Dubai is making a bid to host the 2020 Expo. I think most Canadians of a relatively advanced age will remember our Expo in 1967 in Montreal. I was too young to recall the event itself but the iconic geodesic dome that was erected in Montreal remains a familiar landmark for all Canadians. Expos are designed to present the latest thinking and innovations that inspire those who visit and participate. Bill Gates was apparently inspired by such an event. In any case, Dubai is making a compelling case to the organization that oversees site selection and everyone in the city, locals and expats alike, have rallied around the cause as it increases the profile of the city we have all come to love and, importantly, drives business and growth.

I have been involved, as part of the airport contingent, in promoting Dubai's bid as well. Airports and infrastructure are an important element of any site selection process and Dubai is in a class of its own in that regard. Last week, over 200 international delegates were in town and I had the pleasure of attending the event to inform and entertain them. It was held at the foot of the Burj Khalifa in the Armani hotel...let's just say I'm glad I wasn't paying!

The Burj is an awe inspiring building and was used in a welcome speech delivered by the CEO of Emaar Properties, the company that built it, as an example of the optimism and desire to push boundaries that characterizes Dubai.

It was a heart-felt and powerful speech that made me quite proud to be part of a business community whose efforts are directed to the betterment and greater vision of the city. And it is true...there is a tangible difference in Dubai. There is a clear focus, relevance and connectivity that links your day to day work to that vision.

An example of this was the opening of the passenger terminal at our new airport Al Maktoum International at Dubai World Central yesterday. This airport is in its infancy with capacity for up to 7 million...but in 10-15years, to accommodate the anticipated growth and boost aviation's already massive contributions to social welfare and to local GDP  ($22 bn) it will become the world's biggest airport with room for 160 million passengers. In any other city in the world it would take 2 to 3 times longer to do it...if you could muster the political will and support. And, in a clear show of support for its importance, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, inaugurated the airport.

It was a great day, and not surprisingly, the opening of the new airport is considered another sign that Dubai is equally serious about its Expo 2020 bid. I will sign off for now and leave a few additional photos from the day. Thanks for reading!

Cheers!