Global industrial conglomerate GE is playing a significant role in creating the infrastructure for the Rio Olympics. The company is confident it can leverage this experience to contribute to the Gulf Cooperation Council’s upcoming mega events
Expected to cost a staggering $11.6bn, the Rio Olympics 2016 in Brazil – running from August 5 to 21 – is set to be one of the biggest events of the year.
The sporting spectacle, being held for the first time in South America, is anticipated to welcome more than half a million visitors to the city, meaning there has been a herculean effort from the host country to prepare for the influx. From getting large-scale infrastructure in place to handling small services required by athletes, no stone has been left unturned.
However, the journey has certainly not been smooth for the organisers. From healthcare concerns sparked by the Zika virus to political upheaval and corruption charges, the city has had to endure a spate of challenges in the build-up to the games.
But despite all the problems, the organisers are confident the event will be spectacular and safe.
“In terms of the Zika scare, since the event is taking place in winter, there is expected to be very little activity by mosquitoes. We have also taken several precautions to ensure that athletes are protected,” says Rio 2016’s Organising Committee spokesperson Mario Andrada.
He also insists that security-wise, Brazil is teaming up with several other countries to ensure that visitors and athletes are protected.
Addressing political upheaval following the recent impeachment of former Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff, he says: “Brazil is a young democracy and is still learning. These changes do affect the games. But we want to keep corruption off and we want the country to make progress.
“We are confident about the situation now because of the constant dialogue that we have with the society.”
He adds: “As the organising committee, we maintain transparency about our funds as well.”
Private connection
This story is from the August 2016 edition of Gulf Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the August 2016 edition of Gulf Business.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Green lights
It hasn’t even been a full year that Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest auto companies, has been in existence. Still, its wheels are spinning furiously. Here’s what it has in store for the region
Purpose through corporate responsibility
Every organisation must deeply reflect about whether they are leaving behind a legacy or a liability, says Abdulaziz AlSowailim, EY MENA chairman and CEO
Analysing the layers of a coconut
When we have a sense of clarity as to our purpose in life, then we institute the correct practices and habits around us, and set realistic and achievable results
DUNES TO DOMINION
FOR A COUNTRY RICH IN TRADITION AND DRIVEN BY AMBITION, THE UAE’S JOURNEY DURING THE PAST 50 YEARS HAS BEEN UNPRECEDENTED. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE NEXT 50?
Building strong
International investors are boosting Dubai’s residential property market, which has rebounded strongly from the Covid crisis, writes Aarti Nagraj
CHASING THE AMERCIAN DREAM
FOR SHAI ZAMANIAN, THE US IS A LAND OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES, AN AVENUE HE AIMS TO OPEN FOR FAMILIES WORLDWIDE VIA IMMIGRATION. HERE’S HOW HE IS BRINGING HIS GOAL TO FRUITION
OBITUARY: JOCELYN HENDERSON (1921-2021)
THE GRANDE DAME OF ABU DHABI – THE WIFE OF A FORMER DIPLOMAT – PASSED AWAY IN THE UAE CAPITAL AGED 100
THE DIGITAL DISRUPTORS
IN THE COMING YEARS, THE GCC IS EXPECTED TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SECTORS SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, MANUFACTURING, EDUCATION AND RETAIL, WHICH WILL HELP BOOST THE GROWTH OF ITS NON-OIL ECONOMY
Signed, sealed, delivered
Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc, partnered with one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, Ferrari, earlier this year. Here’s where the partnership, and the German company as well, is headed next
UP, UP AND AWAY
AS THE FIRST IN-PERSON AIRSHOW TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE PANDEMIC, THE EVENT SAW SEVERAL DEALS ANNOUNCED
