Former UK Olympics head Simon Clegg appointed COO of Expo 2020

Preparations have begun for the six-month mega Expo in Dubai

Dubai Expo 2020 has appointed the former chief executive officer of the British Olympic Association Simon Clegg as its new chief operating officer.

Clegg also served as the COO of the inaugural European Games in Baku last year and was a former CEO of the Ipswich Town Football Club.

Expo 2020, themed ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ is expected to feature 200 participants and will be 10 per cent larger in size than Milan Expo 2015.

According to a report by investment firm Arqaam Capital, the six-month event will add $23.4bn to the United Arab Emirates’ gross domestic product, boosting it by 5 per cent.

"I am delighted to have someone of Simon's caliber, leadership skills and considerable management experience of large global events join our team," said director general of Expo 2020 Reem Al-Hashimy.

“His management and commercial skills will strengthen our team and help ensure the successful delivery of our 1,082 acre site.

"I look forward to working with him on this hugely important event for Dubai, the UAE and the entire region."

Expo 2020 will run from October 2020 and April 2021 and is expected to welcome 25 million visitors. Preparations for the event – including developing the 438,000 square metres venue in Jebel Ali – have already begun.

"I am very excited about joining the team at Expo 2020," said Clegg.

"The vision and ambition of the project will make it a stunning experience for the expected 25 million visitors, 70 per cent of whom will come from overseas.

"Within each country's pavilion visitors will be able to experience the rich diversity and culture that makes up our planet as well as seeing the latest technological developments around each of our chosen themes.”

Earlier this week, Dubai unveiled a new logo for the Expo 2020 event inspired by a ring found at the Saroug Al Hadeed archeological site.

“We have chosen an authentic Emirati logo for Dubai Expo 2020,” said UAE vice president and prime minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

“The design of the logo is inspired by a civilization that existed 4,000 years ago in an area extending from Baynounah in Abu Dhabi to Saroug Al Hadeed in Dubai and from Maliha Valley in Sharjah to the mountains of Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. This land connected ancient civilizations and we will continue to be a hub that connects the world.”

He added that the new logo represented Dubai’s message to the world that Emirati civilization has deep roots and the UAE is a centre for innovation.