UAE

A Closer Look: What next for Expo City Dubai?

In our first show from the newsroom, we take a look at what the future holds for the world fair legacy site

Sarah Forster
Sarah Forster

September 12, 2022

  • English
  • Arabic

A Closer Look is The National's new weekly show where we take a more in-depth look at one of the main stories of the week.

As Expo City Dubai opens its doors to the public, host Sarah Forster talks to journalist Suhail Akram about what the transformed Expo Dubai 2022 site currently has to offer and what the long term plans are for the 438 hectares south of Dubai.

From September 16, more of the site will open to the public.

Tours inside the two pavilions that are currently open to the public — Terra and Alif — remain popular with visitors. Entrance fees for the pavilions are Dh50 each.

Other Expo favourites – including Al Wasl Plaza, the Surreal water feature, the Women’s Pavilion and the Vision Pavilion, as well as children’s playgrounds and the carousel – will open from October 1.

Later this year, the Opportunity Pavilion will become the Expo 2020 Dubai Museum – a new addition highlighting the history and impact of World Expos.

Read more

Visitors thrilled to be back at newly re-opened Dubai Expo City

Expo City Dubai promises unrivalled 'campus town feel' as it reopens to the public

Expo City Dubai officially opened on Saturday, October 1, a year after the world's fair launched. Expo 2020 Dubai attracted more than 24 million visits. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Expo City Dubai officially opened on Saturday, October 1, a year after the world's fair launched. Expo 2020 Dubai attracted more than 24 million visits. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitor favourite the Vision Pavilion is inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Visitor favourite the Vision Pavilion is inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The Vision Pavilion is reopening to visitors at the repurposed site of the world's fair. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The Vision Pavilion is reopening to visitors at the repurposed site of the world's fair. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The gravity defying Surreal water feature is also reopening to visitors at Expo City Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
The gravity defying Surreal water feature is also reopening to visitors at Expo City Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Football superstar Lionel Messi was among the millions of visitors entranced by the Surreal water feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Football superstar Lionel Messi was among the millions of visitors entranced by the Surreal water feature. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
A panoramic view from the Garden in the Sky at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
A panoramic view from the Garden in the Sky at Expo 2020 Dubai. Antonie Robertson / The National
A member of the French Air Force Patrouille de France aerobatics team flies past the Garden in the Sky during the world's fair. AP
A member of the French Air Force Patrouille de France aerobatics team flies past the Garden in the Sky during the world's fair. AP
A night view of the Expo 2020 Dubai site from the Garden in the Sky. Victor Besa / The National.
A night view of the Expo 2020 Dubai site from the Garden in the Sky. Victor Besa / The National.
Visitors enjoy the view from the Garden in the Sky during the world's fair. The 55-metre tall observation tower is reopening in the revamped Expo City Dubai site. Pawan Singh / The National
Visitors enjoy the view from the Garden in the Sky during the world's fair. The 55-metre tall observation tower is reopening in the revamped Expo City Dubai site. Pawan Singh / The National
Visitors can explore much of the former site of the world fair and visit the centrepiece Al Wasl dome without charge. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors can explore much of the former site of the world fair and visit the centrepiece Al Wasl dome without charge. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, houses an interactive exhibition. It costs Dh50 ($13) to enter the attraction at the revamped site of Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Alif, the Mobility Pavilion, houses an interactive exhibition. It costs Dh50 ($13) to enter the attraction at the revamped site of Expo 2020 Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An Emirati Bedouin display at Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
An Emirati Bedouin display at Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The spectacular glowing globe in the pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The spectacular glowing globe in the pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Many of the same pavilion's popular exhibits from the world's fair will still be on display. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Many of the same pavilion's popular exhibits from the world's fair will still be on display. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors explore Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors explore Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The pavilion was designed by Foster + Partners, known for their modernist steel-and-glass designs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The pavilion was designed by Foster + Partners, known for their modernist steel-and-glass designs. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A nine-metre statue of Arab mathematician and philosopher Al Kindi is located in the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A nine-metre statue of Arab mathematician and philosopher Al Kindi is located in the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor admires a stunning display in Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A visitor admires a stunning display in Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A historic bas relief carving, inside Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A historic bas relief carving, inside Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A display on 11th-century historian and geographer Abu Ubayd Al Bakri, inside Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A display on 11th-century historian and geographer Abu Ubayd Al Bakri, inside Alif, the Mobility Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors outside Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Visitors outside Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The hall of consumption inside Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
The hall of consumption inside Terra, the Sustainability Pavilion. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A food option at Expo City Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
A food option at Expo City Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Expo City Dubai opens. Chris Whiteoak / The National
Expo City Dubai opens. Chris Whiteoak / The National
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Farage on Muslim Brotherhood

Nigel Farage told Reform's annual conference that the party will proscribe the Muslim Brotherhood if he becomes Prime Minister.
"We will stop dangerous organisations with links to terrorism operating in our country," he said. "Quite why we've been so gutless about this – both Labour and Conservative – I don't know.
“All across the Middle East, countries have banned and proscribed the Muslim Brotherhood as a dangerous organisation. We will do the very same.”
It is 10 years since a ground-breaking report into the Muslim Brotherhood by Sir John Jenkins.
Among the former diplomat's findings was an assessment that “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” has “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
The prime minister at the time, David Cameron, who commissioned the report, said membership or association with the Muslim Brotherhood was a "possible indicator of extremism" but it would not be banned.

