Dubai evaluates Olympics bid

Dubai is currently evaluating the costs and benefits of a possible bid for the 2020 Olympics, according to His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

"It is important to understand that, as at this moment, there is no bid. All we are doing now is evaluating whether we should pursue that goal. We are conducting feasibility studies to evaluate the costs and benefits of a bid, and our ability to meet the criteria to host the Olympic Games," said Sheikh Mohammed in an interview on the occasion of SportAccord 2010, which is being hosted by Dubai, the first city in the Middle East to host the top-level international sports convention.

Sheikh Mohammed underlined the determination of Dubai to succeed in any endeavour it undertook. "I can assure you of this, though: if we decide to make a bid for the Olympics, we will be in it to win. We would not take such a step unless we were quite serious about it," he said.

He said Dubai can only gain from the evaluation process. "No matter what we decide in terms of a possible bid, this process will be good for Dubai. It will help us identify the strengths and weaknesses of our transportation systems, our tourism facilities, our sports venues and other vital infrastructure. This learning process will benefit Dubai even if we never bid for the Games."

He said Dubai has many advantages. "We have a lot to offer. Dubai already has well-developed infrastructure and a good track record of staging international sporting events, although admittedly not on the scale of the Olympic Games.

"In keeping with the Olympic values, Dubai is home to people from many nationalities and cultures who live in friendship and peace across the emirate. There is a strong 'can do' culture here," he pointed out.

He, however, said that there are other elements such as the Gulf summer that needed to be taken into account. "... we also have to be realistic. The summer heat can be a serious problem for athletes. We will have to take an honest look at our weaknesses as well as our strengths."

During the interview, Sheikh Mohammed re-emphasised the unity of the UAE, its Ruler and its people. "We are one nation, with one President, one Government, and I am privileged to serve a unified people."

"Our country has so much to offer, in terms of wealth, resources, but most importantly to me, human capital, and everyone wants a piece of the cake.

"But it must always be understood that the UAE is a family, literally hundreds of generations of tribal links, and blood is thicker than water.

"I have worked throughout my life for this country, I was a soldier who was honoured to serve the vision of the late Sheikh Zayed, Ruler of Abu Dhabi, and my late father Sheikh Rashid, Ruler of Dubai, to create the first federal structure in the Middle East, the UAE.

"Now I work shoulder to shoulder with Sheikh Zayed's sons to build a bright future for our children, but I am proudest of all to work under the guidance of our President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed."

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