Fire crews extinguished a fire at the Expo 2020 site that broke out on May 11. Courtesy: Expo 2020
Fire crews extinguished a fire at the Expo 2020 site that broke out on May 11. Courtesy: Expo 2020
Fire crews extinguished a fire at the Expo 2020 site that broke out on May 11. Courtesy: Expo 2020
Fire crews extinguished a fire at the Expo 2020 site that broke out on May 11. Courtesy: Expo 2020

Fire breaks out at Expo 2020 Dubai site


Salam Al Amir
  • English
  • Arabic

A fire broke out during construction work at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.

Plumes of black smoke could be seen billowing into the skies around the vast area on Monday morning.

Fire crews from Dubai Civil Defence were dispatched to the scene and quickly brought the blaze under control.

Nobody was injured in the incident.

An Expo 2020 spokesman said the fire was sparked after an accident during welding work at a debris-laden part of the site.

"A fire broke out earlier this morning on one location in Expo 2020 site. Emergency services promptly arrived to the scene.

"The fire has been contained and Dubai Civil Defence has brought it under control quickly. We understand that the fire has been caused by a problem during welding works. Nobody has been hurt," said an Expo 2020 spokesman.

Gen Abdullah Al Marri, chief of Dubai Police, praised the swift response of emergency services after visiting the scene on Monday.

It was announced earlier this month that Expo 2020 Dubai would be postponed by one year due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The world fair's governing body approved plans for the emirate to host the event from October 1, 2021, until March 31, 2022, with the occasion to retain its Expo 2020 title.

The decision was confirmed after two thirds of Bureau International des Expositions member states voted in favour of the delay in light of the challenges posed to the international community by the Covid-19 outbreak.

Results
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Wicked: For Good

Director: Jon M Chu

Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Ethan Slater

Rating: 4/5

Know your Camel lingo

The bairaq is a competition for the best herd of 50 camels, named for the banner its winner takes home

Namoos - a word of congratulations reserved for falconry competitions, camel races and camel pageants. It best translates as 'the pride of victory' - and for competitors, it is priceless

Asayel camels - sleek, short-haired hound-like racers

Majahim - chocolate-brown camels that can grow to weigh two tonnes. They were only valued for milk until camel pageantry took off in the 1990s

Millions Street - the thoroughfare where camels are led and where white 4x4s throng throughout the festival