By Dipo Olowookere
Expo 2020 Dubai has unveiled plans to appoint 70 official licensees for a range of official retail products from next year, with around a third targeted at small or medium sized enterprises (SMEs).
The mega event will accept tenders for more than 5,000 unique products that will be sold at a dedicated 3,000 square-metre ‘Superstore of the Future’ on the Expo site, the flagship outlet of a wider retail network.
Additional Expo 2020 Dubai outlets will be opened across the UAE in the run-up to its opening in October 2020, along with a dedicated online store.
The intention to award a third of the contracts, covering a range of products from commemorative jewellery and watches to souvenirs and digital games, is in line with a broader Expo 2020 commitment to allocate more than 20 per cent of its overall spend to SMEs.
These small and medium-sized companies can strengthen their product offering, develop their brand and expand their global customer base as Expo 2020 Dubai licensees.
Expo 2020 Dubai will also seek partners for locally produced goods, such as ceramics and clothing that capture the culture and heritage of the UAE.
Gillian Hamburger, Vice-President – Commercial at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “Expo 2020 will welcome 25 million visitors. Each and every one of them want to take home a unique souvenir to remind them of their experience.
“We are looking for designers, craftsmen and artisans to work with us to create a unique range of licensed products for visitors to Dubai in the lead-up to and during Expo 2020. It is a significant opportunity.”
Tenders will be accepted across four product categories, comprising souvenirs and collectibles, traditional UAE products such as fragrances and handwoven carpets, premium and luxury collections such as jewellery and leather goods, and mascot-related goods including toys or digital games.
The process will be phased across 2017 and into 2018.
Adedapo Adesanya 
Modupe Gbadeyanka