Chances are good for the UAE to become the first country in the Arab world to host the World Expo in 2020 as part of its efforts to promote peace and prosperity in the region, the Korea Times reported on Wednesday.

In an interview story with visiting UAE Minister of State Reem Ibrahim Al Hashimi, who flew into South Korea in the day to attend the UAE Day at its National Pavilion at 2012 Yeosu Expo site in the southern coastal city of Yeosu, the nation’s most influential English daily noted that the UAE has become the benchmark for social stability in the face of enormous socio-economic change in its 40 years history.

The UAE pavilion at the Shanghai World Expo in 2010. The UAE has formally launched a campaign as part of its bid for the 2020 World Expo. - Reuters

Stressing it wants to share its success story with the rest of the world through the expo, Al Hashimi said: “We would like to invite visitors from all over the world by organising the global trade fair in 2020. To do so, we are promoting Dubai as a host city for Expo 2020 under the theme of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. I will do my best to achieve such goal while in Korea.’’

Dubai is the Arab world’s first global city of the 21st century. The UAE is a strong, vibrant and modern nation open to the world. One-third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of the UAE, two-thirds within an eight-hour flight, according to top campaigner of Dubai 2020 Expo.

“Our strategic location, advanced world-class infrastructure and mature service sector has made Dubai the gateway to Europe, Asia and Africa. The city has developed a robust network of economic and urban infrastructure,” the minister said.

“Our logistical reach by both sea and air is unparalleled. DP World, the world’s fourth largest seaport operator, manages more than 60 terminals across six continents. Dubai’s powerful air transport capabilities are embodied in its two airports Dubai World Central and Dubai International Airport, making them the fourth busiest in the world,’’ Al Hashimi added.

She said as one of the safest countries, the UAE is home to over 200 different nationalities that live and work together harmoniously. “Given its growing prominence in regional and global affairs, the UAE is the most suitable host for the expo. We want to bring the expo to the world and the world to Dubai.’’

Al Hashimi said the UAE has a long history with the World Expo stretching back four decades to the 1970 Expo held in Osaka, Japan.

“We are currently taking part in the Yeosu Expo. Its theme, ‘The Living Ocean and Coast,’ resonates deeply with the UAE, which has a proud seafaring history. The UAE Pavilion in Yeosu reflects our commitment to the responsible development and protection of our coastline and marine habitat,’’ she concluded.