The members of the BIE will vote for the host of Expo 2020 next week. Here are the key facts you should know about Dubai's bid.

A view of Dubai

The theme: Connecting minds, creating the future
With its theme, the Expo bid fosters both a philosophy of mutual understanding and cooperation and a hands-on approach to figure out the solutions to three very concrete sub-themes: mobility, sustainability and opportunity. For Dubai, these three challenges have to be addressed simultaneously to find truly global answers.

More about the theme: Connecting minds, connecting solutions

2020 would start now with Expo live
An important aspect of Dubai's bid is the Expo Live program that would find, fund and bring to Dubai innovative projects thanks to a 100 million Euro Expo Partnership Fund. Through seminars, working groups, meetings and workshops, Expo live would connect the innovators of tomorrow with experts and potential partners. Expo live would start during the preparation phase of the Expo and funded project would be presented during the Expo in the Innovation Pavilion and Innovation labs.

A bid to reinforce Dubai and the UAE's position as a world hub
Expo 2020 Dubai would celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Emirate. In only a few decades, Dubai has become one of the world's most modern, innovative and technological cities, attracting investors and workers from over 200 countries. With a target of 25 million visitors, an Expo would continue building Dubai and the UAE's status as a world hub. After the Expo, the site would be converted into the Dubai Trade center Jebel Ali. The Expo would also be the occasion to show the world that the UAE is shifting from "hard" to "soft" projects, as each subtheme is a pillar of Dubai's development strategy. Projects in all three fields are in motion.

More about Dubai's and the UAE's strategy: Expo 2020 Dubai and the development strategy of the UAE

Al Wasl plaza, site project

The site: accessibility, innovation and legacy
Expo 2020 Dubai would take place on a 438-hectare site on the southwestern edge of Dubai. Equidistant from Abu Dhabi and Dubai, the site would be located next to the new Al Maktoum International Airport, which will be able to carry 160 million passengers a year.
The site itself would be divided in three areas dedicated to each sub theme. These thematic zones would lead up to Al Wasl, the main plaza. Countries would be able to set up their pavilion in the area that corresponds best to their development strategy. Sustainability is at the heart of the project. The site is based on modular design: an important part of the Expo will be dismantled and rebuilt to create appropriate infrastructures for the development of the region: the Dubai Trade Center, an Expo museum, a university, apartment buildings etc.

More information: http://expo2020dubai.ae/en/