.ae/en/support_the_bid/download_expo_characters

Hello 2020 - Newletter n11 April 2013

Avalaible, Issus 11 - Hello 2020, Newletter Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE
Download newsletter as a PDF

Welcome to the April edition of Hello 2020. This month’s focus is on sustainability, lasting sources of energy and water – a key subtheme of the UAE’s bid to host World Expo 2020 in Dubai. In today’s world sustainable practice represents a better way to do business and it is essential that the objective of any government or corporate enterprise should be to integrate sustainability into its goals and activities. Leading the debate on page 6, Yalman Khan and Kunal Wadhwani, of technology start-up Agricel, make a strong business case for sustainability while emphasising the importance of protecting environmental assets for the generations to come. In Focus, on page 4, US politician and former Governor of New York George Pataki
discusses the delicate synergy required between public policy and private entrepreneurship in driving a sustainable future. With environmental strategy integral to regional policy going forward, UAE business Aldar Properties has set that vision in stone – or more precisely concrete, steel and glass – with its innovatively
and sustainably designed headquarters in Abu Dhabi’s Al Raha Beach district. The iconic building, which features in our Big Picture on page 8, demonstrates how sustainability can be incorporated into the construction and operation of buildings.

George Pataki: The former Governor of New York on sustainable policies and economic growth.

Water course: Kunal Wadhwani and Yalman Khan on conserving resources in waterstressed regions.

Global trip: The True North crew learn about sustainability in Costa Rica.

WORLD EXPO Inventions... that will blow your mind !

With the announcement of the host of the World Expo 2020 looming, now is a good time to reflect on what the international event has brought the world since its origins as an industrial exhibition in 1798. What began as a culmination of a national French tradition has grown into a global fair attracting the best and brightest inventors from every continent to showcase innovations that could revolutionise the world. In 1904, electricity was unveiled to the world at the St. Louis World’s Fair, a creation that has dramatically changed how we live today. Come the 2020 World Expo, will we be seeing the next revolution in energy that’s going to change the future? And will you know it when you see it? Some of the greatest inventions, which we take for granted today, have come out of past World Expos. From the infographic below, you’ll be surprised how many you use in your everyday life.

http://expo2020dubai.ae/en/

And the story continues...

After a long history... since 1851... through 1900 with this Expo metal box... we're waiting Expo 2020 !

Expo Ambassadors at Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)

Support the Bid - Download your Expo Cartoon Characters

Here's a new way to support Expo 2020 Dubai bid, by downloading and showing the new cartoon characters : Um & Abu Nahyan, Nahyan, Shamma and El Waled...

Nahyan is the main character of the cartoon. He represents the smart future of the country. He is the kid who knows it all and very smart for a kid in his age. Nahyan is a kid who wants to be the future inventor and he wants the bid to be in Dubai so he can display his invention that he didn’t create yet.
- 12 years old
- Very smart
- Pretends to know everything and loves to appear as the smart one
- Talks really fast

Shamma is Nahyan’s older sister and she is the embodiment of the young present with its social media. Shamma is obsessed with the latest technologies. She takes photos and tweets about the stuff that might help Dubai to win the Expo 2020 bid.
- Shamma is a University student
- Social media user

El Waled
The grandfather represents the past and the roots of the country. He lived through the changes of the country. He loves to learn about the new technologies the world.
- Curious about the changes in the country
- The campus of the family that keeps them grounded
- He is always reminding the family with the UAE’s past

Bu Nahyan and Um Nahyan
Parents of Nahyan and Shamma, they represent the present of the older generation symbolizing the united Emirati family who complete one another.
- Supportive to the children
- Proud parents
- Working parents who still find the time to bond with the kids

Download your Expo Cartoon Characters on EXPO 2020 DUBAI, UAE Website

Be Part of It! - Sara Al Boom

Let us introduce an another winner of the competition organized by Expo 2020 Dubai, Be a part of it!

