• The UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The UAE pavilion’s 'falcon taking flight' concept was developed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE pavilion’s 'falcon taking flight' concept was developed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The interior of the pavilion portrays the UAE's rich cultural legacy, community stories, the values of its people, its deep-rooted history and the leadership’s vision for the future. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The interior of the pavilion portrays the UAE's rich cultural legacy, community stories, the values of its people, its deep-rooted history and the leadership’s vision for the future. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The UAE pavilion has been a favourite with world leaders and visitors. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE pavilion has been a favourite with world leaders and visitors. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • Crowds gather outside the Saudi Arabia pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Crowds gather outside the Saudi Arabia pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Covering an area the size of two football fields, the Saudi pavilion resembles a giant window opening to the sky. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Covering an area the size of two football fields, the Saudi pavilion resembles a giant window opening to the sky. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Turkmenistan's pavilion, where visitors are accompanied by virtual Akhal-Teke horses. Photo: Expo 2020
    Turkmenistan's pavilion, where visitors are accompanied by virtual Akhal-Teke horses. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of Turkmenistan's pavilion. Expo 2020
    The interior of Turkmenistan's pavilion. Expo 2020
  • South Korea's pavilion is located in the Mobility District. Antonie Robertson / The National
    South Korea's pavilion is located in the Mobility District. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • South Korea's pavilion features a facade that constantly changes throughout the day, based on its surroundings. Pawan Singh/The National.
    South Korea's pavilion features a facade that constantly changes throughout the day, based on its surroundings. Pawan Singh/The National.
  • Thousands of flowers cover the outer shell of the Thailand pavilion as regular dance and cultural shows entertain visitors. Photo: Expo 2020
    Thousands of flowers cover the outer shell of the Thailand pavilion as regular dance and cultural shows entertain visitors. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Models of gold and red dragon boats greet visitors, after which short films showcase trade and technology in Thailand. Photo: Expo 2020
    Models of gold and red dragon boats greet visitors, after which short films showcase trade and technology in Thailand. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of Thailand's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The interior of Thailand's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The exterior of the Kazakhstan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The exterior of the Kazakhstan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • 'Unlimited Space', unique show about the future of mankind, at the Kazakhstan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
    'Unlimited Space', unique show about the future of mankind, at the Kazakhstan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National
  • The India pavilion is among the most popular at Expo, with more than one million visits since the event opened on October 1.
    The India pavilion is among the most popular at Expo, with more than one million visits since the event opened on October 1.
  • The ground floor of India's pavilion focuses on space and yoga.
    The ground floor of India's pavilion focuses on space and yoga.
  • Pakistan's striking pavilion has also been popular with visitors to the world's fair.
    Pakistan's striking pavilion has also been popular with visitors to the world's fair.
  • The Shesha Mahal, a hand-crafted mirror artwork at the Pakistan pavilion.
    The Shesha Mahal, a hand-crafted mirror artwork at the Pakistan pavilion.
  • Beams of green light are cast on to the ceiling at the Pakistan pavilion to highlight the country's Billion Trees campaign.
    Beams of green light are cast on to the ceiling at the Pakistan pavilion to highlight the country's Billion Trees campaign.
  • China's pavilion is more than 23 metres high and covers 4,636 square metres. Photo: Expo 2020
    China's pavilion is more than 23 metres high and covers 4,636 square metres. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Modelled on a traditional lantern and built using LED lamp panels, the pavilion is called 'Light of China' and symbolises reunion and hope. Photo: Expo 2020
    Modelled on a traditional lantern and built using LED lamp panels, the pavilion is called 'Light of China' and symbolises reunion and hope. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of Vietnam's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The interior of Vietnam's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Vietnam pavilion marries traditional elements with contemporary references. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Vietnam pavilion marries traditional elements with contemporary references. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Syria pavilion is located in the Mobility District. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Syria pavilion is located in the Mobility District. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilisations, showcases a rich artistic and cultural heritage at its pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilisations, showcases a rich artistic and cultural heritage at its pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Visitors inside the Syria Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Visitors inside the Syria Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Kuwait's pavilion has a futuristic designs. Photo: Expo 2020
    Kuwait's pavilion has a futuristic designs. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The pavilion offers visitors an opportunity to understand the history, cultural heritage and achievements of Kuwait.
    The pavilion offers visitors an opportunity to understand the history, cultural heritage and achievements of Kuwait.
  • Visitors inside Kuwait's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Visitors inside Kuwait's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Tajikistan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Tajikistan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Tajikistan's pavilion highlights the harmony of human life with nature using the source of life: water. Photo: Expo 2020
    Tajikistan's pavilion highlights the harmony of human life with nature using the source of life: water. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Qatar pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Qatar pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • A holographic display on the coming World Cup at the Qatar pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National
    A holographic display on the coming World Cup at the Qatar pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National
  • The Nepal pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Nepal pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Nepal's pavilion offers visitors a chance to relive the physical and spiritual journey of travellers on the ancient India-Nepal-China route. Photo: Expo 2020
    Nepal's pavilion offers visitors a chance to relive the physical and spiritual journey of travellers on the ancient India-Nepal-China route. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Myanmar pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Myanmar pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Myanmar's pavilion incorporates unique wooden architecture and showcases the significant culture, deep history and values of its people. Photo: Expo 2020
    Myanmar's pavilion incorporates unique wooden architecture and showcases the significant culture, deep history and values of its people. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of the Timor-Leste pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The interior of the Timor-Leste pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • A traditional 'Kind Face' sculpture at Sri Lanka's pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A traditional 'Kind Face' sculpture at Sri Lanka's pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Mongolia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Mongolia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Kyrgyzstan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Kyrgyzstan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Kyrgyzstan's pavilion allows visitors to explore the country's history, traditions and cultural heritage. Photo: Expo 2020
