• Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Closing fireworks at Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Stunning fireworks display brought the curtain down on the world's fair on Thursday night. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA
    Actress Mira Singh and dancers perform at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA
  • Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
    Musician Yo-Yo Ma performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
  • Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
    Artists perform during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony. AP
  • Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
    Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Finance and Deputy Ruler of Dubai, arrives at the closing ceremony of Expo 2020. AFP
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony in Dubai. AP
  • A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA
    A visitor take photos during the closing ceremony. EPA
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony. Reuters
  • Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA
    Dancers perform during the official closing ceremony. EPA
  • Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters
    Artists perform during the closing ceremony of Expo Dubai 2020. Reuters
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
    Fireworks and lightshow at the closing of Expo 2020 Dubai. Ruel Pableo for The National
  • Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images
    Norah Jones performs during the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony on Thursday night. Getty Images
  • An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters
    An artist performs in the spectacular Al Wasl Dome during the ceremony. Reuters
  • Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera was among several international artists who performed on Thursday night. Getty Images
  • Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images
    Christina Aguilera lights up Al Wasl Dome. Getty Images
  • Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters
    Artists perform during the ceremony. Reuters
  • A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters
    A spectacular show featuring hundreds of performers brought the curtain down on the world's fair. Reuters
  • A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters
    A full orchestra was among the performers in Al Wasl Dome. Reuters
  • The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The stunning stage for the closing ceremony of Expo 2020 Dubai is set. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Thousands of visitors enjoyed Expo's farewell night. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Organisers pulled out all the stops for a memorable finale. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National
    The show could be seen from around the Expo site. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National
    A big screen showed the spectacle to visitors around the site. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters
    Musicians perform before the closing ceremony. Reuters
  • People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
    People visit the Saudi Arabia pavilion on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. AP
  • The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP
    The interactive floor at the Saudi Arabia pavilion. AP

Expo 2020 Dubai records more than 24 million visits after late surge


Neil Halligan
  • English
  • Arabic

Expo 2020 Dubai recorded more than 24 million visits in its six months after a surge to the world's fair in the final weeks.

The tally of 24,102,967 visits is short of the pre-event goal of 25 million, which looked likely with one million visits in three days on the final weekend.

The 200-plus pavilions spanning the site — including those representing 192 nations — proved to be the major attractions.

Long queues formed at some of the most popular pavilions in the closing weeks, as visitors relished the opportunity to explore the site once more.

Performances by Coldplay, Alicia Keys and Mehad Hamad, appearances by footballer Cristiano Ronaldo and Formula One star Lewis Hamilton, and the annual World Government Summit helped to increase numbers.

A spectacular closing ceremony, star-studded concerts and firework displays brought down the curtain on the event on Thursday.

The celebration of cultures, innovation and ingenuity captured the imagination of people across the UAE and visitors from overseas.

Weekly visit numbers regularly topped 1 million in the second half of the six-month extravaganza, as fans made the most of their chance to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