Sara Al Boom, 20, UAE

Sara is a journalism student at the Mohammed Bin Rashid School for Communication at the American University of Dubai. Sara represented the UAE at a youth forum in Liege, Belgium, as part of Belgium’s Expo 2017 bid. As an Expo Ambassador, she looks forward to reaching out to the country’s youth community raise awareness of the UAE’s 2020 World Expo bid. Her winning entry is a short film highlighting the diversity of the UAE.

National Air Cargo To Support Dubai Expo 2020 Bid With New Livery First US airline to become a Dubai bid supporter

National Air Cargo, the world’s leading freight solutions provider specialising in heavy weight shipments, with an integrated global network delivering airfreight anywhere on the planet, announced today its support for Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid. The announcement makes National Airlines the first US airline to support the Dubai Expo 2020 bid and comes months after the US based airline recorded a substantial growth of 120% in its Middle East operations for 2012.

Commenting on the occasion Mr. Jacob Mathew President – Asia and Board Member, National Air Cargo said: “National has become the leading freight operator out of the Al Maktoum International Dubai World Central Airport and we are grateful for the vision provided by the Dubai and UAE authorities in providing a state-of-the-art infrastructure and open business environment so that a company such as ours, with our multi-modal freight solutions, can thrive. Supporting the Dubai Expo 2020 bid by displaying the Dubai Expo 2020 logo on our fleet of aircraft that traverse the globe will hopefully expand the bid’s message internationally and is but a small expression of appreciation and gratitude to give something back to the UAE.”

As part of the support, National will display the Dubai Expo 2020 logo on a fleet of five airplanes that operate from the UAE. The logo will be displayed on the nose of the three Boeing 747-400 and two passenger Boeing 757-200 aircrafts. The move will provide an outreach exposure of Dubai’s Expo 2020 bid to National Airline’s major flights destinations in the United States of America, Germany, Japan and Hong Kong. Additionally, the logos will be featured in all of National Air Cargo’s corporate communications and online informational sites.

For further information on National Air Cargo contact:

National Air Cargo
PO Box 54429
3rd Floor, Block B, West Wing 4
Dubai Airport Free Zone
Dubai, U.A.E.
Tel: 971-4-230-5500 Fax: 971-4-236-8463
www.nationalaircargo.com

The Big Picture: Breaking the mould

Recently welcoming in its first flight, Concourse A at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport is the world’s first facility dedicated  to the Airbus A380 superjumbo, the world’s largest passenger aircraft.

At 650 metres long and 90 metres wide and with 11 storeys, four of them underground, 
the building is a stunning piece of architecture in its own right. It showcases a range of innovative features including automated passenger transport points for arrivals and departures, plus six additional gates for planes parked further away. Inside the airport, an internal metro system carries passengers to and from the Emirates Airline Terminal 3.

Concourse A at Dubai International Airport is the world’s first facility designed specifically for the A38

The new building has entire floors dedicated to business- and first-class passengers, allowing them to board directly from the lounge facilities. Dubai International’s annual passenger capacity will increase from 60 million to 75 million when Concourse A is fully operational. Aviation leaders predict 100 million passengers will use it a year by 2025, which would make it the world’s largest airport. Paul Griffiths, CEO of Dubai Airports, heralded the opening of Concourse A as a huge achievement for Dubai Airports and its partners.


“Concourse A is another critical element of the US$7.8bn Strategic Plan 2020 which includes the expansion of Dubai International to accommodate the tremendous growth we expect over the next decade.

“Passenger numbers are forecast to reach 66 million in 2013 and the opening of Concourse A is a timely and welcome addition to Dubai International, putting us firmly on track to reach our target of becoming the world’s best and largest airport in terms of service and international passenger numbers.

“Just as we did with what turned out to be a flawless opening of Terminal 3 and Concourse B in 2008 – which was a much larger and more complex exercise involving the complete transfer of Emirates Airline’s operations to the new facility – we are opening Concourse A in stages, with more gates coming online in each successive phase. We believe that this approach of gradual transition will enable us and all our partners to ensure smooth operations and help us to deliver on our customer service commitment.”

