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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 enjoy the water feature on the last day. Pawan Singh / 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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

Visitors queue at the security gate. 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 -

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 -

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
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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -
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 -

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 -

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 -

Silver Award: Latvia, 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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -
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 -

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 -

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 -

Silver Award: Gabon, 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 -

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 -

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 -

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 -

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
Specs
Engine: 51.5kW electric motor
Range: 400km
Power: 134bhp
Torque: 175Nm
Price: From Dh98,800
Available: Now
Director: Laxman Utekar
Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna
Rating: 1/5
The specs
Explained
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
Other workplace saving schemes
- The UAE government announced a retirement savings plan for private and free zone sector employees in 2023.
- Dubai’s savings retirement scheme for foreign employees working in the emirate’s government and public sector came into effect in 2022.
- National Bonds unveiled a Golden Pension Scheme in 2022 to help private-sector foreign employees with their financial planning.
- In April 2021, Hayah Insurance unveiled a workplace savings plan to help UAE employees save for their retirement.
- Lunate, an Abu Dhabi-based investment manager, has launched a fund that will allow UAE private companies to offer employees investment returns on end-of-service benefits.
More from Rashmee Roshan Lall
'Skin'
Dir: Guy Nattiv
Starring: Jamie Bell, Danielle McDonald, Bill Camp, Vera Farmiga
Rating: 3.5/5 stars
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
Smart words at Make Smart Cool
Make Smart Cool is not your usual festival. Dubbed “edutainment” by organisers Najahi Events, Make Smart Cool aims to inspire its youthful target audience through a mix of interactive presentation by social media influencers and a concert finale featuring Example with DJ Wire. Here are some of the speakers sharing their inspiration and experiences on the night.
Prince Ea
With his social media videos accumulating more half a billion views, the American motivational speaker is hot on the college circuit in the US, with talks that focus on the many ways to generate passion and motivation when it comes to learning.
Khalid Al Ameri
The Emirati columnist and presenter is much loved by local youth, with writings and presentations about education, entrepreneurship and family balance. His lectures on career and personal development are sought after by the education and business sector.
Ben Ouattara
Born to an Ivorian father and German mother, the Dubai-based fitness instructor and motivational speaker is all about conquering fears and insecurities. His talk focuses on the need to gain emotional and physical fitness when facing life’s challenges. As well managing his film production company, Ouattara is one of the official ambassadors of Dubai Expo2020.
New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
The%20specs
WHAT%20START-UPS%20IS%20VISA%20SEEKING%3F
RESULT
Kolkata Knight Riders 169-7 (20 ovs)
Rajasthan Royals 144-4 (20 ovs)
Kolkata win by 25 runs
Next match
Sunrisers Hyderabad v Kolkata Knight Riders, Friday, 5.30pm
T20 World Cup Qualifier
October 18 – November 2
Opening fixtures
Friday, October 18
ICC Academy: 10am, Scotland v Singapore, 2.10pm, Netherlands v Kenya
Zayed Cricket Stadium: 2.10pm, Hong Kong v Ireland, 7.30pm, Oman v UAE
UAE squad
Ahmed Raza (captain), Rohan Mustafa, Ashfaq Ahmed, Rameez Shahzad, Darius D’Silva, Mohammed Usman, Mohammed Boota, Zawar Farid, Ghulam Shabber, Junaid Siddique, Sultan Ahmed, Imran Haider, Waheed Ahmed, Chirag Suri, Zahoor Khan
Players out: Mohammed Naveed, Shaiman Anwar, Qadeer Ahmed
Players in: Junaid Siddique, Darius D’Silva, Waheed Ahmed
The%20specs
War
Director: Siddharth Anand
Cast: Hrithik Roshan, Tiger Shroff, Ashutosh Rana, Vaani Kapoor
Rating: Two out of five stars
What it means to be a conservationist
Who is Enric Sala?
Enric Sala is an expert on marine conservation and is currently the National Geographic Society's Explorer-in-Residence. His love of the sea started with his childhood in Spain, inspired by the example of the legendary diver Jacques Cousteau. He has been a university professor of Oceanography in the US, as well as working at the Spanish National Council for Scientific Research and is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Council on Biodiversity and the Bio-Economy. He has dedicated his life to protecting life in the oceans. Enric describes himself as a flexitarian who only eats meat occasionally.
What is biodiversity?
