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.
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."
FFP EXPLAINED
What is Financial Fair Play?
Introduced in 2011 by Uefa, European football’s governing body, it demands that clubs live within their means. Chiefly, spend within their income and not make substantial losses.
What the rules dictate?
The second phase of its implementation limits losses to €30 million (Dh136m) over three seasons. Extra expenditure is permitted for investment in sustainable areas (youth academies, stadium development, etc). Money provided by owners is not viewed as income. Revenue from “related parties” to those owners is assessed by Uefa's “financial control body” to be sure it is a fair value, or in line with market prices.
What are the penalties?
There are a number of punishments, including fines, a loss of prize money or having to reduce squad size for European competition – as happened to PSG in 2014. There is even the threat of a competition ban, which could in theory lead to PSG’s suspension from the Uefa Champions League.
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How to apply for a drone permit
- 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
- Drones must weigh 5 kg or less
Miguel Cotto world titles:
WBO Light Welterweight champion - 2004-06
WBA Welterweight champion – 2006-08
WBO Welterweight champion – Feb 2009-Nov 2009
WBA Light Middleweight champion – 2010-12
WBC Middleweight champion – 2014-15
WBO Light Middleweight champion – Aug 2017-Dec 2017
TRAP
Starring: Josh Hartnett, Saleka Shyamalan, Ariel Donaghue
Director: M Night Shyamalan
Rating: 3/5
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WOMAN AND CHILD
Director: Saeed Roustaee
Starring: Parinaz Izadyar, Payman Maadi
Rating: 4/5
War 2
Director: Ayan Mukerji
Stars: Hrithik Roshan, NTR, Kiara Advani, Ashutosh Rana
Rating: 2/5