Journey of a lifetime

What is the future of urban and international mobility? From driverless cars to ‘lilypad’ cities, Hello 2020 considers how we will get from A to B and beyond in the decades to come
Within the next 20 years, transport systems will need to accommodate rapid population growth throughout the world. The population in Asia and Africa alone is set to triple, which will put pressure on the world’s oil reserves, 85 million barrels of which we consume every day. But thanks to advances in technology, the world of transport looks set to adapt to the changing demands.

‘Lilypad’ city could offer a new home for populations affected by rising sea levels

World-renowned futurologist James Bellini, whose clients include Microsoft, the BBC and Barclays, believes single-driver electric-powered cars will become the norm by 2032. “Seventy per cent of people today drive alone. Automobile design will increasingly favour single-passenger capacity, powered by electric and later solar arrangements,” he says. “Exciting new materials such as graphene, willow glass and carbon nanotubes will underwrite startling new designs and even driverless capabilities.”

Graphene is arguably the strongest material on the planet. It’s made of pure carbon, with its atoms arranged in a hexagonal pattern in a one-atom-thick sheet. This makes it incredibly strong even though it’s as thin as paper. Graphene would be ideal for creating long-lasting, lightweight bodyworks for vehicles of the future. With willow glass (a very thin but durable glass as flexible as plastic) and carbon nanotubes (tiny, near unbreakable straws that can triple a microchip’s performance) included, these cars of the future could be something not just of impeccable style but of unrivalled performance and safety.

One interesting approach to future public travel is the ‘superbus’, a high-speed luxury bus that is a cross between a stretch limo and a minibus. Powered by electricity, it can travel at 155mph. The first prototype of the ‘superbus’, developed in the Netherlands, has already been showcased to cities such as Hanover and Dubai, which are keen to introduce a clean-energy mode of public transport. And that’s not the only benefit; developers believe it could also help answer the problems of road congestion as soon as 2020.

Another revolutionary development in public transport is being advanced by British scientist Martin Lowson. Lowson first made his mark working for Nasa on the Apollo space missions, where he headed a team of 50 people working on the Saturn V rocket which blasted the likes of Neil Armstrong into space. For the past 15 years he has been working on the driverless car or ‘ULTra pod’ (Urban Light Transport). Lowson believes that his futuristic driverless shuttles will prove “better than the car for city travel”. The ULTra pod can hold as many as six passengers and travel distances of five kilometres, moving along conveyor-like tracks built 20 feet above ground. Powered by batteries, it can run for three hours before being recharged at special points.

Building a complete ULTra pod system for the whole city uses around a sixth of the resources needed for building new roads. It is also more durable than the roads, costs 40 per cent less to run than a bus and is 60 per cent faster. ULTra pods are already in place at London’s Heathrow Airport and a similarly designed system has been set up at Abu Dhabi’s zero-carbon Masdar City. “We believe it is the future for public transport in most cities around the world,” says Lowson.

But what about long-haul travel? “Future aircraft will reflect the search for greener, lighter and more fuel-efficient means of transport, with lower costs per passenger, coupled with greatly increased passenger capacity,” says futurologist Bellini. “It would not surprise me if commercial aircraft by the 2030s have a capacity of 2,000-plus passengers. A concept such as Boeing’s SUGAR Volt aircraft, which would run on a hybrid power arrangement (part gas engine, part electrical), could viably be commonplace in the 2030s.”

Technology will also affect the way we ship goods in the future. The basic unit of the global economy is the container, andevery year a vast fleet of freighters hauls more than 17 million of them to destinations around the world. In 2032, the ships will get bigger, the routes will get better and the ports smarter. Initiatives such as the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor that connects key trading hubs through top-class infrastructure, and Dubai’s Logistics Corridor, which links sea, land and air hubs, and allows cargo to move between airport and seaport in less than an hour, are already revolutionising the way in which goods are moved about.

