Dubai, United Arab Emirates -- (SBWire) -- 12/09/2013 --Dubai won the opportunity to host the 2020 World Expo, it was announced from Paris on Wednesday night (27 Nov 2013). This was a historical moment, as Dubai will be the first Middle Eastern city to host the World Expo and expectations are high.

Mamma Mia! An Arabic and Italian fusion restaurant joins in congratulating their very own Dubai on the win. This is a very exciting time.

Dubai was in competition with Brazil's Sao Paulo, Ekaterinburg in Russia and Izmir in Turkey. After the announcement was made, a spectacular firework display erupted around Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building. The celebration has started and plans have been made. To compound the excitement, the announcement of the win coincided with the celebration of the 42nd National Day on December 2.

The theme for the 2020 Expo is 'Connecting Mind, Creating the Future' and is aimed at creating a better future for the region's youth.

New infrastructure will be built to accommodate the influx of visitors and dignitaries. There are ambitious plans to build a replica of the Taj Mahal and a residential complex built around a giant pyramid. Officials estimate there will be over 270,000 new jobs in 2018 until after the Expo closes in 2020.

“The Expo will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity,” tweeted Sheikh Mohammed. (UAE’s Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai)

“Congratulations to #Dubai for winning #Expo2020. We know you will do a fantastic job. #Mabruk!” tweeted the British Foreign Secretary William Hague. (Al Arabiya News)

Dubai is already known for it's lavish lifestyle and luxuriously appointed hotels and restaurants. No doubt this will be an Expo to be remembered. Sheikh Mohammed has promised to astonish, and the world fully expects they will do just that.

“Dubai authorities expect Expo 2020 will generate $23 billion between 2015 and 2021, and estimate it will cost $8.4 billion to organize.” (AP)

Last year, the World Expo was held in Yeosu, South Korea and the next World Expo will be held in Milan, Italy in 2015.

Dubai expects to host 25 million visitors over a six month period in 2020. What can these visitors expect to see at the World Expo in Dubai? Traditionally, expo's are held every five years, giving the host nation the opportunity to present their developments in science and culture.

The new expo complex will be built near its new airport in the city’s desert outskirts.

“Expo 2020 will trigger higher levels of tourism, economic and investment activity in the UAE.”

Khalid Howladar at Moody’s Investors Service.

Mamma Mia Restaurant is thrilled with the news and expects they'll be taking on extra staff as well.

The first World Expo was held in 1851 in London. Sometimes known as the World Fair, it is always an event that draws huge crowds. Normally new inventions are unveiled. In past World Fairs, viewers saw the first telephone in 1876, the electrical outlet in 1904, the Ferris Wheel in 1893 and touchscreens in 1982.

In the case of the newly unveiled Ferris Wheel it pulled in $725,00 making it the only part of the Fair that was profitable. It was built by George Ferris and was 264 feet in diameter with 36 little closed cabins. People used those cabins for weddings and parties, and some just wanted to ride.

Other inventions include the sewing machine (Paris 1855), the ice cream cone in St. Louis in 1904, and the elevator in Dublin in 1853. All this makes us wonder, what will Dubai be unveiling? As masters at luxury and elegance, we really do expect something incredible.

Visit the website today for more information, including how to book a table for the upcoming public holiday: http://mammamiadubai.com/

About Mamma Mia
As one of the only providers of Arabic and Italian cuisine on Dubai Marina, Mamma Mia is one of the most popular and inviting restaurants in the area. The family-friendly ambience and the delicious gourmet food keep diners coming back again and again, whether it is for a casual meal or a special event.

Editor's Note: Issued by Dakota Digital. For more information please contact Rebecca Appleton. Email: Rebecca@dakotadigital.co.uk or Tel: 01623 428996.