• On September 30, the day of the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony, one passport was sold every three seconds from the Expo online store. Victor Besa / The National
    On September 30, the day of the Expo 2020 Dubai opening ceremony, one passport was sold every three seconds from the Expo online store. Victor Besa / The National
  • On the same day, 19 passports were sold every minute on Amazon. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    On the same day, 19 passports were sold every minute on Amazon. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • In less than two months, the world's fair has sold more than 700,000 Expo 2020 Dubai passports. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    In less than two months, the world's fair has sold more than 700,000 Expo 2020 Dubai passports. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • If you placed every Expo passport sold end to end, you would reach Abu Dhabi from Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    If you placed every Expo passport sold end to end, you would reach Abu Dhabi from Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
  • Since it was launched in early September, the Expo 2020 Dubai passport has remained on Amazon's best sellers list. Victor Besa / The National
    Since it was launched in early September, the Expo 2020 Dubai passport has remained on Amazon's best sellers list. Victor Besa / The National
  • Lucky visitors could receive a free passport. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Dubai is handing out 3,000 Expo 2020 Dubai passports to travellers entering the Emirates. Photo: GDRFA
    Lucky visitors could receive a free passport. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs of Dubai is handing out 3,000 Expo 2020 Dubai passports to travellers entering the Emirates. Photo: GDRFA

Expo 2020

Expo 2020 Dubai: More than 700,000 souvenir passports sold

If you put all the yellow booklets sold end to end, they would reach from Dubai to Abu Dhabi

Patrick Ryan
Patrick Ryan

November 09, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

The yellow passports for Expo 2020 Dubai are a runaway success.

According to event organisers, the Dh20 booklet has quickly become the must-have souvenir from the world’s fair, with sales greater than those of any previous expo.

Visitors are encouraged to use the 50-page passport to keep track of the pavilions they visit in the course of the six-month event. Each pavilion offers a different stamp at the exit.

The passports can be bought from all official Expo 2020 Dubai stores across the Dubai South site, the Expo 2020 store in Dubai Airports' Terminal 3 and online.

Here are five facts about the ubiquitous yellow booklets:

  • If you placed each Expo 2020 passport sold end to end, they would reach from the Expo site in Dubai to Abu Dhabi
  • More than 700,000 passports have been sold in less than two months
  • On the night of the opening ceremony, September 30, one Expo passport was sold every three seconds
  • Nineteen passports were sold per minute by Amazon that evening
  • The passport has remained on Amazon.ae’s Toys bestseller list since its launch in September

An expo tradition

  • The Expo passport to collect all the stamps at each country's pavilion. James Langton / The National
    The Expo passport to collect all the stamps at each country's pavilion. James Langton / The National
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Vietnam.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Vietnam.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Slovenia.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Slovenia.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of New Zealand.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of New Zealand.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Lithuania.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Lithuania.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Cuba.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Cuba.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Malta.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Malta.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of China.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of China.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Greece.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Greece.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Saudi Arabia.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Saudi Arabia.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Morocco.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Morocco.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Turkmenistan.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Turkmenistan.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Singapore.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Singapore.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Azerbaijan.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Azerbaijan.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Sweden.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Sweden.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Peru.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Peru.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Russia.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Russia.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Qatar.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Qatar.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Angola.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Angola.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of the UAE.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of the UAE.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Zambia on the 5th day of Expo 2020, Dubai.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Zambia on the 5th day of Expo 2020, Dubai.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Marshall Islands.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Marshall Islands.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Nicaragua.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Nicaragua.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Seychelles.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Seychelles.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Benin.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Benin.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Montenegro.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Montenegro.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Burkina Faso.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Burkina Faso.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Netherlands.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Netherlands.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Kuwait.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Kuwait.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Maldives.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Maldives.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Antigua and Barbuda.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Antigua and Barbuda.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Moldova.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Moldova.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Tajikistan.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Tajikistan.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Switzerland.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Switzerland.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Nigeria.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Nigeria.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Austria.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Austria.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of San Marino.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of San Marino.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Spain.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Spain.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Czech Republic.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Czech Republic.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Brazil.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Brazil.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of the UK.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of the UK.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Tunisia.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Tunisia.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Italy.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Italy.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Portugal.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Portugal.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Venezuela.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Venezuela.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Bolivia.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Bolivia.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of New Guinea.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of New Guinea.
  • Passport stamp for the pavilion of Bangladesh.
    Passport stamp for the pavilion of Bangladesh.

The first expo passport was introduced at the 1967 World Expo in Montreal.

This year, watermarked pictures appear on each page, and security features include a unique code number and space for personal details and a passport-sized picture.

