Austria is investing EURO 16.5 Million (AED 74.6 Million) in the next World Expo, signing an official participation contract for Expo 2020 Dubai at the innovation conference Austria Connect Gulf 2018 on March 18, 2018. Austria’s participation will cement its position as an innovation leader in the high-tech field of digitization, research and development as well as a strong and reliable partner in the Middle East region
H.E Dr Beatrix Karl, former minister and Commissioner General of Austria’s Expo 2020; Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director at the Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau was present at the signing ceremony that was held at Palazzo Versace hotel in Dubai.
Commenting on Austria’s participation in the Expo 2020, Karl said: “The historical importance of world exhibitions, which had begun in the imperial era, has lost none of their fascination till date. A two-stage competition has been launched throughout Europe to help position Austria as an innovation leader in this high-tech field of digitization, research and development. We believe that the theme “Opportunity’ should not only include innovation but also have ample space for creativity, high-quality education, tourism, culture and hospitality. We have set high targets to position Austria as a strong and reliable partner in the Middle East region and before an international audience of millions. Two million visitors visited the Austrian Expo Pavilion in Milan in 2015. Ten per cent of these visitors visited the Austrian Pavilion alone. We aim to beat this record in the UAE.”