  • Air show display on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Air show display on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Nearly 23 million visits had been made to Expo by the start of this week after the more than one million visits recorded from Friday to Sunday. Pawan Singh / The National
    Nearly 23 million visits had been made to Expo by the start of this week after the more than one million visits recorded from Friday to Sunday. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Expo has hosted 30,000 events, including government summits and 5,000 sporting fixtures. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Expo has hosted 30,000 events, including government summits and 5,000 sporting fixtures. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A spectacular closing ceremony will be 'end of a beautiful journey' for Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
    A spectacular closing ceremony will be 'end of a beautiful journey' for Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
    Green spaces and architecture at day of Expo 2020. Antonie Robertson/The National
  • It's a party atmosphere for the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    It's a party atmosphere for the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Some funky costumes to mark the end of the hugely successful event in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Some funky costumes to mark the end of the hugely successful event in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Big screens put up on the last day of the world's fair in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Big screens put up on the last day of the world's fair in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • People flock to the merchandise outlet on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    People flock to the merchandise outlet on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Kids enjoying the dance class at the Sustainability pavilion as Expo 2020 Dubai nears its conclusion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Kids enjoying the dance class at the Sustainability pavilion as Expo 2020 Dubai nears its conclusion. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai could watch the closing ceremony on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre and Festival Garden. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai could watch the closing ceremony on more than 20 giant screens across the site, including at the Jubilee Stage, Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre and Festival Garden. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors enjoy the water feature on the last day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors enjoy the water feature on the last day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors arrive for the expo's final day. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Visitors arrive for the expo's final day. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Crowds on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Crowds on the last day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Visitors arrive at the world's fair for the last time. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Visitors arrive at the world's fair for the last time. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Preparations going on for the closing ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Preparations going on for the closing ceremony at Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Reem Al Hashimy, centre, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, on the final day of the Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Reem Al Hashimy, centre, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, on the final day of the Expo. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Ms Al Hashimy opens the Sustainability Portal on the Expo's final day. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Ms Al Hashimy opens the Sustainability Portal on the Expo's final day. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors queue to enter the site on the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors queue to enter the site on the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Expo staff at the site entrances faced a busy start to the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
    Expo staff at the site entrances faced a busy start to the final day. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors queue at the security gate. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors queue at the security gate. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Early arrivals on the final day of the world fair. Pawan Singh / The National
    Early arrivals on the final day of the world fair. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors taking selfies to record their presence on the final day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors taking selfies to record their presence on the final day of Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Dubai police prepare for the final day at the world's fair. Pawan Singh / The National
    Dubai police prepare for the final day at the world's fair. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors approach Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors approach Al Wasl Plaza. Pawan Singh / The National
  • A rare opportunity to capture a quiet moment at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    A rare opportunity to capture a quiet moment at Expo 2020 Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors on the last day at the EXPO 2020 site in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National
    Visitors on the last day at the EXPO 2020 site in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Season pass boost

Figures released by Expo 2020 on Saturday revealed that one in every three visitors was from overseas. Organisers said there were visitors from 178 countries.

The most popular country for international visitors was India, followed by Germany, Saudi Arabia, the UK, Russia, France and the US.

Expo said 49 per cent of visits were repeats, with 70 per cent entering the site using the Season Pass.

For the final 50 days of Expo, organisers introduced a Dh50 Season Finale Pass that proved to be popular with visitors.

Expo said 22 per cent of visitors used the one-day ticket, while eight per cent used the multi-day pass.

Children (under 18) made up 18 per cent of all visits. Almost one million pupils visited as part of the Expo Schools Programme, which was suspended for most of January because schools’ activities were halted temporarily as a precaution when coronavirus infections surged.

Organisers said senior citizens (above 60) made up 3 per cent of all visits, and the oldest visitor was 98.

People with disabilities accounted for 107,000 visits, while virtual visits reached more than 200 million.

Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion awards winners — in pictures

  • Gold Award: Saudi Arabia, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Saudi Arabia, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Switzerland, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Switzerland, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: China, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: China, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Netherlands, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Netherlands, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Austria, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Silver Award: Austria, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Bronze Award: Gulf Co-operation Council, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Gulf Co-operation Council, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Singapore pavilion, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Gold Award: Singapore pavilion, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Silver Award: Finland, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Pawan Singh/The National
    Silver Award: Finland, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Pawan Singh/The National
  • Bronze Award: Qatar, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Qatar, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Architecture & Landscape. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Japan, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Victor Besa/The National.
    Gold Award: Japan, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Victor Besa/The National.
  • Silver Award: Pakistan, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Silver Award: Pakistan, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Bronze Award: Spain, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Spain, self-built pavilions, Category A (larger than 2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Peru, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Peru, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Poland, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Silver Award: Poland, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Bronze Award: Egypt, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Egypt, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750m2-2,500m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Morocco, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Morocco, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Algeria, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Algeria, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Palestine, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Wam
    Bronze Award: Palestine, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Exhibition Design. Photo: Wam
  • Gold Award: Mexico, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Mexico, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Latvia, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Latvia, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Montenegro, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Montenegro, Rented pavilions, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Tonga, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Tonga, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Fiji, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Fiji, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Seychelles, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Pawan Singh/The National
    Gold Award: Seychelles, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Pawan Singh/The National
  • Silver Award: Cambodia, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Cambodia, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Surinam, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Surinam, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Holy See, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Holy See, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Cote d’Ivoire, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Cote d’Ivoire, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Jamaica, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Victor Besa / The National
    Bronze Award: Jamaica, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Exhibition Design. Victor Besa / The National
  • Gold Award: Germany, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
    Gold Award: Germany, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Silver Award: Kazakhstan, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Kazakhstan, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Italy, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
    Bronze Award: Italy, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Gold Award: Oman, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
    Gold Award: Oman, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Silver Award: Hungary, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Silver Award: Hungary, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Bronze Award: Sweden, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Sweden, self-built pavilions, Category B (1,750-2,500m2), Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Malaysia, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh/The National
    Gold Award: Malaysia, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh/The National
  • Silver Award: Lithuania, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Lithuania, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Colombia, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Antonie Robertson / The National
    Bronze Award: Colombia, self-built pavilions, Category C (smaller than 1,750m2), Theme Interpretation. Antonie Robertson / The National
  • Gold Award: Syria, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Syria, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Gabon, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Gabon, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Vietnam, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Vietnam, Rented pavilions, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Rwanda, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Rwanda, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Ethiopia, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
    Silver Award: Ethiopia, Thematic District pavilions, Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Pawan Singh / The National
  • Bronze Award — Kyrgyzstan, Thematic District pavilions — Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award — Kyrgyzstan, Thematic District pavilions — Opportunity, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: Yemen, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: Yemen, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Guinea, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Guinea, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Comoros, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Comoros, Thematic District pavilions, Sustainability, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Gold Award: El Salvador, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Gold Award: El Salvador, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Silver Award: Moldova, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Silver Award: Moldova, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Bronze Award: Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Bronze Award: Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, Thematic District pavilions, Mobility, Theme Interpretation. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Western Region Asia Cup T20 Qualifier

