Last Thursday was bittersweet for so many of us in the UAE as we bade farewell to Expo 2020 Dubai. Visiting the six-month world's fair was a staple in our weekly plans as the site served as a meeting point for world leaders, businesses, creatives, families and friends.
But what made this Expo all the more special was that it took place at a time when many global events were cancelled or postponed. At a time when movements and operations were crippled by the Covid-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 Dubai visits reached more than 24 million while maintaining all precautionary measures.
Where many face uncertainties about the future, the conversations at Expo 2020 Dubai instilled hope that the world can overcome any adversity.
Last December, I was invited by the UAE’s Ministry of Culture and Youth to speak at the World Conference on Creative Economy hosted at Dubai Exhibition Centre in the heart of Expo 2020 Dubai. Along with more than 150 speakers from across the world, we discussed challenges and opportunities and exchanged ideas to develop the sector and support creatives.
The same site also hosted the World Government Summit last week, where leaders from across the globe engaged in dialogue about governmental processes, innovation and technology, among other topics. In addition to the major event, different pavilions within Expo 2020 Dubai hosted different workshops, movie screenings, talks and poetry readings. Inspiring and thought-provoking conversations echoed throughout the site.
Though Expo 2020 Dubai lasted for only six months, it provides key lessons for businesses.
The most important in my opinion is inclusivity. Expo 2020 Dubai provided different types of experiences, from concerts and forums to workshops and more that children, adults, entrepreneurs and people from different walks of life could enjoy.
When building a business, many entrepreneurs tend to overlook this part. By becoming more inclusive in the way an experience is provided or a product is designed for their target audience, they could be building a loyal audience base and expanding their reach.
The Expo 2020 Dubai experience also proved that attention to detail is key and providing a hospitable and personal experience to your customers will get them to return.
Multiple visitor centres that included supermarkets, prayer rooms and washrooms were provided across the site that visitors could conveniently use them throughout their exploration journey. Water fountains, shaded areas, green parks, as well as F&B options that catered to all kinds of dining were also provided.
One of the key lessons I have learnt throughout my entrepreneurship journey is that customer service is a competitive advantage, and how you cater to your customers’ needs is what earns you their loyalty even amid tough competition.
But the most important lesson that Expo 2020 Dubai taught us is that when challenges arise, be flexible and go with the flow. Precautionary measures were implemented throughout the site and even amid the pandemic people enjoyed this global event.
Expo 2020 Dubai instilled hope in many of us. It was an oasis of dreams, thoughts and an opportunity to exchange dialogues that inspired us to think of positive ways to change the world.
The success of Expo 2020 Dubai is a testimony that determination, perseverance, flexibility and passion can help us overcome challenges and achieve our targets.
Expo 2020 Dubai may be behind us, but the lessons we learnt and the inspirational conversations are ingrained in many of us, and will accompany us for years to come.
Manar Al Hinai is an award-winning Emirati writer and communications consultant based in Abu Dhabi.
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The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
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RESULTS
5pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: JAP Almahfuz, Fernando Jara (jockey), Irfan Ellahi (trainer).
5.30pm: Handicap (PA) Dh90,000 1,400m
Winner: AF Momtaz, Antonio Fresu, Musabah Al Muhairi.
6pm: Handicap (TB) Dh100,000 1,400m
Winner: Yaalail, Fernando Jara, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
6.30pm: Abu Dhabi Championship Listed (PA) Dh180,000 1,600m
Winner: Ihtesham, Szczepan Mazur, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7pm: Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 1,600m
Winner: Dahess D’Arabie, Fernando Jara, Helal Al Alawi.
7.30pm: Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 2.200m
Winner: Ezz Al Rawasi, Connor Beasley, Helal Al Alawi.
The specs
Engine: four-litre V6 and 3.5-litre V6 twin-turbo
Transmission: six-speed and 10-speed
Power: 271 and 409 horsepower
Torque: 385 and 650Nm
Price: from Dh229,900 to Dh355,000
Dubai works towards better air quality by 2021
Dubai is on a mission to record good air quality for 90 per cent of the year – up from 86 per cent annually today – by 2021.
The municipality plans to have seven mobile air-monitoring stations by 2020 to capture more accurate data in hourly and daily trends of pollution.
These will be on the Palm Jumeirah, Al Qusais, Muhaisnah, Rashidiyah, Al Wasl, Al Quoz and Dubai Investment Park.
“It will allow real-time responding for emergency cases,” said Khaldoon Al Daraji, first environment safety officer at the municipality.
“We’re in a good position except for the cases that are out of our hands, such as sandstorms.
“Sandstorms are our main concern because the UAE is just a receiver.
“The hotspots are Iran, Saudi Arabia and southern Iraq, but we’re working hard with the region to reduce the cycle of sandstorm generation.”
Mr Al Daraji said monitoring as it stood covered 47 per cent of Dubai.
There are 12 fixed stations in the emirate, but Dubai also receives information from monitors belonging to other entities.
“There are 25 stations in total,” Mr Al Daraji said.
“We added new technology and equipment used for the first time for the detection of heavy metals.
“A hundred parameters can be detected but we want to expand it to make sure that the data captured can allow a baseline study in some areas to ensure they are well positioned.”
The biog
DOB: March 13, 1987
Place of birth: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia but lived in Virginia in the US and raised in Lebanon
School: ACS in Lebanon
University: BSA in Graphic Design at the American University of Beirut
MSA in Design Entrepreneurship at the School of Visual Arts in New York City
Nationality: Lebanese
Status: Single
Favourite thing to do: I really enjoy cycling, I was a participant in Cycling for Gaza for the second time this year
THE BIO
Favourite car: Koenigsegg Agera RS or Renault Trezor concept car.
Favourite book: I Am Pilgrim by Terry Hayes or Red Notice by Bill Browder.
Biggest inspiration: My husband Nik. He really got me through a lot with his positivity.
Favourite holiday destination: Being at home in Australia, as I travel all over the world for work. It’s great to just hang out with my husband and family.
Draw for Europa League last-16
Istanbul Basaksehir v Copenhagen; Olympiakos Piraeus v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Rangers v Bayer Leverkusen; VfL Wolfsburg v Shakhtar Donetsk; Inter Milan v Getafe
Sevilla v AS Roma; Eintracht Frankfurt or Salzburg v Basel; LASK v Manchester United
MATCH INFO
Inter Milan 1 (Martinez 18' pen)
Juventus 2 (Dybala 4', Higuain 80')
Babumoshai Bandookbaaz
Director: Kushan Nandy
Starring: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Bidita Bag, Jatin Goswami
Three stars
Oscars in the UAE
The 90th Academy Awards will be aired in the UAE from 3.30am on Monday, March 5 on OSN, with the ceremony starting at 5am
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
Three ways to limit your social media use
Clinical psychologist, Dr Saliha Afridi at The Lighthouse Arabia suggests three easy things you can do every day to cut back on the time you spend online.
1. Put the social media app in a folder on the second or third screen of your phone so it has to remain a conscious decision to open, rather than something your fingers gravitate towards without consideration.
2. Schedule a time to use social media instead of consistently throughout the day. I recommend setting aside certain times of the day or week when you upload pictures or share information.
3. Take a mental snapshot rather than a photo on your phone. Instead of sharing it with your social world, try to absorb the moment, connect with your feeling, experience the moment with all five of your senses. You will have a memory of that moment more vividly and for far longer than if you take a picture of it.
