Q&A: UPS becomes Official Logistics Partner

With Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice President, Legacy Development and Impact at Expo 2020 Dubai

Q. Why does Expo 2020 Dubai need an Official Logistics Partner?

A. With some 200 countries, corporations and organisations expected to participate, and hundreds of thousands of visitors on peak days, Expo 2020 Dubai will be an incredibly complex logistics operation.

It will need huge amounts of goods and supplies of all kinds to be delivered from around the world to Dubai every day for the six-month duration of the Expo.

The figures are colossal - 500,000 meals a day, two million hours of venue logistics activity, 9,000 tonnes of daily logistics.

So it is vital that we have a logistics partner that can not only handle such a demanding challenge but can also play a key part in delivering our theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.

 

Q. Why has Expo 2020 Dubai partnered with UPS?

A. UPS is the largest express carrier and package delivery firm in the world, delivering 4.9 billion packages and documents in 2016 – an incredible figure.

It has more than 100 years’ experience in its field, a network that reaches almost every part of the world and invaluable previous experience of major global events, including the 2012 Olympic Games in London and its predecessor in Beijing in 2008.

As such, we believe it is the perfect partner to look after the demanding logistics of Expo 2020 Dubai.

As the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, Expo 2020 Dubai will also be an incredible opportunity for UPS to showcase its capabilities in the heart of this bustling region.

 Q. What role will UPS play in Expo 2020 Dubai?

A. As Official Logistics Partner, UPS will ensure the supply chain is run efficiently and effectively.

It will provide more than 27,000 square metres of warehouse space, equivalent to nearly four soccer pitches, and a team of 1,000 logistics personnel during the Expo, lasting from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021.

 

Q. How is UPS aligned with Expo 2020 Dubai’s themes?

A. We are looking for like-minded partners interested in ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ through our three pillars: Sustainability, Opportunity and Mobility.

UPS shares this vision. For example, it has more than a decade of experience in solar energy and, in February, announced plans to increase its investment in solar power, starting with at least eight of its facilities in the U.S.

It is also adopting alternative fuel for its fleet, including hybrid and electric vehicles.

And with its goal of “enabling commerce around the globe” and network of operations in more than 200 countries and territories, UPS will play a key role developing the theme of Mobility - not only during Expo 2020 Dubai but long after the doors close in 2021.

 

Q. What is the long-term impact of this partnership

A. The legacy of Expo 2020 Dubai has been a vital part of our planning from the very earliest stages and is a factor when choosing our partners.

 UPS has operated in the region since 1989 and aims to build its footprint there, taking advantage of the UAE’s position as a transportation hub for global commerce, connecting trade from the Middle East to China, Africa, Europe and the U.S.

UPS will expand its presence in the region by establishing capacity, technology and staff capabilities to serve customers shipping to and through Dubai, long after the Expo concludes.

 

Q. Why does Expo 2020 Dubai need partners?

A. Partners play an integral role in preparations for a World Expo.

Putting on a World Expo requires a huge team effort. However, that team is not limited to just those working on behalf of Expo 2020 Dubai.

Our partners have a proven track record in their fields and will help us deliver a memorable, empowering, impactful Expo which has a long-lasting, beneficial legacy in physical, cultural and attitudinal terms.

These partners cover a wide range of areas, including among many others technology, mobility, science, logistics, banking, card services, culture and entertainment.

Together, we will make sure Expo 2020 Dubai is an unforgettable experience for millions.

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