One page is marked in gold foil to celebrate the UAE’s Golden Jubilee and to pay tribute to Sheikh Zayed, the Founding Father.

Dubai's skyline and other elements relating to the UAE are also included in the illustrations.

Visitors will also receive an exclusive stamp on December 2, the UAE's 50th anniversary.

Meet the Expo super-fan

Classification of skills

A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation. 

A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.

The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000. 

Dubai Women's Tour teams

Agolico BMC
Andy Schleck Cycles-Immo Losch
Aromitalia Basso Bikes Vaiano
Cogeas Mettler Look
Doltcini-Van Eyck Sport
Hitec Products – Birk Sport 
Kazakhstan National Team
Kuwait Cycling Team
Macogep Tornatech Girondins de Bordeaux
Minsk Cycling Club 
Pannonia Regional Team (Fehérvár)
Team Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes
Team Ciclotel
UAE Women’s Team
Under 23 Kazakhstan Team
Wheel Divas Cycling Team

Men's football draw

Group A: UAE, Spain, South Africa, Jamaica

Group B: Bangladesh, Serbia, Korea

Group C: Bharat, Denmark, Kenya, USA

Group D: Oman, Austria, Rwanda

COMPANY PROFILE

Name: Qyubic
Started: October 2023
Founder: Namrata Raina
Based: Dubai
Sector: E-commerce
Current number of staff: 10
Investment stage: Pre-seed
Initial investment: Undisclosed 

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The specs: 2018 Opel Mokka X

Price, as tested: Dh84,000

Engine: 1.4L, four-cylinder turbo

Transmission: Six-speed auto

Power: 142hp at 4,900rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 1,850rpm

Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L / 100km

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5pm: Maiden (Purebred Arabians); Dh80,000; 1,400m.
5.30pm: Maiden (PA); Dh80,00; 1,400m.
6pm: Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan National Day Cup (PA); Group 3; Dh500,000; 1,600m.
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Director: Magizh Thirumeni

Stars: Ajith Kumar, Arjun Sarja, Trisha Krishnan, Regina Cassandra

Rating: 4/5

 

German intelligence warnings
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  • 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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Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.

“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.

“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”

If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.

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Challenge Cup result:

1. UAE 3 faults
2. Ireland 9 faults
3. Brazil 11 faults
4. Spain 15 faults
5. Great Britain 17 faults
6. New Zealand 20 faults
7. Italy 26 faults

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6

Developer: Treyarch, Raven Software
Publisher:  Activision
Console: PlayStation 4 & 5, Windows, Xbox One & Series X/S
Rating: 3.5/5

The specs

Common to all models unless otherwise stated

Engine: 4-cylinder 2-litre T-GDi

0-100kph: 5.3 seconds (Elantra); 5.5 seconds (Kona); 6.1 seconds (Veloster)

Power: 276hp

Torque: 392Nm

Transmission: 6-Speed Manual/ 8-Speed Dual Clutch FWD

Price: TBC

Real estate tokenisation project

Dubai launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project last month.

The initiative focuses on converting real estate assets into digital tokens recorded on blockchain technology and helps in streamlining the process of buying, selling and investing, the Dubai Land Department said.

Dubai’s real estate tokenisation market is projected to reach Dh60 billion ($16.33 billion) by 2033, representing 7 per cent of the emirate’s total property transactions, according to the DLD.

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Name: Samar Frost

Born: Abu Dhabi

Hobbies: Singing, music and socialising with friends

Favourite singer: Adele

Result

UAE (S. Tagliabue 90 1') 1-2 Uzbekistan (Shokhruz Norkhonov 48', 86')

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  • Individuals must register on UAE Drone app or website using their UAE Pass
  • Add all their personal details, including name, nationality, passport number, Emiratis ID, email and phone number
  • Upload the training certificate from a centre accredited by the GCAA
  • Submit their request
What are the regulations?
  • Fly it within visual line of sight
  • Never over populated areas
  • Ensure maximum flying height of 400 feet (122 metres) above ground level is not crossed
  • Users must avoid flying over restricted areas listed on the UAE Drone app
  • Only fly the drone during the day, and never at night
  • Should have a live feed of the drone flight
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5 - Year sponsorship deal between Hesco and Jebel Ali Dragons

700 - Dubai Hurricanes had more than 700 playing members last season between their mini and youth, men's and women's teams

Dh600,000 - Dubai Exiles' budget for pitch and court hire next season, for their rugby, netball and cricket teams

Dh1.8m - Dubai Hurricanes' overall budget for next season

Dh2.8m - Dubai Exiles’ overall budget for next season

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Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

While you're here
Updated: November 09, 2021, 4:44 AM
Expo 2020 DubaiDubaiUAE