With the world’s oil supplies dwindling, companies will increasingly turn to biofuels for power. “Biofuels will account for a substantial portion of total fuel production and use over the next 20 years,” says clean-tech specialist Steve Weiss. According to Weiss, within the next 20 years we could power our cars, trains and planes with fuel that’s more forgiving on the environment and also our pockets. Not only does the advancement of biofuel technology mean that the economy will be able to cope with dwindling resources, but it would also mean lower fuel prices, as the cost of producing biofuel is considerably less when compared with oil extraction and refinement. “Expect less volatile pricing, reduced eco-impact and higher energy security,” says Weiss. “A biofuels industry should spur additional economic development as new supply chains form from turning agricultural waste and marginal land into valuable assets.”

The International Energy Agency insists the global boom in renewable energy will continue and that one-third of the world will run on clean power by 2035. A recent report states: “Renewables will become the world’s second-largest source of power generation by 2015 (roughly half that of coal) and by 2035 they will approach coal as the primary source of global electricity.”

Looking even further ahead, rather than climb into a vehicle that takes us to a different city, our city could travel with us. That’s the concept behind ‘Lilypad’ cities designed by French architect Vincent Callebaut as a solution to rising sea levels. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, global sea levels are expected to rise between 9cm and 88cm by 2100, with a ‘best estimate’ of 50cm, and the melting of the ice caps could leave low-lying islands submerged.

‘Lilypad’ city is designed to float around the world as an independent and fully self-sustainable home. With a lake at its centre to collect rainwater, it would be accessed by three separate marinas and feature artificial mountains to offer as many as 50,000 inhabitants a change of scenery from the seascape. It will generate its own power from the sun, water and wind, emitting zero emissions. Some countries spend billions making their beaches and dams bigger and stronger. “‘Lilypad’ is a long-term solution to the problem of the water rising,” says Callebaut. “Accommodating the millions left homeless by environmental changes will prove to be one of the great challenges of the 21st century.”

Source : Hello 2020

Mohammed receives Chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions

Sheikh Mohammed with Mr. Steen Christensen, Chairman of the BIE (Bureau International des Expositions)

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum received the Chairman of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the inter-governmental organisation based in Paris, and the accompanying delegation at Zabeel Palace today.


In presence of Dubai Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Sheikh Mohammed welcomed Mr Steen Christiansen and delegation who are on a four-day Enquiry Mission to the country to assess its ability to host the World Expo 2020 and examine the facilities available for the event, stressing the keen interest of the UAE government, officials and people due to the importance of this global event in bridging cultures and bridging the gap between nations around the world and the United Arab Emirates.
Sheikh Mohammed asserted to his guest that the UAE represent the region’s ambition to host World Expo 2020, the biggest and most significant exhibition worldwide, adding that the event gathers many cultures to demonstrate their scientific, technical and industrial innovation under one umbrella. Further, Dubai is equipped to be a gateway for Expo 2020 to the region.

Sheikh Mohammed assured that the UAE leadership, federal and local governments, private sectors and community are coordinating on the highest levels to furnish the exhibition and win the bid to host the exhibition.

Sheikh Mohammed expressed his confidence that the BIE’s delegation will be satisfied and convinced that the UAE has the potential to host the event as it enjoys international standards that qualifies Dubai to be the preferred destination for the exhibitors and visitors.

From his side, Chairman of BIE’s Enquiry Mission Mr Steen Christiansen expressed his sincere appreciation for the hospitality and cooperation received for the UAE concerned authority. Mr Christiansen praised the cultural diversity and economic development in UAE.

