Yahoo News 
Small businesses putting plans in place for an Expo 2020 trade...
Should Dubai win the right to host the World Expo 2020 when the vote is announced in Paris on Wednesday, big firms in the UAE will be looking to get their slice of a boom in trade likely to follow.
But small business owners in Dubai are also preparing for a boost if the emirate is successful with its Expo bid, writes Megha Merani.
Dubai-based entrepreneurs consider themselves not only privileged, but also critical stakeholders in the government’s efforts to fuel the nation’s economy by creating an environment in which small and medium enterprises can thrive. But they recognise that their fate lies in their own hands, so the time to plan is now.
IT’S ALL ABOUT LOCATION
“It will not be business as usual,” beauty salon owner Neeti Vivek Kumar insists. She has shown her confidence in the emirate’s potential by moving Grace Beauty Salon’s premises to a more strategic location in Karama in preparation. “We’ve moved to a more visible area, close to a metro station and hotels, so we can tap into Expo traffic. Also, we’re planning to introduce ‘Express’ services for nail, skin and hair care so visitors can opt for quick-fix grooming even on busy days.”
PLOTTING EARLY
The managing director of nine-year-old boutique agency Extra Cake PR says he is building a strong team to take on new accounts ready for 2020. Tristan Irons, 33, told 7DAYS: “The World Expo is renowned for stimulating consumer, visitor and investor spending. The next couple of weeks we will be brainstorming on our growth strategy to support the potential influx of clientele looking to make their mark on the World Expo forum.”
BRANCHING OUT
Pranav Kotak is already diversifying his the 18-month-old restaurant business to include private catering, in anticipation of the increase in the number of events in 2020. The managing director of Little Italy, World Aromas Fine Dining LLC, a vegetarian-only franchise, told 7DAYS: “More people in Dubai means more celebrations, and therefore more catering opportunities. We have recently launched a catering division offering ‘Live’ vegetarian/vegan pasta and pizza stations in anticipation of Dubai winning the bid. With new communities coming up over the next seven years, we will also be opening more outlets. We already have plans to open outlets in Barsha and Sharjah.”
RESERVING SPACE
Rajiv Purshotam (pictured), owner of Dubai-based retailer Al Onood Computers,
is investing in completely new enterprises. “If you’re going to start something, now is the time - before the rents skyrocket. And this way you are well established in the market by the time the crowd starts pouring in. So, in addition to my computer business, I’ve also started a company to buy and sell second-hand cars because I believe Expo visitors are unlikely to want to buy new autos, but will still need something to get around.”
CUSTOM DEMANDS
Mansi Mallya, a bespoke jewellery designer, is underscoring the importance of ensuing years by cementing her relationship with clients. The founder of five-and-a-half-year-old Mansina Jewellery told 7DAYS: “I am sure that 2020 will see a major increase in both corporate and personal orders, and I would not be surprised if I see my turnover triple. I see this as a major opportunity for me to build and strengthen relationships with new and existing customers. I imagine there will be a renewed focus on providing something ‘special’. This is the demand that I would work to meet.”
megha@7days.ae
RELATED LINKS
What would a Dubai Expo mean for UAE professionals?
World would see 'real face' of Middle East if Dubai wins Expo 2020 bid
For more stories like this and other great content, follow our 7DAYSUAE Twitter page by clicking here.