    Kyrgyzstan's pavilion allows visitors to explore the country's history, traditions and cultural heritage. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Laos pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Laos pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Cambodia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Cambodia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The pavilion highlight's Cambodia's traditions and its vision for a sustainable future. Photo: Expo 2020
    The pavilion highlight's Cambodia's traditions and its vision for a sustainable future. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Oman's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Oman's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Visitors to the Omani pavilion learn about water management. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Visitors to the Omani pavilion learn about water management. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Visitors at the Oman Pavilion in Expo 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai. Christophe Viseux/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors at the Oman Pavilion in Expo 2020, Expo 2020 Dubai. Christophe Viseux/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Brunei pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Brunei pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Brunei offers visitors to its pavilion an opportunity to glimpse into its past, present and future, and also celebrate its culture. Photo: Expo 2020
    Brunei offers visitors to its pavilion an opportunity to glimpse into its past, present and future, and also celebrate its culture. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Bhutan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Bhutan pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Bangladesh pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Bangladesh pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Bahrain pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National.
    The Bahrain pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National.
  • Visitors to the Bahrain pavilion will feel as if they are walking through a dense forest. Pawan Singh/The National.
    Visitors to the Bahrain pavilion will feel as if they are walking through a dense forest. Pawan Singh/The National.
  • The Iran pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Iran pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of the Iran pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The interior of the Iran pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Iran Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Iran Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. Suneesh Sudhakaran/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Yemen's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Yemen's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Yemen's pavilion offers visitors a chance to see how 'ancient and modern knowledge connects to bring about future achievements'.
    Yemen's pavilion offers visitors a chance to see how 'ancient and modern knowledge connects to bring about future achievements'.
  • Lebanon's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Lebanon's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Lebanon's pavilion celebrates the country’s most valuable resource: its people. Photo: Expo 2020
    Lebanon's pavilion celebrates the country’s most valuable resource: its people. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Jordan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    Jordan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Jordan offers visitors the chance to embark a virtual journey through a canyon linking the desert city of Petra. Photo: Expo 2020
    Jordan offers visitors the chance to embark a virtual journey through a canyon linking the desert city of Petra. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Bangladesh pavilion showcases sustainable, eco-friendly handicrafts and jute products. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Bangladesh pavilion showcases sustainable, eco-friendly handicrafts and jute products. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Israel pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The Israel pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Israel's pavilion offers a 360-degree immersive show on a 250-square-metre screen that highlights the country's innovations for a better future. Photo: Expo 2020
    Israel's pavilion offers a 360-degree immersive show on a 250-square-metre screen that highlights the country's innovations for a better future. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The interior of Israel's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
    The interior of Israel's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020
  • Visitors outside the Iraq Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. David Koriako/Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors outside the Iraq Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. David Koriako/Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Iraq's pavilion was designed by RAW-NYC Architects and is located in the Opportunity district. Photo: Expo 2020
    Iraq's pavilion was designed by RAW-NYC Architects and is located in the Opportunity district. Photo: Expo 2020
  • The Uzbekistan pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National
    The Uzbekistan pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National
  • Lanterns light up the interior of Uzbekistan's pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Lanterns light up the interior of Uzbekistan's pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Japan pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
    The Japan pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
  • Japan offers a promise of an immersive encounter, specifically tailored to each individual’s interest, at its pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
    Japan offers a promise of an immersive encounter, specifically tailored to each individual’s interest, at its pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
  • The Azerbaijan pavilion was designed by Elisa Ruggeri. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Azerbaijan pavilion was designed by Elisa Ruggeri. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Azerbaijan's pavilion is located in the Sustainability District. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Azerbaijan's pavilion is located in the Sustainability District. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Visitors inside Armenia's pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    Visitors inside Armenia's pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The Singapore pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Singapore pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Singapore's pavilion features the Dipterocarp seed kinetic sculpture inside the structure's Rainforest Cone.
    Singapore's pavilion features the Dipterocarp seed kinetic sculpture inside the structure's Rainforest Cone.
  • The Philippine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Philippine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • An interior view of the Philippine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    An interior view of the Philippine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Different craft on display at the Afghanistan pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Different craft on display at the Afghanistan pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Maldives pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    The Maldives pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The Palestine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Palestine pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors will learn about Palestine's deep history and ancient buildings as they take an lift ride that simulates rising high above the bustling streets of Jerusalem. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors will learn about Palestine's deep history and ancient buildings as they take an lift ride that simulates rising high above the bustling streets of Jerusalem. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Indonesia's pavilion.
    Indonesia's pavilion.
  • A miniature version of a ship used during the days of the spice trade, at the Indonesia pavilion.
    A miniature version of a ship used during the days of the spice trade, at the Indonesia pavilion.
  • The Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The interior of Malaysia's pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National
    The interior of Malaysia's pavilion. Pawan Singh/The National

