The Middle East Will Host World Expo for the First Time

Dubai wins the bid.

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Dubai has been selected to host the 2020 World Expo, becoming the first Middle Eastern city ever to hold the event.

“Dubai Expo2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity,” Dubai leader and U.A.E vice president Sheikh Mohammed bin Rahid in a statement.

After three rounds of voting by 168 nations’ delegates, Dubai beat out the bids of Izmir, Turkey; Sao Paolo, Brazil; and Yekaterinburg, Russia.

Dubai’s bid is expected to generate $23 billion between 2015 and 2021 for the city.

[AP]