The  reception was also attended Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation and Chief Executive of Emirates Group and Chairman of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, State Minister and Managing Director of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Reem Al Hashemi, Director of Dubai Ruler's Court and Vice Chairman of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 Mohammed Abdullah Al Shebani, Director of Dubai Ruler’s Office Lt. General Musabbah Rashid Al Fattan, members of the Higher Committee on Expo 2020 including Director of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) Mattar Al Tayer, Director General of Dubai Municipality Eng. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Deputy Commandant General of the Dubai Police, Major-General Khamis Matar Al Muzainah, and Director General of Dubai Tourism and Commerce Marketing and Chief Executive Officer of the Dubai World Trade Centre Hilal Saeed Al Marri.
At end of the reception, Sheikh Mohammed hosted a lunch banquette in honour of the BIE’s delegation.

"True North", the Expo 2020 Dubai, UAE yacht !

The awareness is not only spreading in the UAE , but also the entire world!

Here is a snap of the expo 2020 boat by True North that is sailing around the world to spread awareness about the bid! Started from South america last week and now at Cuba!

Isn't this simply amazing to know what all the Dubai is doing to win the bid to host a wonderful and amazing event in 2020! Lets start sharing, Dubai Expo 2020. also do like the page of the Dubai EXPO 2020 Ambassadors. Also, Students Support the Dubai Expo 2020.

Dubai’s Expo 2020 yacht ‘True North’ reaches Cuba
Expo-themed yacht reaches Havana, in latest stop on world tour to raise awareness for the UAE’s Expo 2020 bid.
The UAE’s Expo bid took sail in the Caribbean this week, as True North docked in Havana, Cuba. The 70-foot sailing boat, which set out last summer, is currently circumnavigating the globe to raise awareness for the UAE’s bid to host the 2020 World Expo in Dubai.

BIE Enquiry Mission to Dubai !

The BIE Enquiry Mission to Dubai started today and will assess the feasibility and viability of the project throughout the week.

MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority receives EXPO 2020 ambassadors

In support of Dubai’s bid for hosting the World EXPO 2020, HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD and CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), received the EXPO 2020 ambassadors at DEWA’s new Sustainable Building in Al Quoz, the largest government building in the world, with a Platinum rating for green buildings from Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED).

The meeting supports the efforts by Dubai to host Expo 2020, the largest universal exposition of its kind, whose campaign motif is ‘Be part of it.’

The EXPO 2020 delegation included Marwan Al-Haj, Khawla Darwish, Eenas Al Sheikh, Mohammed Hasan Al Janabi, and Ben Ouatara. Marwan Bin Haidar, VP of IT and CIO of DEWA and Khawla Al Mehairi, VP of Marketing and Corporate Communications of DEWA, attended the meeting.

“DEWA is contributing effectively to Dubai’s bid to host EXPO 2020 by providing electricity and water services to the highest international standards. DEWA has achieved a leading position internationally by optimizing its services to an advanced and competitive level. Through our vision, strategy and operations we aim to promote Dubai as a global hub and a successful example in achieving sustainability and protecting the environment, for generations to come,” said Al Tayer.

“DEWA is one of the best utilities in the world compared to its counterparts worldwide. DEWA recorded an advanced level in electricity and water conservation, demand management, infrastructure investments, and operating networks. DEWA has achieved results that rival and even beat benchmarks for the private sector, surpassing best European and American companies in efficiency, availability and reliability. DEWA’s network line losses were recorded at 3.5% and network water losses were recorded at 10.8%, achieving an international record in reducing loss. DEWA adopts the most efficient equipment for generating power and desalinating water, contributing significantly to the UAE occupying the seventh global position for ease of access to electricity, according to the World Bank’s Doing Business 2013 report,” added Al Tayer.

“Dubai has succeeded in hosting various international events including World Energy Forum, and Dubai Global Energy Forum. We are confident that our ambassadors will succeed in reinforcing Dubai’s position as a unique hub for hosting international events,” concluded Al Tayer.

Burj-Al-Arab supports Expo 2020 Dubai UAE

Impressive support from Burj-Al-Arab Hotel to Expo 2020 Dubai UAE