Leaving a legacy was always in the Expo 2020 Dubai master plan


Alice Haine
  • English
  • Arabic

As Expo 2020 Dubai draws to a close, it is the end of a chapter for architect Daniel Hajjar, the managing principal for HOK across Europe and the Mena region.

HOK was the lead design firm on the original master plan, which was submitted to World Expos in 2012, with Dubai winning the bid on November 27, 2013, against four other cities.

Mr Hajjar will never forget that moment.

“I was actually on a plane coming in to land in Dubai, and there were fireworks going off all around the city. So that’s how I knew they had won it,” he tells The National.

A firework display at Burj Khalifa was part of the celebrations as Dubai was named the host city for Expo 2020. Christopher Pike / The National
A firework display at Burj Khalifa was part of the celebrations as Dubai was named the host city for Expo 2020. Christopher Pike / The National

When the world’s fair ends on March 31, the 4.38 square-kilometre area will be repurposed to host 145,000 residents and workers.

More than 600 start-ups and small businesses from around the globe already want to be the first tenants of District 2020, the name of the legacy site, which will open in October.

The $8 billion Expo development forms a large part of Dubai's 2040 Urban Master Plan, with the area helping to house a projected population of 5.8 million.

“[An Expo] is a significant investment for Dubai to make. So, fundamentally, it’s the responsible thing to do to try to keep as much of it as you can,” says Mr Hajjar, who divides his time between the firm's London and Dubai offices.

