Nancy Ajram and Usain Bolt will be at the Expo 2020 Dubai this week. Photo: Duncan Chard / The National and PepsiCo
Nancy Ajram and Usain Bolt will be at the Expo 2020 Dubai this week. Photo: Duncan Chard / The National and PepsiCo
Nancy Ajram and Usain Bolt will be at the Expo 2020 Dubai this week. Photo: Duncan Chard / The National and PepsiCo
Nancy Ajram and Usain Bolt will be at the Expo 2020 Dubai this week. Photo: Duncan Chard / The National and PepsiCo

10 things to do at Expo 2020 Dubai this week: from Nancy Ajram to Usain Bolt


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With 192 pavilions, myriad exhibitions, hundreds of restaurants and non-stop activities, there are experiences for every taste at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Follow the latest updates on Expo 2020 Dubai here

Each week, we give you a round-up of some of the coolest happenings not to miss at the world's fair. Celebrating their country days this week are Venezuela on Sunday and the Comoros on Monday. Burundi and Mexico will mark their country days the same day, on Wednesday, Jordan on Friday, and Monaco will celebrate on Saturday.

Here are our top picks:

1. Celebrate 50 years of the UAE

Throughout this month and until Saturday, December 4, Expo 2020 will host a number of events to mark the 50th anniversary of the UAE. This week, catch Al Adiyat, the story of a young boy becoming a man and his visionary character, in a tribute to Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. The theatrical show will be staged at Al Wasl Plaza on Tuesday from from 9.45pm.

Visitors can also step into Menasa, the Emirati design platform. Curated by Samer Yamani, the founder of Creative Dialogue, a consultancy and creative agency out of Barcelona, traditional Emirati crafts and stories are explored through a contemporary lens. Expect to see design collaborations between local and international artisans and designers under the title of Craft Stories as well as Designer of the Week, which includes a showcase of 24 designers and organisations from the UAE, highlighting the country's vibrant contemporary design scene.

Where: Various

When: Daily, until Saturday, December 4

Time: Various

2. Try new restaurant Kojaki

A social dining concept, Kojaki opened last week at the Opportunity District. Fusing Korean and Japanese flavours, the licensed restaurant promises one-of-a-kind dishes in a zen atmosphere. They also have a K-Time Happy Hour every Thursday, as well as Ladies Day every Tuesday filled with offers.

For reservations call 05 250 09299.

Where: Opportunity District

When: Daily

Time: Various

3. Check out France's history in tableware

This immersive exhibition French Art de Vivre, A Dream to Share, focuses on the country's rich traditions in tableware, told through the history of three renowned houses: Baccarat, Bernardaud and Christofle. Put together in partnership with the Chalhoub Group, the exhibition showcases prestigious creations to take visitors through the process of French creation and know-how, while exploring how modernity is redefining the French tradition of tableware.

Where: France Pavilion

When: Daily, until Monday, December 6

Time: 10am to 9pm

4. Catch a performance by an indigenous dance troupe

Dancers of Damelahamid are a Canadian indigenous performing arts company with strong cultural traditions from their Gitxsan and Cree cultural backgrounds. The company was formed in the 1960s out of an urgency to ensure that the artistic practices were not lost.

These masked dancers have produced several theatre-based productions including their most recent, Minowin – a dance work that integrates narrative, movement, song, performance and multimedia – which premiered at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa.

Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Al Forsan Zone

When: Thursday

Time: 4pm

5. Dance with K-pop stars

Korean boy band Highlight and singer Punch will headline a K-pop concert to mark the UAE's Golden Jubilee. The artists will also be joined virtually by the boy band BTOB, girl group Laboum and rookie boys' band Luminous.

Called Kite, or K-pop in the Emirates, the event has been brought together by the Korean Cultural Centre in the UAE and the Korea Creative Content Agency.

Where: Jubilee Stage, Jubilee Zone

When: Friday

Time: 5pm

6. Watch Ragheb Alama and Nancy Ajram live

Arab superstars Ragheb Alama and Nancy Ajram will perform live from Al Wasl Plaza, which also has the world’s largest 360-degree projection surface. Their shows, part of Expo 2020's Infinite Nights series, will be streamed live to millions of their fans around the world.

Arab superstar Alama is celebrating 30 years of his music career and will perform his biggest hits, while Ajram, the queen of Arabic pop, will bring her repertoire of well-loved songs as well as new tunes.

Expo ticket holders are advised to arrive early as placements will be on first-come-first-served basis.

Where: Al Wasl Plaza

When: Friday

Time: 10pm

7. Swing with La Sonora Santanera

With Mexico celebrating it's country day this week, catch this hugely entertaining orchestra with more than 60 years of history playing Latin music. Founded in 1955 by Carlos Colorado in the state of Tabasco, the group consists of trumpets, bass, piano, percussion players and four principle voices. It performs musical styles such as mambo, cha-cha-cha, bolero and merengue.

Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Al Forsan Zone

When: Friday

Time: 3pm

8. Run with Usain Bolt

The eight-time Olympic gold medallist will be running at the Expo 2020 site to help raise finds for Al Noor Rehabilitation & Welfare Association for People of Determination. The run is open to people of all ages and abilities. It’s free to join, although participants are encouraged to donate to the cause. You also need to register in advance online to save a space at the starting line.

The Jamaican runner, who holds numerous world records and is widely considered to be the greatest sprinter of all time, will also meet some of his biggest fans after the event at the Gatorade The Bolt pavilion, located in the Mobility District. Fans are invited to learn more about a competition to meet Bolt in person through Gatorade Arabia’s Instagram page.

Emirati athlete Hamda Hosani, who has 17 Special Olympics medals under her belt, will also be running with Bolt.

