Dubai were selected to host the event in 2013 and is due to stage it between October 2020 and April 2021.

The theme of the Expo will be "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" and is expected to feature 200 participants, including countries, multilateral organisations, corporates and educational institutions.

Organisers claim they expect the Expo to be visited 25 million times with 70 per cent of people attending the event set to come from outside the United Arab Emirates. 

"I am delighted to have someone of Simon's caliber, leadership skills and considerable management experience of large global events join our team," Reem Al-Hashimy, the director general of Expo 2020 and the UAE's Minister for International Cooperation, said. 

"His management and commercial skills will strengthen our team and help ensure the successful delivery of our 1,082 acre site.

"I look forward to working with him on this hugely important event for Dubai, the UAE and the entire region."

The 56-year-old Clegg, formerly chief executive of the British Olympic Association and Ipswich Town Football Club, had played a key role in the successful delivery of Baku 2015 after joining them in April 2014. 

"I am very excited about joining the team at Expo 2020," he said.

"The vision and ambition of the project will make it a stunning experience.

"Within each country's pavilion visitors will be able to experience the rich diversity and culture that makes up our planet as well as seeing the latest technological developments around each of our chosen themes.

"Dubai is already one of the world's greatest tourist destinations and its position will be further cemented through the hosting of this truly global event."