  • The UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    The UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
  • View from the Garden in the Sky at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National
    View from the Garden in the Sky at Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Cristiano Ronaldo taking a selfie with fans after a Q&A session for Expo’s Health and Wellness Week at the Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Cristiano Ronaldo taking a selfie with fans after a Q&A session for Expo’s Health and Wellness Week at the Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A young guest enjoys the spectacular light show at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National
    A young guest enjoys the spectacular light show at Al Wasl Plaza. Victor Besa / The National
  • The flowing contours of the UAE pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
    The flowing contours of the UAE pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
  • Visitors follow a foggy path to the summit of the Swiss pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors follow a foggy path to the summit of the Swiss pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Infinite Nights: Coldplay perform at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Infinite Nights: Coldplay perform at Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Tricolours to the fore as France marks its Expo celebration day. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Tricolours to the fore as France marks its Expo celebration day. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Saudi pavilion lit up at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Saudi pavilion lit up at night. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The French pavilion features a projection of 'The Rose', a 13th-century stained-glass window from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The French pavilion features a projection of 'The Rose', a 13th-century stained-glass window from Notre Dame cathedral in Paris. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dubai opened Expo 2020 with a dazzling ceremony featuring fireworks and light displays. AFP
    Dubai opened Expo 2020 with a dazzling ceremony featuring fireworks and light displays. AFP
  • A young visitor checks out the Expo's popular water feature. Pawan Singh / The National
    A young visitor checks out the Expo's popular water feature. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Students from Abu Dhabi Police Academy at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Students from Abu Dhabi Police Academy at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Aerial view of a calligraphy bench. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Aerial view of a calligraphy bench. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A visitor takes a picture of the spectacular Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A visitor takes a picture of the spectacular Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Aerial view of Luxembourg's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Aerial view of Luxembourg's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • An aerobatics team pass above the Pakistan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    An aerobatics team pass above the Pakistan pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • Inside the Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Inside the Malaysia pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Al Wasl dome is displayed with different faces at the Police Academy Graduation in celebration of the country's 50th anniversary. Ruel Pableo / The National
    The Al Wasl dome is displayed with different faces at the Police Academy Graduation in celebration of the country's 50th anniversary. Ruel Pableo / The National
  • A young visitor stands in front of 'Fluidum', a kinetic statue made up of 85 robotically controlled mirrors, representing a vertical water surface, at the Czech pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
    A young visitor stands in front of 'Fluidum', a kinetic statue made up of 85 robotically controlled mirrors, representing a vertical water surface, at the Czech pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari / The National
  • The Mare and the Foal sculpture outside Alif - The Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Mare and the Foal sculpture outside Alif - The Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Night view of Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Night view of Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Women's Pavilion by Cartier. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The Women's Pavilion by Cartier. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Exterior detail of Kazakhstan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Exterior detail of Kazakhstan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • A school group inside the UAE pavilion holding Expo passports. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    A school group inside the UAE pavilion holding Expo passports. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Water Feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Water Feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Al Wasl on a foggy morning. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Al Wasl on a foggy morning. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors at the Montenegro pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors at the Montenegro pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Kuwait pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Kuwait pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Artists performing during the UAE’s 50th National Day celebration at the Al Wasl plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Artists performing during the UAE’s 50th National Day celebration at the Al Wasl plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A visitor inside the ‘Gorge’ at Finland's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    A visitor inside the ‘Gorge’ at Finland's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Fireworks seen from The Mobility Portal. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Fireworks seen from The Mobility Portal. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The opening ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Exterior of the Poland pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Exterior of the Poland pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Infinite Nights: Alicia Keys at Al Wasl. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Infinite Nights: Alicia Keys at Al Wasl. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The UK pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The UK pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Singapore pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Singapore pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Bahrain pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Bahrain pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Saudi Arabia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Saudi Arabia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Opening ceremony dress rehearsal. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Opening ceremony dress rehearsal. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Firework display during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Firework display during UAE National Day and the Golden Jubilee celebrations. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Aerial view of the UK pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Aerial view of the UK pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Russia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Russia pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Monaco pavilion. The entrance is based on a kaleidoscope. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Monaco pavilion. The entrance is based on a kaleidoscope. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The installation celebrating the UAE Golden Jubilee at the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The installation celebrating the UAE Golden Jubilee at the Mobility Pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The UAE pavilion on a foggy morning. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The UAE pavilion on a foggy morning. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Turkmenistan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Turkmenistan's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors outside Switzerland's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Visitors outside Switzerland's pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Junaid Mohammed proposes to Hiba Zubair at the Water Feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Junaid Mohammed proposes to Hiba Zubair at the Water Feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The US pavilion is reflected in a visitor's sunglasses. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The US pavilion is reflected in a visitor's sunglasses. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

What is key about this transformation is that 80 per cent of the structures will remain in some form, with the aim of creating a sustainable development as a focal point of the original master plan, says Mr Hajjar.

