The UK pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The world fair will take place from October 1 to March 31, 2022. Photo: Department for International Trade
The UK pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The world fair will take place from October 1 to March 31, 2022. Photo: Department for International Trade
The UK pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The world fair will take place from October 1 to March 31, 2022. Photo: Department for International Trade
The UK pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The world fair will take place from October 1 to March 31, 2022. Photo: Department for International Trade

Expo 2020 Dubai: the companies offering free passes, from Emirates to Vida hotels


Janice Rodrigues
  • English
  • Arabic

With the start of Expo 2020 Dubai approaching, several hotels and airlines in the UAE have revealed offers to help residents and visitors experience the highly anticipated world fair.

The event, which will take place from October 1 to March 31 will feature more than 190 country pavilions as well as themed exhibitions. It will also have 200 dining venues and up to 60 shows a day. A day pass is Dh95 (for details on the ticket prices, click here).

However, some airlines and hotels are offering their guests and customers free tickets. Here are a few ways to get your hands on a complimentary day pass.

Etihad

Etihad Airways has announced it will offer free Expo 2020 Dubai tickets as part of its Exponential Abu Dhabi campaign. This means all guests travelling into or via Abu Dhabi from Thursday, September 23, until March 31, 2022, will get complimentary tickets.

To claim tickets, travellers can register on Etihad website, supplying their name, email and booking reference number. Tickets will emailed to customers, starting from Thursday, September 30.

Emirates

The Dubai airline has said it will give complimentary day passes to passengers who book flights between Friday, October 1, and Thursday, March 31. One free pass will be provided for each person per booking, with the option to choose which day they want to experience the event. Those who are in transit will also be able to avail of the offer.

To claim the free pass, passengers must enter their details on the Emirates website, and the tickets will be emailed to them. If a flight is cancelled or dates change, the day pass is no longer valid. Passengers will have to claim a new one by entering new flight details.

Flydubai

The budget airline has also announced that those booking tickets to Dubai from now until Thursday, March 31, (for travel to Dubai between October 1 and March 31) are eligible for a complimentary one-day ticket. The offer is valid for economy and business class tickets, with passengers getting to visit Expo 2020 Dubai on any day they choose. A one-day ticket is available for each passenger in the booking.

Address Hotels and Resorts

Address Hotels and Resorts in Dubai, part of Emaar Hospitality Group, is also offering complimentary tickets. Guests booking a minimum one-night stay at Address Hotels and Resorts properties between Friday, October 1 and Thursday, March 31 will be eligible for this deal. The booking must be done in the month of September to avail of the offer. Each booking comes with two complimentary tickets for adults and since children up to 18 are entitled to free tickets, this makes for a great family outing.

This offer is valid for the following properties: Address Downtown, Address Dubai Mall, Address Boulevard, Address Dubai Marina, Address Beach Resort, Palace Downtown, Address Sky View and Address Fountain Views.

Vida Hotels and Resorts

Those booking a minimum three-night stay at Vida Hotels and Resorts in Dubai are eligible for complimentary tickets. The bookings have to be made in the month of September for stays between Friday, October 1 and Thursday, March 31. Two complimentary tickets will be available for each booking.

The offer is valid on the following properties: Manzil Downtown, Vida Creek Harbour, Vida Downtown and Vida Emirates Hills.

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German intelligence warnings
  • 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
  • 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
  • 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250 

Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution

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Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants

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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

The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

Polarised public

31% in UK say BBC is biased to left-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is biased to right-wing views

19% in UK say BBC is not biased at all

Source: YouGov

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
SERIE A FIXTURES

Saturday

AC Milan v Sampdoria (2.30pm kick-off UAE)

Atalanta v Udinese (5pm)

Benevento v Parma (5pm)

Cagliari v Hellas Verona (5pm)

Genoa v Fiorentina (5pm)

Lazio v Spezia (5pm)

Napoli v Crotone (5pm)

Sassuolo v Roma (5pm)

Torino v Juventus (8pm)

Bologna v Inter Milan (10.45pm)

Updated: September 23, 2021, 12:44 PM