Expo 2020 Dubai is approaching a milestone 15 million visits after enjoying its biggest week yet.
More than 1.2 million visits were recorded over the past seven days, buoyed by top attractions such as a highly-anticipated performance by chart-topping British band Coldplay at Al Wasl Dome.
Other attractions included a star-studded tennis tournament featuring famous names such as John McEnroe and Kim Clijsters as well as a visit to the Serbian pavilion by the sport's top-ranked player, Novak Djokovic before his return to action in Dubai this week.
As of Monday, visit numbers stood at 14,719,277 — up from 13,457,400 the previous week.
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Young visitor Jhaequan Stewart shows his Jamaica stamp at the Jamaica pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -

A statue of sprinting legend Usain Bolt at the Jamaica pavilion. Victor Besa / The National -

Visitors to Jamaica's pavilion can learn about the country’s famous Blue Mountain coffee. Victor Besa / The National -

A visitor at the Jamaica pavilion. The Caribbean island celebrates its nation day at the Expo on Friday, February 18. Victor Besa / The National -

The Jamaica pavilion showcases the spirit of a spontaneous street party, allowing Expo visitors to feel the 'riddim' that moves and connects the world, say organisers. Victor Besa / The National -

Situated in the Mobility District, the shipping container-shaped Jamaica Pavilion showcases the country's rich culture. Victor Besa / The National -

This includes a celebration of Jamaica's iconic musicians, artists and producers. Victor Besa / The National -

Chef Wenford Simpson serves up delicious Jamaican dishes, including ackee and saltfish and jerk chicken, for the country's national day at Expo 2020. Victor Besa / The National -

Signature ingredients, Jamaican jerk seasoning and ackee fruit. Victor Besa / The National -

The Music Studio celebrates Jamaica's rich musical heritage. Victor Besa / The National -

Artwork inspired by Jamaica's annual international reggae poster competition. Victor Besa / The National -

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director for Expo 2020, Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson Smith, left, and Najeeb Mohammed Al Ali, executive director, Commissioner General Office, Expo 2020, are given a tour of the Jamaica pavilion. Expo 2020 Dubai -

A dancer takes part in Jamaica's country day ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza, at the world's fair. Expo 2020 Dubai -

A group representing different cultural areas in Jamaica perform at Al Wasl Plaza, taking visitors on a journey of the island’s rich musical heritage through dance. Expo 2020 Dubai -

Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and managing director for Expo 2020, and Jamaican Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kamina Johnson-Smith are given a tour of the Jamaica pavilion. Expo 2020 Dubai -

Celebrating Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome, at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -

Getting a selfie at Jamaica national day celebrations at Al Wasl Dome. Victor Besa / The National -

Dancers celebrate Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome. Victor Besa / The National -

A high-flying dancer at Jamaica national day at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -

A performer at Jamaica national day celebrations at Al Wasl Dome, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National -

Visitors flying the flag for Jamaica national day at Al Wasl Dome, Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
Domestic visits have increased by 128 per cent in the past weeks, with international numbers up 19 per cent in the same period.
The introduction of the Dh50 Season Finale Pass to coincide with the Expo's final 50 days has already proved to be a hit.
It is the second week in a row that more than a million visits have been made to the mega event as the public make the most of the opportunity explore the sprawling site in its final weeks.
Expo will commemorate passing the 15-millon visit milestone by issuing a special stamp for its popular passports, saying “I am one of 15 million visitors”. The stamp will be available from Wednesday.
Organisers had initially set a target of 25 million visits before the start of the Expo.
The six-month extravaganza will close its doors on March 31 after an impressive run of crowd-pleasing concerts, guest appearances and memorable daily performances.
The international celebration of cultures, customs and innovation has offered a platform for countries to share their talents with the world.
The vast world's fair site is home to more than 200 pavilions, including 192 belonging to participating countries.
Some pavilions have clocked up more than one million visits alone, including the Indian and Saudi offerings.
Visitor numbers are expected to enjoy an even greater surge in the weeks to come, organisers believe.
"I think typically you do see expos get busier towards the end," said Sconaid McGeachin, senior vice president of communications following the release of last week's high visit numbers.
"We obviously have so many different activities that we expect to have high visitation for the remainder of the expo."
School counsellors on mental well-being
Schools counsellors in Abu Dhabi have put a number of provisions in place to help support pupils returning to the classroom next week.
Many children will resume in-person lessons for the first time in 10 months and parents previously raised concerns about the long-term effects of distance learning.
Schools leaders and counsellors said extra support will be offered to anyone that needs it. Additionally, heads of years will be on hand to offer advice or coping mechanisms to ease any concerns.
“Anxiety this time round has really spiralled, more so than from the first lockdown at the beginning of the pandemic,” said Priya Mitchell, counsellor at The British School Al Khubairat in Abu Dhabi.
“Some have got used to being at home don’t want to go back, while others are desperate to get back.
“We have seen an increase in depressive symptoms, especially with older pupils, and self-harm is starting younger.
“It is worrying and has taught us how important it is that we prioritise mental well-being.”
Ms Mitchell said she was liaising more with heads of year so they can support and offer advice to pupils if the demand is there.
The school will also carry out mental well-being checks so they can pick up on any behavioural patterns and put interventions in place to help pupils.
At Raha International School, the well-being team has provided parents with assessment surveys to see how they can support students at home to transition back to school.
“They have created a Well-being Resource Bank that parents have access to on information on various domains of mental health for students and families,” a team member said.
“Our pastoral team have been working with students to help ease the transition and reduce anxiety that [pupils] may experience after some have been nearly a year off campus.
"Special secondary tutorial classes have also focused on preparing students for their return; going over new guidelines, expectations and daily schedules.”
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