It is also a fundamental difference between Dubai’s event and previous expos, when the majority of the pavilions were typically taken down at the end of the six-month event.

Mr Hajjar says that is done is in accordance with Bureau International des Expositions regulations.

“When expos are held, one of the rules is that the pavilions put up have to be taken down within six months of the completion of the expo,” said Mr Hajjar.

“You can appreciate, there was a fair amount of capital invested, there was a fair amount of infrastructure invested. So the question really was, how can we actually leverage what has been invested in terms of creating a legacy plan for the site?”

Daniel Hajjar, managing principal of HOK in Europe and the Mena region, was flying into Dubai when the city won the Expo 2020 bid. HOK London & Dubai
Daniel Hajjar, managing principal of HOK in Europe and the Mena region, was flying into Dubai when the city won the Expo 2020 bid. HOK London & Dubai

This formed one of two changes to the original master plan HOK put in place after Dubai won the bid.

The first was to accelerate building Dubai World Central – the airport at the heart of the project – and the second was tweaking the master plan to ensure the design was sustainable, with the site able to continue its life long after the Expo visitors left.

The HOK team visited other expo cities to understand their strategies after the events ended. In Shanghai, for example, they found 95 per cent of the pavilions had been removed.

“As a result, Dubai is one of the first Expos to change that rule fundamentally," Mr Hajjar says.

“Not only is [removing everything], an irresponsible thing to do from an environmental perspective, it also creates this gap within the city fabric.”

HOK came up with the first legacy plan, asking itself some key questions such as “how does the site transition into being part of your city because eventually, after the event, you're going to be relying on your citizens who live there to make it viable", says Mr Hajjar.

While the HOK initiative saw the site become the home of the Dubai International Exhibition Centre, other firms have since decided the main elements of that plan.

  • Inside the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Inside the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Visitors inside the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
    Visitors inside the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
  • The front of the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
    The front of the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
  • Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A tour of the UAE Pavillion at EXPO 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
    A tour of the UAE Pavillion at EXPO 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • Visitors outside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
    Visitors outside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
  • Emirati singers perform at the UAE pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Emirati singers perform at the UAE pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • Visitors at the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
    Visitors at the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. (Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National)
  • Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
    Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Photo: Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
    The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa/ The National.
  • Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Cody Combs / The National
    Inside the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020. Cody Combs / The National

Last month, David Gourlay, director of architecture for District 2020, said the site would become the UAE’s first “15-minute city", with residents able to walk or cycle from end to end without the need for a car.

Meanwhile, the UK has already said it will open a hydrogen innovation centre with the UAE on the legacy site, while Italy will run a “renaissance” legacy project to preserve archaeological artefacts and art recovered from war zones.

Even before the world's fair began, chief experience officer Marjan Faraidooni said some of the largest buildings on site were built with the future in mind.

That is certainly what Mr Hajjar was asked to create, with the architect delighted to see elements of his original design during a visit to Expo in November.

“It was exhilarating," he says. "The fact that you remember either drawing the lines in the design or discussing the design and then seeing it come to fruition – that's why you're in this profession. That's what makes it exciting.”

That focus on sustainability was key from the outset, says Mr Hajjar. It formed one of its sub-themes along with mobility and opportunity, with the extension of the Dubai Metro central to making it all happen.

“How can you have a sustainable Expo, if people are going to get in their cars and drive there?” says Mr Hajjar, highlighting the necessity for the extension of the vital transport link.

