Expo 2020 Dubai: Drone shows, free food and hot chocolate this weekend


Ramola Talwar Badam
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Expo 2020 Dubai is nearing the end of its second month, but there is no slowdown in the schedule of activities.

The National found out the must-see shows and activities for this weekend.

Look up

Visitors to Expo 2020 Dubai this weekend should be sure to look to the skies, as hundreds of drones are set to swarm over the China pavilion, in a night-time show sure to draw in the crowds.

The robots will take to the sky above the red, lantern-shaped pavilion for 10 minutes at 8pm and 9pm.

Visible as bright golden dots, the machines remain in exact formation as they shift shapes, changing from leaves and trees to stars and butterflies.

The drones' movements are timed with a light show across the pavilion’s facade, with the dance in time to music.

Warm up

On Friday, the Grenada pavilion has invited visitors for a hot chocolate tasting from 5pm to 7pm with one of the country’s top producers.

The Caribbean nation, famed for its beaches, coral reefs and cacao trees, is showcasing the bean to bar facilities available on the island. The pavilion is located in the Mobility district.

Light up

Light projections at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Light projections at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Meanwhile, dramatic light and sound projections can be seen on the Al Wasl dome on Friday at 6pm and on Saturday at 8.45pm. The world’s largest 360-degree projection surface has a variety of shows every evening.

Eat up

Expo 2020 has launched an offer that starts on Saturday and continues until Wednesday December 1, offering families one free children’s meal with every adult main dish, at certain outlets.

The deal is one of several designed to build up the celebratory atmosphere ahead of the UAE’s 50th National Day next weekend.

Families should check the Expo app for details of participating venues.

Knot up

A visitor poses in front of a coral reef made out of finger knitting during the inauguration of Hammour House, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A visitor poses in front of a coral reef made out of finger knitting during the inauguration of Hammour House, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Hammour House, a community art project based near the Sustainability pavilion at Expo 2020, has set aside an entire day for knitting.

Artists will teach children and adults the technique to knit sea creatures from 10am until 6pm this weekend, at craft sessions in the studio.

These creatures can then be added to an art installation designed to highlight endangered coral ecosystems.

Swot up

Clay pot painting at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. Antonie Robertson / The National
Clay pot painting at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. Antonie Robertson / The National

The Saudi pavilion has a family friendly workshop to learn more about an ancient art form from the Asir region.

The Al Qatt Al Asiri style of Arabic art is featured on Unesco’s intangible cultural heritage of humanity list.

Also called nagash painting, or majlis painting, the style consists of striking geometric shapes, typically painted by women in the entrance to a home.

To learn more, head to the Saudi pavilion for interactive classes on Friday and Saturday from 10am until 1pm and 5.30pm to 9.30pm.

Expo fan visits every pavilion in just two days as a fitness challenge

6 UNDERGROUND

Director: Michael Bay

Stars: Ryan Reynolds, Adria Arjona, Dave Franco

2.5 / 5 stars

THE BIO:

Sabri Razouk, 74

Athlete and fitness trainer 

Married, father of six

Favourite exercise: Bench press

Must-eat weekly meal: Steak with beans, carrots, broccoli, crust and corn

Power drink: A glass of yoghurt

Role model: Any good man

The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

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

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

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Europe’s rearming plan
  • Suspend strict budget rules to allow member countries to step up defence spending
  • Create new "instrument" providing €150 billion of loans to member countries for defence investment
  • Use the existing EU budget to direct more funds towards defence-related investment
  • Engage the bloc's European Investment Bank to drop limits on lending to defence firms
  • Create a savings and investments union to help companies access capital
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Kumulus Water
 
Started: 2021
 
Founders: Iheb Triki and Mohamed Ali Abid
 
Based: Tunisia 
 
Sector: Water technology 
 
Number of staff: 22 
 
Investment raised: $4 million 
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

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: 640hp
  • Torque: 760nm
  • On sale: 2026
  • Price: Not announced yet
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Brief scores:

Manchester City 2

Gundogan 27', De Bruyne 85'

Crystal Palace 3

Schlupp 33', Townsend 35', Milivojevic 51' (pen)

Man of the Match: Andros Townsend (Crystal Palace)

Updated: November 26, 2021, 12:14 PM`