Follow the latest updates on Expo 2020 Dubai here
Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded nearly three million visits since it opened on October 1.
Data shows 2,942,388 people visited the world's fair in the first five weeks. About 100,000 of them were children.
Sales of season passes have increased as well, with 65 per cent of visitors holding a six-month pass.
The price of day passes on weekdays has been reduced from Dh95 ($26) to Dh45 until November 30. Entry for Fridays and Saturdays is still priced at Dh95.
The tickets also include 10 Smart Queue bookings for participating pavilions and attractions, which allow visitors to skip the queues.
Entry is free for the under 18s, anyone aged 60 and over, people with disabilities, and students with a valid identity card from any academic institution in the world.
So far, Saudi Arabia's pavilion has been the most popular, receiving more than 500,000 visitors in the first month, while India's pavilion topped the 200,000 mark by November 3.
Organisers said the high number of figures was a clear indication of the expo's popularity with UAE residents and tourists alike.
The mid-term break for schools at the end of October and Diwali celebrations were seen as significant factors for the increasing number of visits to the site.
"We always knew the figures were going to keep increasing but it's exciting to see them rising so incredibly well," said Sconaid McGeachin, senior vice president of communications for Expo 2020 Dubai, speaking onsite at a press conference on Monday morning.
"Having such a high figure shows people are coming back week after week to join in new activities.
"We saw last week how the likes of Riverdance (at the Irish pavilion) and Diwali celebrations pulled people in.
"With a continually changing programme we are seeing people are wanting to come back and see what’s next," she added.
There have also been 14.8 million virtual visits to Expo 2020 Dubai since it opened on October 1, organisers said.
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The rules on fostering in the UAE
A foster couple or family must:
- be Muslim, Emirati and be residing in the UAE
- not be younger than 25 years old
- not have been convicted of offences or crimes involving moral turpitude
- be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders
- have the ability to support its members and the foster child financially
- undertake to treat and raise the child in a proper manner and take care of his or her health and well-being
- A single, divorced or widowed Muslim Emirati female, residing in the UAE may apply to foster a child if she is at least 30 years old and able to support the child financially
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
Scores in brief:
- New Medical Centre 129-5 in 17 overs bt Zayed Cricket Academy 125-6 in 20 overs.
- William Hare Abu Dhabi Gymkhana 188-8 in 20 overs bt One Stop Tourism 184-8 in 20 overs
- Alubond Tigers 138-7 in 20 overs bt United Bank Limited 132-7 in 20 overs
- Multiplex 142-6 in 17 overs bt Xconcepts Automobili 140 all out in 20 overs
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What is blockchain?
Blockchain is a form of distributed ledger technology, a digital system in which data is recorded across multiple places at the same time. Unlike traditional databases, DLTs have no central administrator or centralised data storage. They are transparent because the data is visible and, because they are automatically replicated and impossible to be tampered with, they are secure.
The main difference between blockchain and other forms of DLT is the way data is stored as ‘blocks’ – new transactions are added to the existing ‘chain’ of past transactions, hence the name ‘blockchain’. It is impossible to delete or modify information on the chain due to the replication of blocks across various locations.
Blockchain is mostly associated with cryptocurrency Bitcoin. Due to the inability to tamper with transactions, advocates say this makes the currency more secure and safer than traditional systems. It is maintained by a network of people referred to as ‘miners’, who receive rewards for solving complex mathematical equations that enable transactions to go through.
However, one of the major problems that has come to light has been the presence of illicit material buried in the Bitcoin blockchain, linking it to the dark web.
Other blockchain platforms can offer things like smart contracts, which are automatically implemented when specific conditions from all interested parties are reached, cutting the time involved and the risk of mistakes. Another use could be storing medical records, as patients can be confident their information cannot be changed. The technology can also be used in supply chains, voting and has the potential to used for storing property records.
The bio
Favourite book: Kane and Abel by Jeffrey Archer
Favourite quote: “The world makes way for the man who knows where he is going.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson, American essayist
Favourite Authors: Arab poet Abu At-Tayyib Al-Mutanabbi
Favourite Emirati food: Luqaimat, a deep-fried dough soaked in date syrup
Hobbies: Reading and drawing
Best Foreign Language Film nominees
Capernaum (Lebanon)
Cold War (Poland)
Never Look Away (Germany)
Roma (Mexico)
Shoplifters (Japan)
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Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law