• Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. All photos: Reuters, unless noted otherwise
    Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. All photos: Reuters, unless noted otherwise
  • Chris Martin and crew rocked Al Wasl Dome as part of the Infinite Nights concert series.
    Chris Martin and crew rocked Al Wasl Dome as part of the Infinite Nights concert series.
  • Kicking off the gig right on time at 9pm, Coldplay launched directly into 'Higher Power', the uplifting hit from their ninth and latest album 'Music of the Spheres'.
    Kicking off the gig right on time at 9pm, Coldplay launched directly into 'Higher Power', the uplifting hit from their ninth and latest album 'Music of the Spheres'.
  • As part of the concert, the 'sky' of Al Wasl Dome also teemed with butterflies, rainbows and oversized BTS holograms.
    As part of the concert, the 'sky' of Al Wasl Dome also teemed with butterflies, rainbows and oversized BTS holograms.
  • Al Wasl Dome came alive with laser projections and holograms as part of the concert.
    Al Wasl Dome came alive with laser projections and holograms as part of the concert.
  • Chris Martin went around the circular stage a number of times, greeting the audience.
    Chris Martin went around the circular stage a number of times, greeting the audience.
  • Despite the smaller crowd, Chris Martin’s energy was infectious as he stomped back and forth between the centre stage and the outer circles.
    Despite the smaller crowd, Chris Martin’s energy was infectious as he stomped back and forth between the centre stage and the outer circles.
  • Chris Martin of the band Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Chris Martin of the band Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Coldplay played several hits including 'Paradise' — performed under a kaleidoscope of butterflies and rainbows. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Coldplay played several hits including 'Paradise' — performed under a kaleidoscope of butterflies and rainbows. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Chris Martin takes a seat at the piano to croon along to a song.
    Chris Martin takes a seat at the piano to croon along to a song.
  • Chris Martin was at his best, traipsing around the stage and pulling electrifying poses as he swung his arms and pointed his fingers.
    Chris Martin was at his best, traipsing around the stage and pulling electrifying poses as he swung his arms and pointed his fingers.
  • Guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion provided a solid support team to lead vocalist Chris Martin for the night.
    Guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion provided a solid support team to lead vocalist Chris Martin for the night.
  • With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century and one of the bestselling music acts of all time.
    With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century and one of the bestselling music acts of all time.
  • Typically found headlining stadiums around the world with upwards of 100,000 fans, it was a rather intimate affair at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Typically found headlining stadiums around the world with upwards of 100,000 fans, it was a rather intimate affair at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Expo 2020 Dubai closes in on 15-million visit milestone


  • English
  • Arabic

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.

  • Young visitor Jhaequan Stewart shows his Jamaica stamp at the Jamaica pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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
    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
    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
    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 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
    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
    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."

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.

The%20specs
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E3.6-litre%2C%20V6%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eeight-speed%20auto%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPower%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E285hp%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETorque%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E353Nm%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDh159%2C900%0D%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Enow%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

Read part four: an affection for classic cars lives on

Read part three: the age of the electric vehicle begins

Read part two: how climate change drove the race for an alternative 

Moving%20Out%202
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDeveloper%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20SMG%20Studio%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Team17%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EConsoles%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Nintendo%20Switch%2C%20PlayStation%204%26amp%3B5%2C%20PC%20and%20Xbox%20One%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
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

Updated: February 22, 2022, 7:17 AM