• 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

Expo 2020 Dubai: What businesses can learn from the mega event


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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.

Updated: April 04, 2022, 4:20 AM