• Expo City Dubai is set to open in phases from September 2022, with a full relaunch in October. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
    Expo City Dubai is set to open in phases from September 2022, with a full relaunch in October. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National
  • Visitors can take a trip on the Garden in the Sky from September 1 for Dh30.
    Visitors can take a trip on the Garden in the Sky from September 1 for Dh30.
  • Later, as residential sectors open, the district will become a '24-hour neighbourhood' in which people live and work, and can visit.
    Later, as residential sectors open, the district will become a '24-hour neighbourhood' in which people live and work, and can visit.
  • The Expo metro station in June 2022.
    The Expo metro station in June 2022.
  • Dubai Exhibition Centre in June 2022.
    Dubai Exhibition Centre in June 2022.
  • Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer and Marjan Faraidooni, chief visitor experience officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, at a news conference in June 2022 to announce Expo City Dubai.
    Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer and Marjan Faraidooni, chief visitor experience officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, at a news conference in June 2022 to announce Expo City Dubai.
  • The entrance gates await new residents and businesses.
    The entrance gates await new residents and businesses.
  • Ahmed Al Khatib said the district would be free of single plastics and was built with an emphasis on the environment.
    Ahmed Al Khatib said the district would be free of single plastics and was built with an emphasis on the environment.
  • Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Airports, speaking at a press conference welcoming the next chapter at Expo City Dubai.
    Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed, chairman of Dubai Airports, speaking at a press conference welcoming the next chapter at Expo City Dubai.

UAE

Expo 2020

Expo City Dubai: what will it be like to visit the legacy site?

A new 'attraction pass' will give visitors access to a variety of Dubai's flagship and country pavilions

Sarwat Nasir
Sarwat Nasir

June 21, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

Expo 2020 Dubai may be over, but its transformation into Expo City Dubai will provide visitors with a “world-class experience” including access to pavilions with new offerings, a museum and leisure facilities.

Many of the world’s fair's most popular attractions will still be available, including Al Wasl Dome, the Garden in the Sky observation tower and the striking water feature.

A paid-for attraction pass will be launched to give visitors access to these experiences.

Entry to the Expo district itself will be free.

The 4.38 square kilometre site will cater to visitors as well as tenants who will live in one of the 2,000 apartments.

There are plans to expand these neighbourhoods to help the legacy site fully transform into a thriving community, made up of tenants, homeowners, businesses and attractions.

A car-free sustainable city

Expo City Dubai will adopt the world’s fair theme of sustainability, and will be car-free and free of single-use plastics.

With the new site opening in phases from October, The National explores what it would be like to visit Expo City Dubai.

Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer at Expo, said visitors would be able to see more than 10 attractions.

“There will be pavilions and it will also have lots of food and beverage options, co-working spaces and, for the future, we have plans to have a shopping mall and retail offering,” she said.

“You’ll have access to five-kilometre running and cycling tracks.”

Explore what's new at Dubai’s flagship pavilions

The Opportunity pavilion, which attracted large crowds for its innovative displays on water, food and energy, will be transformed into the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum.

It will highlight the history and impact of world expos, as well as celebrate the success of the six-month event held in Dubai.

The Mobility and Sustainability pavilions will stay open to offer visitors interactive educational experiences, including in science, technology, engineers, arts, mathematics and culture.

The Women’s pavilion will continue to show how women have contributed in societies around the world and will focus on driving gender equality and women empowerment.

The Vision pavilion will honour the life and vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.

Learn more about different cultures from country pavilions

The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Morocco, Luxembourg and Australia pavilions are among those that will stay open and give new experiences to visitors.

More will be announced later, including what is on offer.

“Usually in mega events, countries don't stay after they’re finished,” said Ms Faraidooni.

“It really depends on the negotiation that happens with the host country and the country of participation.

“But, I think of all world expos, this is a good number of countries (that have stayed).”

Hang out at Expo’s most popular attractions

Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen, will remain open.

Garden in the Sky, a rotating observation tower that lifts visitors 55 metres above the site for a panoramic view, will also continue hosting guests.

Expo’s iconic water feature, which became a popular spot for people to cool down during scorching temperatures, will also be open.

Restaurants and hotels

Expo will attract businesses to set up operations at the site.

Several restaurants are expected to open and offer visitors foods from around the world.

The Rove Hotel is still accepting guests at the site.