According to the United Nations Environment Programme, all life on earth – including in its forests and oceans – forms a “rich tapestry of interconnecting and interdependent forces”. Biodiversity on earth today is the product of four billion years of evolution and consists of many millions of distinct biological species. The term ‘biodiversity’ is relatively new, popularised since the 1980s and coinciding with an understanding of the growing threats to the natural world including habitat loss, pollution and climate change. The loss of biodiversity itself is dangerous because it contributes to clean, consistent water flows, food security, protection from floods and storms and a stable climate. The natural world can be an ally in combating global climate change but to do so it must be protected. Nations are working to achieve this, including setting targets to be reached by 2020 for the protection of the natural state of 17 per cent of the land and 10 per cent of the oceans. However, these are well short of what is needed, according to experts, with half the land needed to be in a natural state to help avert disaster.
While you're here
Bryant Harris: What Joe Biden did during his first week as US President
Kareem Shaheen: Omar Alghabra outshines the racists who malign him
Kareem Shaheen: Canada is failing those who bear its greatest Covid-19 burdens
Seemar’s top six for the Dubai World Cup Carnival:
1. Reynaldothewizard
2. North America
3. Raven’s Corner
4. Hawkesbury
5. New Maharajah
6. Secret Ambition
Why does a queen bee feast only on royal jelly?
Some facts about bees:
The queen bee eats only royal jelly, an extraordinary food created by worker bees so she lives much longer
The life cycle of a worker bee is from 40-60 days
A queen bee lives for 3-5 years
This allows her to lay millions of eggs and allows the continuity of the bee colony
About 20,000 honey bees and one queen populate each hive
Honey is packed with vital vitamins, minerals, enzymes, water and anti-oxidants.
Apart from honey, five other products are royal jelly, the special food bees feed their queen
Pollen is their protein source, a super food that is nutritious, rich in amino acids
Beewax is used to construct the combs. Due to its anti-fungal, anti-bacterial elements, it is used in skin treatments
Propolis, a resin-like material produced by bees is used to make hives. It has natural antibiotic qualities so works to sterilize hive, protects from disease, keeps their home free from germs. Also used to treat sores, infection, warts
Bee venom is used by bees to protect themselves. Has anti-inflammatory properties, sometimes used to relieve conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, nerve and muscle pain
Honey, royal jelly, pollen have health enhancing qualities
The other three products are used for therapeutic purposes
Is beekeeping dangerous?
As long as you deal with bees gently, you will be safe, says Mohammed Al Najeh, who has worked with bees since he was a boy.
“The biggest mistake people make is they panic when they see a bee. They are small but smart creatures. If you move your hand quickly to hit the bees, this is an aggressive action and bees will defend themselves. They can sense the adrenalin in our body. But if we are calm, they are move away.”
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20SAMSUNG%20GALAXY%20Z%20FLIP5
Specs
Engine: 2-litre
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 255hp
Torque: 273Nm
Price: Dh240,000
Who's who in Yemen conflict
Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government
Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council
Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south
Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory
Habtoor interview
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Cofe
Year started: 2018
Based: UAE
Employees: 80-100
Amount raised: $13m
Investors: KISP ventures, Cedar Mundi, Towell Holding International, Takamul Capital, Dividend Gate Capital, Nizar AlNusif Sons Holding, Arab Investment Company and Al Imtiaz Investment Group
World%20Food%20Day%20
%E2%80%98FSO%20Safer%E2%80%99%20-%20a%20ticking%20bomb
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
MATCH INFO:
Second Test
Pakistan v Australia, Tuesday-Saturday, 10am daily at Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Entrance is free
• Remittance charges will be tackled by blockchain
• UAE's monumental and risky Mars Mission to inspire future generations, says minister
• Could the UAE drive India's economy?
• News has a bright future and the UAE is at the heart of it
• Architecture is over - here's cybertecture
• The National announces Future of News journalism competition
• Round up: Experts share their visions of the world to come
At a glance
- 20,000 new jobs for Emiratis over three years
- Dh300 million set aside to train 18,000 jobseekers in new skills
- Managerial jobs in government restricted to Emiratis
- Emiratis to get priority for 160 types of job in private sector
- Portion of VAT revenues will fund more graduate programmes
- 8,000 Emirati graduates to do 6-12 month replacements in public or private sector on a Dh10,000 monthly wage - 40 per cent of which will be paid by government
Palestine and Israel
Michael Young: Israel's 'iron wall' is sealing the country off from peace
Saeb Erekat: Palestine is capable of overcoming the coronavirus spread
Alexandra Chaves: Gazan artists paint to bring attention to the coronavirus
Bharat
Director: Ali Abbas Zafar
Starring: Salman Khan, Katrina Kaif, Sunil Grover
Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars
