Sun Feb 23 – Thu Feb 27, Al Amerat, Oman

The two finalists advance to the Asia qualifier in Malaysia in August

 

Group A

Bahrain, Maldives, Oman, Qatar

Group B

UAE, Iran, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia

 

UAE group fixtures

Sunday Feb 23, 9.30am, v Iran

Monday Feb 25, 1pm, v Kuwait

Tuesday Feb 26, 9.30am, v Saudi

 

UAE squad

Ahmed Raza, Rohan Mustafa, Alishan Sharafu, Ansh Tandon, Vriitya Aravind, Junaid Siddique, Waheed Ahmed, Karthik Meiyappan, Basil Hameed, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Ayaz, Zahoor Khan, Chirag Suri, Sultan Ahmed

Timeline

1947
Ferrari’s road-car company is formed and its first badged car, the 125 S, rolls off the assembly line

1962
250 GTO is unveiled

1969
Fiat becomes a Ferrari shareholder, acquiring 50 per cent of the company

1972
The Fiorano circuit, Ferrari’s racetrack for development and testing, opens

1976
First automatic Ferrari, the 400 Automatic, is made

1987
F40 launched

1988
Enzo Ferrari dies; Fiat expands its stake in the company to 90 per cent

2002
The Enzo model is announced

2010
Ferrari World opens in Abu Dhabi

2011
First four-wheel drive Ferrari, the FF, is unveiled

2013
LaFerrari, the first Ferrari hybrid, arrives

2014
Fiat Chrysler announces the split of Ferrari from the parent company

2015
Ferrari launches on Wall Street

2017
812 Superfast unveiled; Ferrari celebrates its 70th anniversary

Global Fungi Facts

• Scientists estimate there could be as many as 3 million fungal species globally
• Only about 160,000 have been officially described leaving around 90% undiscovered
• Fungi account for roughly 90% of Earth's unknown biodiversity
• Forest fungi help tackle climate change, absorbing up to 36% of global fossil fuel emissions annually and storing around 5 billion tonnes of carbon in the planet's topsoil

GOLF’S RAHMBO

- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)

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Mercer, the investment consulting arm of US services company Marsh & McLennan, expects its wealth division to at least double its assets under management (AUM) in the Middle East as wealth in the region continues to grow despite economic headwinds, a company official said.

Mercer Wealth, which globally has $160 billion in AUM, plans to boost its AUM in the region to $2-$3bn in the next 2-3 years from the present $1bn, said Yasir AbuShaban, a Dubai-based principal with Mercer Wealth.

Within the next two to three years, we are looking at reaching $2 to $3 billion as a conservative estimate and we do see an opportunity to do so,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Mercer does not directly make investments, but allocates clients’ money they have discretion to, to professional asset managers. They also provide advice to clients.

“We have buying power. We can negotiate on their (client’s) behalf with asset managers to provide them lower fees than they otherwise would have to get on their own,” he added.

Mercer Wealth’s clients include sovereign wealth funds, family offices, and insurance companies among others.

From its office in Dubai, Mercer also looks after Africa, India and Turkey, where they also see opportunity for growth.