  • More than 80,000 plants cover the winding walkways of Singapore’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    More than 80,000 plants cover the winding walkways of Singapore’s pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Netherland's pavilion includes a giant vertical farm, growing edible herbs and mushrooms. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Netherland's pavilion includes a giant vertical farm, growing edible herbs and mushrooms. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion – is surrounded by 18 Energy Trees. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion – is surrounded by 18 Energy Trees. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Kaynemaile installation at the New Zealand pavilion is designed to represent a flowing river. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Kaynemaile installation at the New Zealand pavilion is designed to represent a flowing river. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The exterior of the plant-covered Singapore pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The exterior of the plant-covered Singapore pavilion. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Exhibits inside the Singapore pavilion illustrates conservation efforts to preserve endangered orchid species. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Exhibits inside the Singapore pavilion illustrates conservation efforts to preserve endangered orchid species. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Belgium pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai includes a hanging garden of plants designed to absorb carbon and release oxygen, and to render the building carbon-neutral. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Belgium pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai includes a hanging garden of plants designed to absorb carbon and release oxygen, and to render the building carbon-neutral. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Designed by Moroccan architect Tarik Oualalou, the pavilion uses the traditional technique of rammed-earth construction to create 22 stacked rectangular spaces. Photo: Expo Morocco
    Designed by Moroccan architect Tarik Oualalou, the pavilion uses the traditional technique of rammed-earth construction to create 22 stacked rectangular spaces. Photo: Expo Morocco
  • The 14 exhibition spaces inside Morocco's pavilion are connected by a continuous ‘inner street’, which begins at the building’s uppermost floor and gradually descends to the ground. Photo: Expo Morocco
    The 14 exhibition spaces inside Morocco's pavilion are connected by a continuous ‘inner street’, which begins at the building’s uppermost floor and gradually descends to the ground. Photo: Expo Morocco

The build and delivery of the event is also testament to Dubai and the UAE's wider commitment and drive when it comes to ensuring a project goes ahead.

“That's one thing I give the Emirates and region credit for – once they agree a plan and go forward, they execute it very well," says Mr Hajjar.

"And the way the site is structured, the way it's organised – not just the hardscape of the site, but the way they are dealing with people is admirable."

Other lessons his team learnt from examining previous expos included finding a way to keep visitors queuing at pavilions entertained.

“We knew there would be more demand on some of the more popular pavilions,” he says.

It was about “how you actually engage the public realm, the landscape, the physical structure of the plan, to keep people engaged, so they don't feel like they've wasted” time, he says.

While the master plan is one of HOK’s prouder developments for the Emirates, Mr Hajjar puts the total value on the megaprojects the company has worked on in the country at Dh4 billion to Dh5bn ($1.08bn to $1.36bn).

Notable projects within that figure include the design of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company headquarters on the Corniche in the capital, a project that was completed in 2014.

“One of the directives was to create a timeless symbol,” he says.

“That's a huge challenge because in the era of every building twisting or shouting, the more bizarre the shape, the better, I think the elegant portal of Adnoc will stand the test of time.

"It is simple, timeless, classic and yet still expressing itself in a modern manner as opposed to hearkening to the past.”

HOK designed the Adnoc headquarters on the Corniche in the UAE capital. Christopher Pike
HOK designed the Adnoc headquarters on the Corniche in the UAE capital. Christopher Pike

One of Mr Hajjar’s favourite projects because it "set the benchmark in terms of quality" in the country, is the six residential, high-rise towers and 64 villas completed in the first phase of the Dubai Marina community in 2004.

There is also the Etihad Arena on Yas Island, the Middle East's largest indoor arena, with other regional achievements including the 80-storey Public Investment Fund Tower in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, the Central Bank of Kuwait, and the Yiti and Yenkit residential and resort development in Oman.

The Etihad Arena on Yas Island is another HOK achievement. Yas Island
The Etihad Arena on Yas Island is another HOK achievement. Yas Island

While most of the company's Middle East work is now focused on Saudi Arabia, which is undergoing a rapid transformation as it strives to diversify its economy away from a reliance on hydrocarbons, one theme stands out across all of HOK's developments: sustainability.

“Sustainability for us is something that we've been doing pretty much since the founding of the firm,” says Mr Hajjar.

“HOK as a practice ... wrote the first textbook, to teach sustainability in universities and it's remained very much a fundamental mantra to whatever it is that we do."

