• Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA
    Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA
  • Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
    Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
  • Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
    Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
  • Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
    Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP
  • A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA
    A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters
  • Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA
    Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images
    Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images
  • An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters
    An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters
  • Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images
  • Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters
    Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters
  • A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters
    A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters
  • A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters
    A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters
  • The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters
    Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters
  • People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
    People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
  • The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP
    The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP

Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones keep it high and low at Expo 2020 Dubai


Saeed Saeed
  • English
  • Arabic

Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones were a study of contrasts when it came to their Expo 2020 Dubai performances as they gave the world a send-off to remember during their closing concerts.

Both delivered crowd-pleasing sets showcasing why both are viewed as the finest voices of their generation in their respective genres.

In what was her first major public concert of 2022, Aguilera was raring to go with a series of greatest hits.

Flanked by dancers, backup singers and a live band, Aguilera delivered the kind of spectacle fit for the occasion.

Taking the Jubilee Stage with a pyrotechnic show, she marauded across the stage and tore into 2002 hit Dirrty followed by signature 1999 anthem Genie in a Bottle.

But it was in the slower numbers that she shined, particularly in the exquisite power ballad The Voice With In.

Jones channelled those intimate vibes throughout her earlier set at the Jubilee Stage.

Performing solo on the piano, the Grammy Award-winner delivered a lovelorn set of tunes, including It Hurts to Be Alone and I’ve Got to See You Again.

Aided by the surprisingly cool breeze that wafted throughout her 9pm show, Jones provided a much-needed respite in what for many was a long and thrilling day.

Ugandan visitor Kevin Lyto, right, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Saeed Saeed/The National
Ugandan visitor Kevin Lyto, right, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Saeed Saeed/The National

Admiring the performances was Kevin Lyto.

The Ugandan tells The National this was his first visit to Expo 2020 Dubai and, like for many others, it was an opportunity to mix business with pleasure.

“Well, for one thing, I wanted to see Christina Aguilera because she is legendary and really the soundtrack to many of us growing up,” he said.

“At the same time I am also an event promoter back in Uganda so I came to Expo to see some of the artists performing and generally understanding how things work here.”

And what is the verdict?

“Oh man, it is great,” he says. “The cool thing about the Expo for me is that there is a lot of things to experience and learn from. So I've been checking out the different pavilions and seeing how they are organised. I will definitely come back home with some sense of inspiration.”

Stefan and Innes Vlad with eight-month-old baby Nour. Saeed Saeed / The National
Stefan and Innes Vlad with eight-month-old baby Nour. Saeed Saeed / The National

As for couple Stefan and Innes Vlad and eight-month-old Nour, seeing the triple-header of Aguilera, jazz singer Jones and the midnight set by Dutch DJ Tiesto was a great to finish to their Expo 2020 Dubai holiday.

“We came here on March 13 and we already visited the Expo five times,” Stefan said.

“We really explored everything from the big and small pavilions and tried all the different food.

“This is really a great family holiday because when you go with a young child, you want everything to be clear and organised and this is exactly what happened.”

With Nour only two months older than the Expo itself, Innes recalled the decision to use the event as the family’s first international trip.

“I was a little bit afraid how she would handle all the activities and people around her. But she took it on like an absolute pro,” she said.

Stefan hopes the Expo’s immersive cultural experience will rub off on his daughter creatively in the future.

“Maybe she will see Tiesto tonight and that will be the memory that makes her decide that she wants to be superstar DJ,” he said. “If that happens, then she already has the perfect name: DJ Vlad.”

Expo 2020 Dubai on the final day — in pictures:

  • Air show display on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Air show display on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Nearly 23 million visits had been made to Expo by the start of this week after the more than one million visits recorded from Friday to Sunday. Pawan Singh / The National
    Nearly 23 million visits had been made to Expo by the start of this week after the more than one million visits recorded from Friday to Sunday. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Expo has hosted 30,000 events, including government summits and 5,000 sporting fixtures. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Expo has hosted 30,000 events, including government summits and 5,000 sporting fixtures. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A spectacular closing ceremony will be 'end of a beautiful journey' for Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    A spectacular closing ceremony will be 'end of a beautiful journey' for Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • It's a party atmosphere for the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    It's a party atmosphere for the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Some funky costumes to mark the end of the hugely successful event in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Some funky costumes to mark the end of the hugely successful event in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Big screens put up on the last day of the world's fair in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Big screens put up on the last day of the world's fair in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • People flock to the merchandise outlet on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    People flock to the merchandise outlet on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Kids enjoying the dance class at the Sustainability pavilion as Expo 2020 Dubai nears its conclusion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Kids enjoying the dance class at the Sustainability pavilion as Expo 2020 Dubai nears its conclusion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai could watch the closing ceremony on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre and Festival Garden. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai could watch the closing ceremony on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre and Festival Garden. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors enjoy the water feature on the last day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors enjoy the water feature on the last day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors arrive for the expo's final day. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Visitors arrive for the expo's final day. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Crowds on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Crowds on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Visitors arrive at the world's fair for the last time. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Visitors arrive at the world's fair for the last time. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Preparations going on for the closing ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Preparations going on for the closing ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Reem Al Hashimy, centre, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, on the final day of the Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Reem Al Hashimy, centre, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, on the final day of the Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Ms Al Hashimy opens the Sustainability Portal on the Expo's final day. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Ms Al Hashimy opens the Sustainability Portal on the Expo's final day. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors queue to enter the site on the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors queue to enter the site on the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Expo staff at the site entrances faced a busy start to the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Expo staff at the site entrances faced a busy start to the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors queue at the security gate. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors queue at the security gate. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Early arrivals on the final day of the world fair. Pawan Singh / The National
    Early arrivals on the final day of the world fair. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors taking selfies to record their presence on the final day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors taking selfies to record their presence on the final day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Dubai police prepare for the final day at the world's fair. Pawan Singh / The National
    Dubai police prepare for the final day at the world's fair. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors approach Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors approach Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A rare opportunity to capture a quiet moment at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A rare opportunity to capture a quiet moment at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the last day at the EXPO 2020 site in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the last day at the EXPO 2020 site in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
Email sent to Uber team from chief executive Dara Khosrowshahi

