While Mauritius gears up to have a permanent presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), “based on the actions initiated through promotional events in the margins of Expo 2020 Dubai”, a leaked document has emerged suggesting the failure of UAE plans to meet the aims set for the global event.
Al Sarira, a MENA-based platform had reported that the “falling number of visitors and low financial interests turned the Dubai Expo to a costly event for the UAE.”
The document was reportedly in form of a letter from Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director at Dubai Expo to Reem Ebrahim Al-Hashimi, managing director for Dubai Expo.
The recipient was also the Emirati Minister of State for International Cooperation making the letter a meaningful and significant correspondence, Al Sarira said.
Based on the leaked document, the publication said the Dubai Expo (so far) had proved disappointing.
“The Dubai expo attracted 5 million visitors so far, leaving a gap of 20 million away from the plans. Besides, a major number of visitors have been from inside the country.”
On 11 March 2022, Mauritius Cabinet took note of the “operationalisation” of the Economic Development Board (EDB) representative office in Dubai.
“The EDB office would help articulate the investment promotion strategy of Mauritius in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), based on the actions initiated through promotional events in the margins of Expo 2020 Dubai, through the Mauritius Pavilion,” Cabinet papers read.
It added that a permanent presence within the market would:
- ensure close follow up of investment/trade interests which have been generated in the margins of the Expo, through direct contact or through business events;
- promote and position Mauritius as a business and logistics platform for the African Continent;
- facilitate investment and trade through proper advisory services; and
- enable the development of new markets within the UAE region.
Cabinet papers also reported on a working session between with Mauritius Labour and Commerce Minister Soodesh Callichurn and HE Robert Jreissati, Founding Chairman of the National Polish-Arab Chamber of Commerce and Dr Samir Hamouni, CEO of the World Freezone Organisation and his team. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the EDB and the World Freezone Organisation.
The expenses incurred by the Mauritius Pavillon is not known.
