"It is estimated that Dubai Expo 2020 will generate nearly 17.7 billion euros": Philippe Blanchard, in charge of strategy at Expo 2020.

Why has Dubai chosen a Frenchman to head up its project?

Philippe Blanchard - Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy is our Managing Director and liaises between the political structure and the operational teams. For my part, I manage the editorial strategy and the production of the bid documents. I previously managed the Information and Knowledge department of the International Olympic Committee. The International Exhibitions Bureau (BIE) is also based in Paris.

What are the main urban planning changes to be expected if Dubai is selected?

P. B. - The site will be located near the port of Jebel Ali and the new Al Maktoum airport, with some 430 hectares built to accommodate the Expo. We're going to develop an aerotropolis concept, a city turned towards its airport. The Expo will strengthen an ecosystem structured around the themes of mobility, sustainability and opportunity. While some of the structures are temporary, all the others are designed with a long-term perspective that will guarantee optimal reuse: the permanent elements will form part of a logistics cluster that will provide a link between the seaport and the airport.

What economic impact will this have?

P. B. - It is estimated that Dubai Expo 2020 will generate nearly 17.7 billion euros in gross added value, as well as 277,000 jobs - 40% in the hotel and catering industry, 30% in construction, another 30 % in transport, logistics and commercial services - over the period from 2013 to 2021. These jobs should be maintained after the event.