Expo Village, residential area near the legacy site - in pictures

  • The site of Expo 2020 Dubai is now being transformed, following the end of the world's fair on March 31. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The site of Expo 2020 Dubai is now being transformed, following the end of the world's fair on March 31. All photos: Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Former accommodation for world's fair staff is being converted into the Expo Village residential complex.
    Former accommodation for world's fair staff is being converted into the Expo Village residential complex.
  • Located in Dubai South, Expo Village is just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance gates of the Expo legacy site – which will soon evolve into District 2020
    Located in Dubai South, Expo Village is just a few minutes’ walk from the entrance gates of the Expo legacy site – which will soon evolve into District 2020
  • Expo Village is made up of 15 mid-rise buildings divided into four clusters. Each cluster has its own swimming pool.
    Expo Village is made up of 15 mid-rise buildings divided into four clusters. Each cluster has its own swimming pool.
  • The four clusters of Expo Village contain a total of 2,273 dwellings. These range from studio to three-bedroom apartments to 30 three-bedroom townhouses,
    The four clusters of Expo Village contain a total of 2,273 dwellings. These range from studio to three-bedroom apartments to 30 three-bedroom townhouses,
  • Parks and playgrounds throughout the complex make it appealing to families, say developers.
    Parks and playgrounds throughout the complex make it appealing to families, say developers.
  • While occupancy by Expo staff was 97 per cent during the event, soon this will be down to less than 5 per cent, and apartments will be available to rent.
    While occupancy by Expo staff was 97 per cent during the event, soon this will be down to less than 5 per cent, and apartments will be available to rent.
  • Expo Village has its own dedicated park spanning 38,000 square metres, a running track and a cycle path circling its perimeter.
    Expo Village has its own dedicated park spanning 38,000 square metres, a running track and a cycle path circling its perimeter.
  • Keeping fit indoors is covered too, with a residents' gym in each cluster.
    Keeping fit indoors is covered too, with a residents' gym in each cluster.
  • Dubai World Trade Centre, which manages Expo Village, says the focus on parkland, gardens and the running and cycling tracks encourages health and wellness among residents.
    Dubai World Trade Centre, which manages Expo Village, says the focus on parkland, gardens and the running and cycling tracks encourages health and wellness among residents.
  • Tree-shaded walkways at Expo Village. Developers describe it as 'a village within a village'.
    Tree-shaded walkways at Expo Village. Developers describe it as 'a village within a village'.
  • The entrance to the Expo 2020 Dubai metro line is located just a minute's walk from each cluster and the area is connected to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
    The entrance to the Expo 2020 Dubai metro line is located just a minute's walk from each cluster and the area is connected to Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road and Emirates Road.
  • A rooftop leisure area at Expo Village.
    A rooftop leisure area at Expo Village.
  • Green spaces are a vital part of Expo Village, say property managers.
    Green spaces are a vital part of Expo Village, say property managers.
  • The development includes a supermarket, a pharmacy, cafes and restaurants, a healthcare clinic, salons and Covid-19 testing clinic.
    The development includes a supermarket, a pharmacy, cafes and restaurants, a healthcare clinic, salons and Covid-19 testing clinic.
  • With Expo 2020 Dubai over, apartments are now being made ready for new tenants expected over the next few months.
    With Expo 2020 Dubai over, apartments are now being made ready for new tenants expected over the next few months.
  • The living room of a two-bedroom apartment. Most properties will be let fully furnished.
    The living room of a two-bedroom apartment. Most properties will be let fully furnished.
  • The kitchen and dining area of a three-bedroom townhouse.
    The kitchen and dining area of a three-bedroom townhouse.
  • A twin bedroom in a three-bedroom townhouse.
    A twin bedroom in a three-bedroom townhouse.
  • Property managers are seeking to create a co-working space within some of the Expo Village retail and home rental units.
    Property managers are seeking to create a co-working space within some of the Expo Village retail and home rental units.
  • An overview of Expo Village.
    An overview of Expo Village.
  • The nearby Expo 2020 Dubai metro line.
    The nearby Expo 2020 Dubai metro line.
  • With properties ranging from 40 square metres up to 130 square metres, management company Dubai World Trade Centre says Expo Village rents will be 'very competitive'.
    With properties ranging from 40 square metres up to 130 square metres, management company Dubai World Trade Centre says Expo Village rents will be 'very competitive'.
While you're here
CHATGPT%20ENTERPRISE%20FEATURES
%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Enterprise-grade%20security%20and%20privacy%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Unlimited%20higher-speed%20GPT-4%20access%20with%20no%20caps%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Longer%20context%20windows%20for%20processing%20longer%20inputs%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Advanced%20data%20analysis%20capabilities%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Customisation%20options%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Shareable%20chat%20templates%20that%20companies%20can%20use%20to%20collaborate%20and%20build%20common%20workflows%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Analytics%20dashboard%20for%20usage%20insights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%E2%80%A2%20Free%20credits%20to%20use%20OpenAI%20APIs%20to%20extend%20OpenAI%20into%20a%20fully-custom%20solution%20for%20enterprises%3C%2Fp%3E%0A

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.”