Wealth creation in Middle East and Africa (MEA) grew 8.5 per cent to $8.1 trillion last year from $7.5tn in 2015, higher than last year’s global average of 6 per cent and the second-highest growth in a region after Asia-Pacific which grew 9.9 per cent, according to consultancy Boston Consulting Group (BCG). In the region, where wealth grew just 1.9 per cent in 2015 compared with 2014, a pickup in oil prices has helped in wealth generation.

BCG is forecasting MEA wealth will rise to $12tn by 2021, growing at an annual average of 8 per cent.

Drivers of wealth generation in the region will be split evenly between new wealth creation and growth of performance of existing assets, according to BCG.

Another general trend in the region is clients’ looking for a comprehensive approach to investing, according to Mr AbuShaban.

“Institutional investors or some of the families are seeing a slowdown in the available capital they have to invest and in that sense they are looking at optimizing the way they manage their portfolios and making sure they are not investing haphazardly and different parts of their investment are working together,” said Mr AbuShaban.

Some clients also have a higher appetite for risk, given the low interest-rate environment that does not provide enough yield for some institutional investors. These clients are keen to invest in illiquid assets, such as private equity and infrastructure.

“What we have seen is a desire for higher returns in what has been a low-return environment specifically in various fixed income or bonds,” he said.

“In this environment, we have seen a de facto increase in the risk that clients are taking in things like illiquid investments, private equity investments, infrastructure and private debt, those kind of investments were higher illiquidity results in incrementally higher returns.”

The Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, one of the largest sovereign wealth funds, said in its 2016 report that has gradually increased its exposure in direct private equity and private credit transactions, mainly in Asian markets and especially in China and India. The authority’s private equity department focused on structured equities owing to “their defensive characteristics.”

The President's Cake

Director: Hasan Hadi

Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem 

Rating: 4/5

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
The five pillars of Islam

1. Fasting 

2. Prayer 

3. Hajj 

4. Shahada 

5. Zakat 

EA Sports FC 26

Publisher: EA Sports

Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S

Rating: 3/5

Profile of Hala Insurance

Date Started: September 2018

Founders: Walid and Karim Dib

Based: Abu Dhabi

Employees: Nine

Amount raised: $1.2 million

Funders: Oman Technology Fund, AB Accelerator, 500 Startups, private backers

 

RESULT

Bayern Munich 3 Chelsea 2
Bayern: Rafinha (6'), Muller (12', 27')
Chelsea: Alonso (45' 3), Batshuayi (85')

UAE SQUAD FOR ASIAN JIU-JITSU CHAMPIONSHIP

Men’s squad: Faisal Al Ketbi, Omar Al Fadhli, Zayed Al Kathiri, Thiab Al Nuaimi, Khaled Al Shehhi, Mohamed Ali Al Suwaidi, Farraj Khaled Al Awlaqi, Muhammad Al Ameri, Mahdi Al Awlaqi, Saeed Al Qubaisi, Abdullah Al Qubaisi and Hazaa Farhan

Women's squad: Hamda Al Shekheili, Shouq Al Dhanhani, Balqis Abdullah, Sharifa Al Namani, Asma Al Hosani, Maitha Sultan, Bashayer Al Matrooshi, Maha Al Hanaei, Shamma Al Kalbani, Haya Al Jahuri, Mahra Mahfouz, Marwa Al Hosani, Tasneem Al Jahoori and Maryam Al Amri

Moon Music

Artist: Coldplay

Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

Number of tracks: 10

Rating: 3/5

Sinopharm vaccine explained

The Sinopharm vaccine was created using techniques that have been around for decades. 

“This is an inactivated vaccine. Simply what it means is that the virus is taken, cultured and inactivated," said Dr Nawal Al Kaabi, chair of the UAE's National Covid-19 Clinical Management Committee.

"What is left is a skeleton of the virus so it looks like a virus, but it is not live."

This is then injected into the body.

"The body will recognise it and form antibodies but because it is inactive, we will need more than one dose. The body will not develop immunity with one dose," she said.

"You have to be exposed more than one time to what we call the antigen."

The vaccine should offer protection for at least months, but no one knows how long beyond that.

Dr Al Kaabi said early vaccine volunteers in China were given shots last spring and still have antibodies today.

“Since it is inactivated, it will not last forever," she said.

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Updated: April 02, 2022, 11:11 AM