• Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, tours Alif - The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: @DXBMediaOffice
    Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, tours Alif - The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: @DXBMediaOffice
  • Alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, symbolises the beginning of progress and new horizons.
    Alif, the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, symbolises the beginning of progress and new horizons.
  • The Mobility Pavilion highlights important contributions made by Arabs throughout history, from ancient explorations to the UAE's Emirates Mars Mission and plans to explore Venus.
    The Mobility Pavilion highlights important contributions made by Arabs throughout history, from ancient explorations to the UAE's Emirates Mars Mission and plans to explore Venus.
  • Sheikh Mohammed also visited the House of Wisdom – in the pavilion – where historical figures from the Golden Age of Arab Civilisation are featured.
    Sheikh Mohammed also visited the House of Wisdom – in the pavilion – where historical figures from the Golden Age of Arab Civilisation are featured.

UAE

Government

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid visits Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Vice President and Ruler of Dubai toured exhibits that trace the path of Arab history

Georgia Tolley
Georgia Tolley

November 05, 2021

  • English
  • Arabic

LIVE BLOG: Latest on Expo 2020 Dubai here

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, visited Alif – The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The structure, which was designed by Fosters + Partners is one of the world fair's main landmarks.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s focus on mobility provides an opportunity to explore how new advances in transport and travel can accelerate mankind’s progress
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid,
Vice President and Ruler of Dubai

Named after the first letter of the Arabic alphabet, it symbolises the beginning of progress and new horizons.

During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed said mobility can accelerate our path into the future.

"Expo 2020 Dubai’s focus on mobility provides an opportunity to explore how new advances in transport and travel can accelerate mankind’s progress," Sheikh Mohammed said.

"Innovative forms of transport are not only helping strengthen ties between different societies but also widening our civilisational horizons and creating a better future for humanity."

  • The exhibition inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion also highlights innovations from the Arab region that have led to advances in exploration.
    The exhibition inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion also highlights innovations from the Arab region that have led to advances in exploration.
  • Alif – The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was designed by British architects Foster + Partners. All photos: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Alif – The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was designed by British architects Foster + Partners. All photos: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Visitors will be taken on a virtual journey through time and space at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    Visitors will be taken on a virtual journey through time and space at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • The exhibition inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion starts with an ancient settlement in the Dubai desert and ends with a glimpse of the future on Mars.
    The exhibition inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion starts with an ancient settlement in the Dubai desert and ends with a glimpse of the future on Mars.
  • Highlights include giant sculptures so detailed they look real, a huge elevating platform and features of the UAE’s space programme.
    Highlights include giant sculptures so detailed they look real, a huge elevating platform and features of the UAE’s space programme.
  • Visitors will “discover the pivotal role played by the UAE and the Arab world in advancing global mobility through the centuries”, say organisers. This journey starts 4,500 years ago in Saruq Al Hadid, a settlement in the Dubai desert.
    Visitors will “discover the pivotal role played by the UAE and the Arab world in advancing global mobility through the centuries”, say organisers. This journey starts 4,500 years ago in Saruq Al Hadid, a settlement in the Dubai desert.
  • The tour will then leap forward to the data-driven world of the 21st century, before moving on to the city of the future.
    The tour will then leap forward to the data-driven world of the 21st century, before moving on to the city of the future.
  • Visitors will be given a glimpse of what to expect in the decades to come, including the UAE's space programme, and learn about the Hope Mars Mission.
    Visitors will be given a glimpse of what to expect in the decades to come, including the UAE's space programme, and learn about the Hope Mars Mission.
  • The tour inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion was designed by Oscar-winning film creators.
    The tour inside Alif – The Mobility Pavilion was designed by Oscar-winning film creators.
  • Stories from the past and glimpses of the future are used to explore the concept of mobility.
    Stories from the past and glimpses of the future are used to explore the concept of mobility.
  • The distinctive pavilion was designed by award-winning British architectural design and engineering firm Foster + Partners.
    The distinctive pavilion was designed by award-winning British architectural design and engineering firm Foster + Partners.
  • The Astronaut and Emirates Mars Mission exhibition at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion.
    The Astronaut and Emirates Mars Mission exhibition at Alif – The Mobility Pavilion.
  • The Astronaut and Emirates Mars Mission exhibition.
    The Astronaut and Emirates Mars Mission exhibition.
  • Even the lobby of Alif – The Mobility pavilion is impressive.
    Even the lobby of Alif – The Mobility pavilion is impressive.
  • Alif – the Mobility Pavilion aims to inspire visitors to believe that anything is possible, say organisers.
    Alif – the Mobility Pavilion aims to inspire visitors to believe that anything is possible, say organisers.
  • The exterior of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion has highly polished stainless-steel cladding that reflects the movement of passers-by.
    The exterior of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion has highly polished stainless-steel cladding that reflects the movement of passers-by.
  • Aerial view of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion. The site includes an amphitheatre, a second stage and a plaza, which will feature performances related to the theme of mobility, as well as events, symposia and demonstrations throughout the six-month world fair. Expo 2020 Dubai runs from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.
    Aerial view of Alif – The Mobility Pavilion. The site includes an amphitheatre, a second stage and a plaza, which will feature performances related to the theme of mobility, as well as events, symposia and demonstrations throughout the six-month world fair. Expo 2020 Dubai runs from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022.

During the tour, Sheikh Mohammed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Ahmed bin Mohammed, chairman of Dubai Media Council; and Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed.

Alif – The Mobility pavilion highlights the history of mobility in the region, taking visitors on an immersive journey through the spectrum of human movement and progress.

It seeks to challenge, surprise and inspire visitors by showing them how mobility is more than just transport, encompassing the mobility of people, data, ideas and our natural environment.