This has helped spur the company's presence in the GCC to see the "level of consciousness related to sustainability really ramp up".

"In Abu Dhabi, in particular, when they introduced the Urban Planning Council and the Pearl Rating System for sustainability, it was the first government body in the region that formalised their sustainability protocols and goals," Mr Hajjar says.

"After that happened, you began seeing a lot more different areas or regions within the peninsula looking at implementing those."

Now the UAE is looking towards hosting its next mega event: the UN climate change summit, Cop28, in 2023.

“This is another important event,” says Mr Hajjar.

“It's one of these things where someone would say, 'Well, why are we having a Cop in the middle of the desert?'

“That is something that the world needs to tackle, because there's increasing desertification happening, globally and water resources are probably going to be more valuable than oil in the future.”

For the Cop28 organisers, Expo is an illustration of how successful a mega-event can be.

Not only has it succeeded on the sustainability front, it overcame the enormous challenge posed by the Covid-19 pandemic, which forced the organisers to delay the event until October last year.

Ultimately, there are two lasting messages that Expo will leave behind, Mr Hajjar says.

“One, it is the first Arab country to host an international event like this,” he says.

The second is that many wondered whether the expo concept “had had its day", he says, because anyone who wants to find out information can simply look it up on the internet.

But with the pandemic forcing the world to rely on remote working and video calls “Expo Dubai really created an environment where everybody realised how important it was for people to get together”, he says.

“To a certain degree, the Zoom and Teams' environment may have contributed to its success inadvertently, because everyone was fed up with being virtual all the time," he says.

Our legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

The Florida Project

Director: Sean Baker

Starring: Bria Vinaite, Brooklynn Prince, Willem Dafoe

Four stars

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Revival
Eminem
Interscope

The specs

Engine: 2-litre 4-cylinder and 3.6-litre 6-cylinder

Power: 220 and 280 horsepower

Torque: 350 and 360Nm

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Price: from Dh136,521 VAT and Dh166,464 VAT 

On sale: now

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Company profile

Name: Tharb

Started: December 2016

Founder: Eisa Alsubousi

Based: Abu Dhabi

Sector: Luxury leather goods

Initial investment: Dh150,000 from personal savings

 

Groom and Two Brides

Director: Elie Semaan

Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla

Rating: 3/5

Adele: The Stories Behind The Songs
Caroline Sullivan
Carlton Books

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%3Cp%3E%3Cspan%20style%3D%22font-size%3A%2014px%3B%22%3E6pm%3A%20Go%20Soldier%20Go%3Cbr%3E6.35pm%3A%20Man%20Of%20Promise%3Cbr%3E7.10pm%3A%20Withering%3Cbr%3E7.45pm%3A%20Mawj%3Cbr%3E8.20pm%3A%20Falling%20Shadow%3Cbr%3E8.55pm%3A%20Law%20Of%20Peace%3Cbr%3E9.30pm%3A%20Naval%20Power%3Cbr%3E10.05pm%3A%20The%20Attorney%3C%2Fspan%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
MATCH INFO

West Ham United 2 (Antonio 73', Ogbonna 90 5')

Tottenham Hotspur 3 (Son 36', Moura 42', Kane 49')

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Other acts on the Jazz Garden bill

Sharrie Williams
The American singer is hugely respected in blues circles due to her passionate vocals and songwriting. Born and raised in Michigan, Williams began recording and touring as a teenage gospel singer. Her career took off with the blues band The Wiseguys. Such was the acclaim of their live shows that they toured throughout Europe and in Africa. As a solo artist, Williams has also collaborated with the likes of the late Dizzy Gillespie, Van Morrison and Mavis Staples.
Lin Rountree
An accomplished smooth jazz artist who blends his chilled approach with R‘n’B. Trained at the Duke Ellington School of the Arts in Washington, DC, Rountree formed his own band in 2004. He has also recorded with the likes of Kem, Dwele and Conya Doss. He comes to Dubai on the back of his new single Pass The Groove, from his forthcoming 2018 album Stronger Still, which may follow his five previous solo albums in cracking the top 10 of the US jazz charts.
Anita Williams
Dubai-based singer Anita Williams will open the night with a set of covers and swing, jazz and blues standards that made her an in-demand singer across the emirate. The Irish singer has been performing in Dubai since 2008 at venues such as MusicHall and Voda Bar. Her Jazz Garden appearance is career highlight as she will use the event to perform the original song Big Blue Eyes, the single from her debut solo album, due for release soon.

