Dubai’s success will spill over to Sharjah and other neighbouring emirates through tourists and the business-boom during the period.
As the world embraced Dubai with an overwhelming support at its Expo2020 bid, people from all walks of life joined celebrations of the win at Downtown Dubai. Tourists visiting the city, caught unawares, were in for a treat as residents and locals came out as one to show their support for the UAE leaders and their goals.
The car rally held on Shaikh Zayed Road celebrating Dubai’s victory in its bid to host World Expo 2020 on Friday. Nearly 80 luxury cars and other vehicles took part in the rally from Ibn Battuta Mall to the Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs office at Jafliya. — KT photo by Juidin Bernarrd
German tourists Hille Frank and Michaela were surprised with the turnout at Downtown Dubai. “Dubai is a wonderful city and we had no idea it was bidding for the World Expo. When we came to the mall, we were surprised by the thousands of people waiting to see the Burj Khalifa light up,” said Hille.
This is their first visit to Dubai and the “memory of a lifetime” will remain close to their hearts for many years to come, they said.
For Syrian national, Jaber Obaid, the victory of his home away from home was an important one. He brought along a large UAE flag and waved it in a show of pride and love for the country. “Dubai welcomes people from every walk of life and it feels like home. It is truly international and there was no reason why Dubai would lose the bid. It was the strongest competitor and there was never a doubt,” said Jaber, who came for the celebrations with his wife and daughter.
Ghazal Raba, a Palestinian university student in Dubai, echoed similar views. She was excited with the announcement and couldn’t express her happiness in words. “I am speechless. It was an amazing experience and this will go down as one of the best nights in the history of Dubai. All my friends have been excited and this is the city where I was born and grew up. My respect and admiration for the country becomes stronger with every milestone it crosses.”
In Sharjah, tourists and long-time residents rejoiced with Dubai.
A Palestinian family, based in the emirate for years, said that Dubai’s success will spill over to Sharjah and other neighboring emirates through tourists and the business-boom during the period. “Our family has been here for a long time and the UAE is just like our home. Even as we see the fireworks from our building colour the skies, we feel jubilant about this great news,” they said.
A Pakistani man, Mohammed, who was in Al Majaz with his family, said it was a “great pleasure” hearing the news. His wife, Hannah, said the news is a source of pride even among expatriates in the country. A taxi driver, Raja, said taxi corporations expect more tourists to flock to the UAE as a result of the win. “I am so glad Dubai won. A new opportunity is unfolding, but Expo2020 is much bigger than that.”