Where: Mobility District

When: Saturday

Time: 9.30am

9. Enjoy China Pavilion's light show

A model poses in front of the China Pavilion. Victor Besa/The National.
A model poses in front of the China Pavilion. Victor Besa/The National.

Every night, China's pavilion lights up with a dazzling LED and drone light show. The 10-minute spectacle takes red frames as the pixel point, the exterior wall as the canvas and creates a performance that's bound to mesmerise every one.

Modelled on a traditional lantern, the China Pavilion is one of the largest at Expo 2020 Dubai, at 4,636 square metres.

Where: China Pavilion

When: Daily

Time: 9pm

10. Show by Les Ballets de Monte-Carlo

The renowned ballet company, established in 1985 by the Princess of Hanover, will bring a show called Core Meu to the Expo 2020. The ballet features live music by Antonio Castrignano, while the performance will hark back to the origins of dance.

Where: Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre, Al Forsan Zone

When: Saturday and Sunday, November 14

Time: 7pm

Entry to all events are included in the Expo 2020 Dubai ticket price unless specifically stated. Times are subject to change

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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The specs

Engine: 2x201bhp AC Permanent-magnetic electric

Transmission: n/a

Power: 402bhp

Torque: 659Nm

Price estimate: Dh200,000

On sale: Q3 2022 

MATCH INFO

Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')

Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')

Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Kibsons%20Cares
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERecycling%3Cbr%3E%3C%2Fstrong%3EAny%20time%20you%20receive%20a%20Kibsons%20order%2C%20you%20can%20return%20your%20cardboard%20box%20to%20the%20drivers.%20They%E2%80%99ll%20be%20happy%20to%20take%20it%20off%20your%20hands%20and%20ensure%20it%20gets%20reused%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EKind%20to%20health%20and%20planet%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ESolar%20%E2%80%93%2025-50%25%20of%20electricity%20saved%3Cbr%3EWater%20%E2%80%93%2075%25%20of%20water%20reused%3Cbr%3EBiofuel%20%E2%80%93%20Kibsons%20fleet%20to%20get%2020%25%20more%20mileage%20per%20litre%20with%20biofuel%20additives%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ESustainable%20grocery%20shopping%3C%2Fstrong%3E%3Cbr%3ENo%20antibiotics%3Cbr%3ENo%20added%20hormones%3Cbr%3ENo%20GMO%3Cbr%3ENo%20preservatives%3Cbr%3EMSG%20free%3Cbr%3E100%25%20natural%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
RESULTS

6.30pm: Meydan Sprint Group 2 US$175,000 1,000m
Winner: Ertijaal, Jim Crowley (jockey), Ali Rashid Al Raihe (trainer)

7.05pm: Handicap $60,000 1,400m
Winner: Secret Ambition, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

7.40pm: Handicap $160,000 1,400m
Winner: Raven’s Corner, Richard Mullen, Satish Seemar

8.15pm: Dubai Millennium Stakes Group 3 $200,000 2,000m
Winner: Folkswood, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

8.50pm: Zabeel Mile Group 2 $250,000 1,600m
Winner: Janoobi, Jim Crowley, Mike de Kock

9.25pm: Handicap $125,000 1,600m
Winner: Capezzano, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

The specs

AT4 Ultimate, as tested

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Power: 420hp

Torque: 623Nm

Transmission: 10-speed automatic

Price: From Dh330,800 (Elevation: Dh236,400; AT4: Dh286,800; Denali: Dh345,800)

On sale: Now

Test series fixtures

(All matches start at 2pm UAE)

1st Test Lord's, London from Thursday to Monday

2nd Test Nottingham from July 14-18

3rd Test The Oval, London from July 27-31

4th Test Manchester from August 4-8

GAC GS8 Specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 248hp at 5,200rpm

Torque: 400Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 9.1L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh149,900

The specs

Engine: 3.9-litre twin-turbo V8
Power: 620hp from 5,750-7,500rpm
Torque: 760Nm from 3,000-5,750rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed dual-clutch auto
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh1.05 million ($286,000)

Shubh Mangal Saavdhan
Directed by: RS Prasanna
Starring: Ayushmann Khurrana, Bhumi Pednekar

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ENGLAND%20SQUAD
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Why seagrass matters
  • Carbon sink: Seagrass sequesters carbon up to 35X faster than tropical rainforests
  • Marine nursery: Crucial habitat for juvenile fish, crustations, and invertebrates
  • Biodiversity: Support species like sea turtles, dugongs, and seabirds
  • Coastal protection: Reduce erosion and improve water quality
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BULKWHIZ PROFILE

Date started: February 2017

Founders: Amira Rashad (CEO), Yusuf Saber (CTO), Mahmoud Sayedahmed (adviser), Reda Bouraoui (adviser)

Based: Dubai, UAE

Sector: E-commerce 

Size: 50 employees

Funding: approximately $6m

Investors: Beco Capital, Enabling Future and Wain in the UAE; China's MSA Capital; 500 Startups; Faith Capital and Savour Ventures in Kuwait

Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

UAE v Ireland

1st ODI, UAE win by 6 wickets

2nd ODI, January 12

3rd ODI, January 14

4th ODI, January 16

MATCH DETAILS

Liverpool 2

Wijnaldum (14), Oxlade-Chamberlain (52)

Genk 1

Samatta (40)

 

Milestones on the road to union

1970

October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar. 

December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.

1971

March 1:  Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.

July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.

July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.

August 6:  The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.

August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.

September 3: Qatar becomes independent.

November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.

November 29:  At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.

November 30: Despite  a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa. 

November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties

December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.

December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.

December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.

Updated: November 08, 2021, 8:38 AM