From: Dara

To: Team@

Date: March 25, 2019 at 11:45pm PT

Subj: Accelerating in the Middle East

Five years ago, Uber launched in the Middle East. It was the start of an incredible journey, with millions of riders and drivers finding new ways to move and work in a dynamic region that’s become so important to Uber. Now Pakistan is one of our fastest-growing markets in the world, women are driving with Uber across Saudi Arabia, and we chose Cairo to launch our first Uber Bus product late last year.

Today we are taking the next step in this journey—well, it’s more like a leap, and a big one: in a few minutes, we’ll announce that we’ve agreed to acquire Careem. Importantly, we intend to operate Careem independently, under the leadership of co-founder and current CEO Mudassir Sheikha. I’ve gotten to know both co-founders, Mudassir and Magnus Olsson, and what they have built is truly extraordinary. They are first-class entrepreneurs who share our platform vision and, like us, have launched a wide range of products—from digital payments to food delivery—to serve consumers.

I expect many of you will ask how we arrived at this structure, meaning allowing Careem to maintain an independent brand and operate separately. After careful consideration, we decided that this framework has the advantage of letting us build new products and try new ideas across not one, but two, strong brands, with strong operators within each. Over time, by integrating parts of our networks, we can operate more efficiently, achieve even lower wait times, expand new products like high-capacity vehicles and payments, and quicken the already remarkable pace of innovation in the region.

This acquisition is subject to regulatory approval in various countries, which we don’t expect before Q1 2020. Until then, nothing changes. And since both companies will continue to largely operate separately after the acquisition, very little will change in either teams’ day-to-day operations post-close. Today’s news is a testament to the incredible business our team has worked so hard to build.

It’s a great day for the Middle East, for the region’s thriving tech sector, for Careem, and for Uber.

Uber on,

Dara

HAJJAN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Abu%20Bakr%20Shawky%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3EStarring%3A%20Omar%20Alatawi%2C%20Tulin%20Essam%2C%20Ibrahim%20Al-Hasawi%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cbr%3ERating%3A%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Countries recognising Palestine

France, UK, Canada, Australia, Portugal, Belgium, Malta, Luxembourg, San Marino and Andorra

 

Scores

Bournemouth 0-4 Liverpool
Arsenal 1-0 Huddersfield Town
Burnley 1-0 Brighton
Manchester United 4-1 Fulham
West Ham 3-2 Crystal Palace

Saturday fixtures:
Chelsea v Manchester City, 9.30pm (UAE)
Leicester City v Tottenham Hotspur, 11.45pm (UAE)

Where to donate in the UAE

The Emirates Charity Portal

You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments

The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.

Al Noor Special Needs Centre

You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.

Beit Al Khair Society

Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.

Dar Al Ber Society

Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.

Dubai Cares

Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.

Emirates Airline Foundation

Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.

Emirates Red Crescent

On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.

Gulf for Good

Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.

Noor Dubai Foundation

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).

MATCH INFO

New Zealand 176-8 (20 ovs)

England 155 (19.5 ovs)

New Zealand win by 21 runs

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

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

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Story of 2017-18 so far and schedule to come

Roll of Honour

Who has won what so far in the West Asia rugby season?

 

Western Clubs Champions League

Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Runners up: Bahrain

 

Dubai Rugby Sevens

Winners: Dubai Exiles

Runners up: Jebel Ali Dragons

 

West Asia Premiership

Winners: Jebel Ali Dragons

Runners up: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

 

UAE Premiership Cup

Winners: Abu Dhabi Harlequins

Runners up: Dubai Exiles

 

Fixtures

Friday

West Asia Cup final

5pm, Bahrain (6pm UAE time), Bahrain v Dubai Exiles

 

West Asia Trophy final

3pm, The Sevens, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Sports City Eagles

 

Friday, April 13

UAE Premiership final

5pm, Al Ain, Dubai Exiles v Abu Dhabi Harlequins

The five stages of early child’s play

From Dubai-based clinical psychologist Daniella Salazar:

1. Solitary Play: This is where Infants and toddlers start to play on their own without seeming to notice the people around them. This is the beginning of play.

2. Onlooker play: This occurs where the toddler enjoys watching other people play. There doesn’t necessarily need to be any effort to begin play. They are learning how to imitate behaviours from others. This type of play may also appear in children who are more shy and introverted.

3. Parallel Play: This generally starts when children begin playing side-by-side without any interaction. Even though they aren’t physically interacting they are paying attention to each other. This is the beginning of the desire to be with other children.

4. Associative Play: At around age four or five, children become more interested in each other than in toys and begin to interact more. In this stage children start asking questions and talking about the different activities they are engaging in. They realise they have similar goals in play such as building a tower or playing with cars.

5. Social Play: In this stage children are starting to socialise more. They begin to share ideas and follow certain rules in a game. They slowly learn the definition of teamwork. They get to engage in basic social skills and interests begin to lead social interactions.

Updated: April 01, 2022, 1:57 AM