Accenture supports District 2020 vision by establishing a digital hub

Leading professional services company, Accenture, will open a digital hub in District 2020, the legacy site of Expo 2020 Dubai, to help clients across a variety of industries develop innovative digital solutions, working closely with its technology partners.

This initiative signals Accenture’s support to the UAE government’s initiative of accelerating economic and social development through the World Expo and its legacy. It is the second global company this year to announce plans to set up a base in District 2020.

In July this year, Accenture was selected as the Digital Services Premier Partner and Systems Integrator for Expo 2020. It will work with Etisalat Digital, a business unit of the international telecoms and technology service provider Etisalat, the Expo’s Premier Telecommunications and Digital Services Partner.

Unveiled this week at Cityscape Global 2017, District 2020 is an exciting urban development that builds on the journey of the Expo. It will follow the Expo in providing impetus to the UAE economy, attracting world-class talent and investment and facilitating collaboration, creativity and innovation for generations to come.

The decision by Accenture to open its digital hub following Expo 2020 was welcomed by Marjan Faraidooni, Senior Vice-President of Legacy Development and Impact at Expo 2020 Dubai.

"As a Premier Partner of Expo 2020, Accenture is already playing an important role in making the first World Expo in the region a can’t-miss experience for millions. Confirming it will open a digital hub at District 2020. The company is also demonstrating its faith in Dubai as a gateway to global markets, especially in Africa and Asia, and the vision of the UAE’s leaders for the future," she said.

Accenture will harness the physical infrastructure at District 2020 that promotes easy connections for residents and businesses alike. It will benefit from state-of-the-art digital infrastructure and impressive transport links, including the nearby Al Maktoum International Airport, which will connect it with the rest of the world.

Earlier this year, Siemens AG, one of the world’s largest manufacturing and electronic companies and the Intelligent Infrastructure and Operations Premier Partner of Expo 2020 Dubai, announced that it would establish a global headquarters for airports, cargo and ports logistics at the site post-2021.

"Accenture is exactly the type of dynamic, forward-looking company that will be at home among the many other innovators and forward-thinking companies that will be drawn to District 2020. We anticipate that many more world-class companies will follow the example of Accenture and Siemens by establishing a presence at what promises to be a wonderful place to live, work and explore," Faraidooni added.

Gerardo Canta, who leads Accenture’s Communications, Media and Technology practice in the Middle East and Turkey, said, "The Expo 2020 Dubai journey does not end when the gates close in 2021. Accenture is delighted to be a part of this exciting experience long into the future, with our digital hub at District 2020 demonstrating our commitment to helping companies in the region leverage the power of digital to innovate."