The biog

Favourite book: Homegoing by Yaa Gyasi

Favourite holiday destination: Spain

Favourite film: Bohemian Rhapsody

Favourite place to visit in the UAE: The beach or Satwa

Children: Stepdaughter Tyler 27, daughter Quito 22 and son Dali 19

Secret Pigeon Service: Operation Colomba, Resistance and the Struggle to Liberate Europe
Gordon Corera, Harper Collins

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cylinder turbo hybrid

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 390bhp

Torque: 400Nm

Price: Dh340,000 ($92,579

COMPANY PROFILE
Name: ARDH Collective
Based: Dubai
Founders: Alhaan Ahmed, Alyina Ahmed and Maximo Tettamanzi
Sector: Sustainability
Total funding: Self funded
Number of employees: 4

Dunbar
Edward St Aubyn
Hogarth

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The Beach Bum

Director: Harmony Korine

Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg

Two stars

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-finals, second leg:

Liverpool (0) v Barcelona (3), Tuesday, 11pm UAE

Game is on BeIN Sports

Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

What is the definition of an SME?

SMEs in the UAE are defined by the number of employees, annual turnover and sector. For example, a “small company” in the services industry has six to 50 employees with a turnover of more than Dh2 million up to Dh20m, while in the manufacturing industry the requirements are 10 to 100 employees with a turnover of more than Dh3m up to Dh50m, according to Dubai SME, an agency of the Department of Economic Development.

A “medium-sized company” can either have staff of 51 to 200 employees or 101 to 250 employees, and a turnover less than or equal to Dh200m or Dh250m, again depending on whether the business is in the trading, manufacturing or services sectors. 

if you go

The flights

Fly to Rome with Etihad (www.etihad.ae) or Emirates (www.emirates.com) from Dh2,480 return including taxes. The flight takes six hours. Fly from Rome to Trapani with Ryanair (www.ryanair.com) from Dh420 return including taxes. The flight takes one hour 10 minutes. 

The hotels 

The author recommends the following hotels for this itinerary. In Trapani, Ai Lumi (www.ailumi.it); in Marsala, Viacolvento (www.viacolventomarsala.it); and in Marsala Del Vallo, the Meliaresort Dimore Storiche (www.meliaresort.it).

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If you go

The flights
Return flights from Dubai to Santiago, via Sao Paolo cost from Dh5,295 with Emirates


The trip
A five-day trip (not including two days of flight travel) was split between Santiago and in Puerto Varas, with more time spent in the later where excursions were organised by TurisTour.
 

When to go
The summer months, from December to February are best though there is beauty in each season

Lexus LX700h specs

Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor

Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh590,000

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Muguruza's singles career in stats

WTA titles 3

Prize money US$11,128,219 (Dh40,873,133.82)

Wins / losses 293 / 149

'The worst thing you can eat'

Trans fat is typically found in fried and baked goods, but you may be consuming more than you think.

Powdered coffee creamer, microwave popcorn and virtually anything processed with a crust is likely to contain it, as this guide from Mayo Clinic outlines: 

Baked goods - Most cakes, cookies, pie crusts and crackers contain shortening, which is usually made from partially hydrogenated vegetable oil. Ready-made frosting is another source of trans fat.

Snacks - Potato, corn and tortilla chips often contain trans fat. And while popcorn can be a healthy snack, many types of packaged or microwave popcorn use trans fat to help cook or flavour the popcorn.

Fried food - Foods that require deep frying — french fries, doughnuts and fried chicken — can contain trans fat from the oil used in the cooking process.

Refrigerator dough - Products such as canned biscuits and cinnamon rolls often contain trans fat, as do frozen pizza crusts.

Creamer and margarine - Nondairy coffee creamer and stick margarines also may contain partially hydrogenated vegetable oils.

Updated: March 30, 2022, 6:39 AM