The UAE has always enjoyed participating in World Expos; recently 2015 in Milano – Italy, previously, 2012 in Yeosu – South Korea; 2010 in Shanghai, China; 2000 in Hanover and others before. And now, after an established track record of successfully positioning itself among participating countries, the UAE and Dubai developed the confidence in its ability to dare to dream beyond participation and bid for a World Expo in 2020. The UAE has achieved much in its relatively short history. This is evidenced in terms of infrastructure, iconic facilities and the emergence of global brands. Bidding and winning one of the iconic mega events was, at one level, a logical ‘next step’ for Dubai and the UAE but was also one fraught with risk and challenge. After all, the Emirate lacked the experience of such bids and went into the process with limited expectations. The conception and bidding for Expo 2020 eschewed normal methods associated with the mega event bidding process and was driven by high octane energy and faith in the capacity and capabilities of the leadership team. The euphoria on delivery is a testimony to how much this mattered to the team and to the Emirate and, perhaps, provides a useful lesson to cities aspiring to bid for similar events