The Mobility Pavilion also highlights the key contributions made by Arabs throughout history, starting from ancient explorations to the UAE's Emirates Mars Mission and plans to explore Venus.

Sheikh Zayed also visited the House of Wisdom, located in the pavilion, which features historical figures from the Golden Age of Arab Civilisation.

Two particular individuals who made significant contributions in the field of mobility and travel were Ahmad bin Majid, a navigator and cartographer also known as the Lion of the Sea, and Ibn Battuta, the Muslim Berber Moroccan traveller who criss-crossed Asia, Africa and the Middle East, eventually covering nearly 120,000 kilometres.

Watch Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid lead Flag Day ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai

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Countries offering golden visas

UK
Innovator Founder Visa is aimed at those who can demonstrate relevant experience in business and sufficient investment funds to set up and scale up a new business in the UK. It offers permanent residence after three years.

Germany
Investing or establishing a business in Germany offers you a residence permit, which eventually leads to citizenship. The investment must meet an economic need and you have to have lived in Germany for five years to become a citizen.

Italy
The scheme is designed for foreign investors committed to making a significant contribution to the economy. Requires a minimum investment of €250,000 which can rise to €2 million.

Switzerland
Residence Programme offers residence to applicants and their families through economic contributions. The applicant must agree to pay an annual lump sum in tax.

Canada
Start-Up Visa Programme allows foreign entrepreneurs the opportunity to create a business in Canada and apply for permanent residence. 

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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Labour dispute

The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.


- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law 

Paatal Lok season two

Directors: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy 

Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Ishwak Singh, Lc Sekhose, Merenla Imsong

Rating: 4.5/5

On Women's Day
The bio

Studied up to grade 12 in Vatanappally, a village in India’s southern Thrissur district

Was a middle distance state athletics champion in school

Enjoys driving to Fujairah and Ras Al Khaimah with family

His dream is to continue working as a social worker and help people

Has seven diaries in which he has jotted down notes about his work and money he earned

Keeps the diaries in his car to remember his journey in the Emirates

Eyasses squad

Charlie Preston (captain) – goal shooter/ goalkeeper (Dubai College)

Arushi Holt (vice-captain) – wing defence / centre (Jumeriah English Speaking School)  

Olivia Petricola (vice-captain) – centre / wing attack (Dubai English Speaking College)

Isabel Affley – goalkeeper / goal defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Jemma Eley – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Alana Farrell-Morton – centre / wing / defence / wing attack (Nord Anglia International School)

Molly Fuller – goal attack / wing attack (Dubai College)

Caitlin Gowdy – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai English Speaking College)

Noorulain Hussain – goal defence / wing defence (Dubai College)

Zahra Hussain-Gillani – goal defence / goalkeeper (British School Al Khubairat)

Claire Janssen – goal shooter / goal attack (Jumeriah English Speaking School)         

Eliza Petricola – wing attack / centre (Dubai English Speaking College)

Tightening the screw on rogue recruiters

The UAE overhauled the procedure to recruit housemaids and domestic workers with a law in 2017 to protect low-income labour from being exploited.

 Only recruitment companies authorised by the government are permitted as part of Tadbeer, a network of labour ministry-regulated centres.

A contract must be drawn up for domestic workers, the wages and job offer clearly stating the nature of work.

The contract stating the wages, work entailed and accommodation must be sent to the employee in their home country before they depart for the UAE.

The contract will be signed by the employer and employee when the domestic worker arrives in the UAE.

Only recruitment agencies registered with the ministry can undertake recruitment and employment applications for domestic workers.

Penalties for illegal recruitment in the UAE include fines of up to Dh100,000 and imprisonment

But agents not authorised by the government sidestep the law by illegally getting women into the country on visit visas.

Dirham Stretcher tips for having a baby in the UAE

Selma Abdelhamid, the group's moderator, offers her guide to guide the cost of having a young family:

• Buy second hand stuff

 They grow so fast. Don't get a second hand car seat though, unless you 100 per cent know it's not expired and hasn't been in an accident.

• Get a health card and vaccinate your child for free at government health centres

 Ms Ma says she discovered this after spending thousands on vaccinations at private clinics.

• Join mum and baby coffee mornings provided by clinics, babysitting companies or nurseries.

Before joining baby classes ask for a free trial session. This way you will know if it's for you or not. You'll be surprised how great some classes are and how bad others are.

• Once baby is ready for solids, cook at home

Take the food with you in reusable pouches or jars. You'll save a fortune and you'll know exactly what you're feeding your child.

War and the virus
If you go

The flights 

Emirates flies from Dubai to Funchal via Lisbon, with a connecting flight with Air Portugal. Economy class returns cost from Dh3,845 return including taxes.

The trip

The WalkMe app can be downloaded from the usual sources. If you don’t fancy doing the trip yourself, then Explore  offers an eight-day levada trails tour from Dh3,050, not including flights.

The hotel

There isn’t another hotel anywhere in Madeira that matches the history and luxury of the Belmond Reid's Palace in Funchal. Doubles from Dh1,400 per night including taxes.

 

 

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The Abu Dhabi Awards explained:

What are the awards? They honour anyone who has made a contribution to life in Abu Dhabi.

Are they open to only Emiratis? The awards are open to anyone, regardless of age or nationality, living anywhere in the world.

When do nominations close? The process concludes on December 31.

How do I nominate someone? Through the website.

When is the ceremony? The awards event will take place early next year.

Jordan cabinet changes

In

  • Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
  • Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
  • Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
  • Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
  • Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth

Out

  • Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
  • Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
  • Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
  • Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
  • Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
  • Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
  • Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
  • Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
  • Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
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Updated: November 05, 2021, 10:59 AM
Expo 2020 DubaiSheikh Mohammed bin Rashid