The sky above the world's tallest building was this evening illuminated by fireworks as Dubai was named host city of the Expo 2020.Will there be an Israel exhibit?
The city, part of the United Arab Emirates, fought off competition from Brazil, Turkey and Russia in its much-hyped bid to run the exhibition.
Fireworks popped around Dubai's Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, as the announcement was made thousands of kilometres away in Paris.
Dubai is now expected to spend billions of dollars preparing for the World Expo, according to industry estimates.
Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashed al-Maktoum promised that the event would “astonish” the world.
“Dubai #Expo2020 will breathe new life into the ancient role of the Middle East as a melting pot for cultures and creativity,” Sheikh Mohammed tweeted.
Foreign government officials also welcomed the news. “Congratulations to #Dubai for winning #Expo2020. We know you will do a fantastic job. #Mabruk!” tweeted the British Foreign Secretary William Hague.
Given that Dubai routinely bans Israelis from entering the country (except for high-profile sporting events that would threaten to boycott the country otherwise,) this could be an interesting test of its supposed tolerance.