Indoor cricket in a nutshell

Indoor Cricket World Cup - Sep 16-20, Insportz, Dubai

16 Indoor cricket matches are 16 overs per side

8 There are eight players per team

9 There have been nine Indoor Cricket World Cups for men. Australia have won every one.

5 Five runs are deducted from the score when a wickets falls

4 Batsmen bat in pairs, facing four overs per partnership

Scoring In indoor cricket, runs are scored by way of both physical and bonus runs. Physical runs are scored by both batsmen completing a run from one crease to the other. Bonus runs are scored when the ball hits a net in different zones, but only when at least one physical run is score.

Zones

A Front net, behind the striker and wicketkeeper: 0 runs

B Side nets, between the striker and halfway down the pitch: 1 run

C Side nets between halfway and the bowlers end: 2 runs

D Back net: 4 runs on the bounce, 6 runs on the full

The specs: 2018 Volkswagen Teramont

Price, base / as tested Dh137,000 / Dh189,950

Engine 3.6-litre V6

Gearbox Eight-speed automatic

Power 280hp @ 6,200rpm

Torque 360Nm @ 2,750rpm

Fuel economy, combined 11.7L / 100km

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

MATCH INFO

Uefa Champions League semi-final, first leg

Tottenham v Ajax, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE).

Second leg

Ajax v Tottenham, Wednesday, May 8, 11pm

Games on BeIN Sports

Killing of Qassem Suleimani
The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

Suggested picnic spots

Abu Dhabi
Umm Al Emarat Park
Yas Gateway Park
Delma Park
Al Bateen beach
Saadiyaat beach
The Corniche
Zayed Sports City
 
Dubai
Kite Beach
Zabeel Park
Al Nahda Pond Park
Mushrif Park
Safa Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Qudrah Lakes 

Haemoglobin disorders explained

Thalassaemia is part of a family of genetic conditions affecting the blood known as haemoglobin disorders.

Haemoglobin is a substance in the red blood cells that carries oxygen and a lack of it triggers anemia, leaving patients very weak, short of breath and pale.

The most severe type of the condition is typically inherited when both parents are carriers. Those patients often require regular blood transfusions - about 450 of the UAE's 2,000 thalassaemia patients - though frequent transfusions can lead to too much iron in the body and heart and liver problems.

The condition mainly affects people of Mediterranean, South Asian, South-East Asian and Middle Eastern origin. Saudi Arabia recorded 45,892 cases of carriers between 2004 and 2014.

A World Health Organisation study estimated that globally there are at least 950,000 'new carrier couples' every year and annually there are 1.33 million at-risk pregnancies.

THE%20HOLDOVERS
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAlexander%20Payne%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Paul%20Giamatti%2C%20Da'Vine%20Joy%20Randolph%2C%20Dominic%20Sessa%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204.5%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
While you're here
Pakistan v New Zealand Test series

Pakistan: Sarfraz (c), Hafeez, Imam, Azhar, Sohail, Shafiq, Azam, Saad, Yasir, Asif, Abbas, Hassan, Afridi, Ashraf, Hamza

New Zealand: Williamson (c), Blundell, Boult, De Grandhomme, Henry, Latham, Nicholls, Ajaz, Raval, Sodhi, Somerville, Southee, Taylor, Wagner

Umpires: Bruce Oxerford (AUS) and Ian Gould (ENG); TV umpire: Paul Reiffel (AUS); Match referee: David Boon (AUS)

Tickets and schedule: Entry is free for all spectators. Gates open at 9am. Play commences at 10am

Remaining Fixtures

Wednesday: West Indies v Scotland
Thursday: UAE v Zimbabwe
Friday: Afghanistan v Ireland
Sunday: Final

MATCH INFO

Juventus 1 (Dybala 45')

Lazio 3 (Alberto 16', Lulic 73', Cataldi 90 4')

Red card: Rodrigo Bentancur (Juventus)

RACE SCHEDULE

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Friday, September 29
First practice: 7am - 8.30am
Second practice: 11am - 12.30pm

Saturday, September 30
Qualifying: 1pm - 2pm

Sunday, October 1
Race: 11am - 1pm

The bio

Favourite food: Japanese

Favourite car: Lamborghini

Favourite hobby: Football

Favourite quote: If your dreams don’t scare you, they are not big enough

Favourite country: UAE

Towering concerns
Updated: August 29, 2022, 9:01 AM
Expo 2020 DubaiDubaiUAESustainability