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1. Fasting

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3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

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Usain Bolt's World Championships record

2007 Osaka

200m Silver

4x100m relay Silver

 

2009 Berlin

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2011 Daegu

100m Disqualified in final for false start

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2013 Moscow

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

2015 Beijing

100m Gold

200m Gold

4x100m relay Gold

 

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo

Power: 268hp at 5,600rpm

Torque: 380Nm at 4,800rpm

Transmission: CVT auto

Fuel consumption: 9.5L/100km

On sale: now

Price: from Dh195,000 

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The years Ramadan fell in May

1987

1954

1921

1888

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Bib%20Gourmand%20restaurants
%3Cp%3EAl%20Khayma%0D%3Cbr%3EBait%20Maryam%0D%3Cbr%3EBrasserie%20Boulud%0D%3Cbr%3EFi'lia%0D%3Cbr%3Efolly%0D%3Cbr%3EGoldfish%0D%3Cbr%3EIbn%20AlBahr%0D%3Cbr%3EIndya%20by%20Vineet%0D%3Cbr%3EKinoya%0D%3Cbr%3ENinive%0D%3Cbr%3EOrfali%20Bros%0D%3Cbr%3EReif%20Japanese%20Kushiyaki%0D%3Cbr%3EShabestan%0D%3Cbr%3ETeible%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Types of bank fraud

1) Phishing

Fraudsters send an unsolicited email that appears to be from a financial institution or online retailer. The hoax email requests that you provide sensitive information, often by clicking on to a link leading to a fake website.

2) Smishing

The SMS equivalent of phishing. Fraudsters falsify the telephone number through “text spoofing,” so that it appears to be a genuine text from the bank.

3) Vishing

The telephone equivalent of phishing and smishing. Fraudsters may pose as bank staff, police or government officials. They may persuade the consumer to transfer money or divulge personal information.

4) SIM swap

Fraudsters duplicate the SIM of your mobile number without your knowledge or authorisation, allowing them to conduct financial transactions with your bank.

5) Identity theft

Someone illegally obtains your confidential information, through various ways, such as theft of your wallet, bank and utility bill statements, computer intrusion and social networks.

6) Prize scams

Fraudsters claiming to be authorised representatives from well-known organisations (such as Etisalat, du, Dubai Shopping Festival, Expo2020, Lulu Hypermarket etc) contact victims to tell them they have won a cash prize and request them to share confidential banking details to transfer the prize money.

BRIEF SCORES:

Toss: Nepal, chose to field

UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23

Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17

Result: UAE won by 21 runs

Series: UAE lead 1-0

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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
  1. Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
  2. Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
  3. Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
  4. Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
  5. Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
  6. The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
  7. Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269

*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year

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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 

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PREMIER LEAGUE FIXTURES

All times UAE ( 4 GMT)

Saturday
West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur (3.30pm)
Burnley v Huddersfield Town (7pm)
Everton v Bournemouth (7pm)
Manchester City v Crystal Palace (7pm)
Southampton v Manchester United (7pm)
Stoke City v Chelsea (7pm)
Swansea City v Watford (7pm)
Leicester City v Liverpool (8.30pm)

Sunday
Brighton and Hove Albion v Newcastle United (7pm)

Monday
Arsenal v West Bromwich Albion (11pm)

Dr Afridi's warning signs of digital addiction

Spending an excessive amount of time on the phone.

Neglecting personal, social, or academic responsibilities.

Losing interest in other activities or hobbies that were once enjoyed.

Having withdrawal symptoms like feeling anxious, restless, or upset when the technology is not available.

Experiencing sleep disturbances or changes in sleep patterns.

What are the guidelines?

Under 18 months: Avoid screen time altogether, except for video chatting with family.

Aged 18-24 months: If screens are introduced, it should be high-quality content watched with a caregiver to help the child understand what they are seeing.

Aged 2-5 years: Limit to one-hour per day of high-quality programming, with co-viewing whenever possible.

Aged 6-12 years: Set consistent limits on screen time to ensure it does not interfere with sleep, physical activity, or social interactions.

Teenagers: Encourage a balanced approach – screens should not replace sleep, exercise, or face-to-face socialisation.

Source: American Paediatric Association
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In numbers: China in Dubai

The number of Chinese people living in Dubai: An estimated 200,000

Number of Chinese people in International City: Almost 50,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2018/19: 120,000

Daily visitors to Dragon Mart in 2010: 20,000

Percentage increase in visitors in eight years: 500 per cent

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Abu Dhabi traffic facts

Drivers in Abu Dhabi spend 10 per cent longer in congested conditions than they would on a free-flowing road

The highest volume of traffic on the roads is found between 7am and 8am on a Sunday.

Travelling before 7am on a Sunday could save up to four hours per year on a 30-minute commute.

The day was the least congestion in Abu Dhabi in 2019 was Tuesday, August 13.

The highest levels of traffic were found on Sunday, November 10.

Drivers in Abu Dhabi lost 41 hours spent in traffic jams in rush hour during 2019

 

Conflict, drought, famine

Estimates of the number of deaths caused by the famine range from 400,000 to 1 million, according to a document prepared for the UK House of Lords in 2024.
It has been claimed that the policies of the Ethiopian government, which took control after deposing Emperor Haile Selassie in a military-led revolution in 1974, contributed to the scale of the famine.
Dr Miriam Bradley, senior lecturer in humanitarian studies at the University of Manchester, has argued that, by the early 1980s, “several government policies combined to cause, rather than prevent, a famine which lasted from 1983 to 1985. Mengistu’s government imposed Stalinist-model agricultural policies involving forced collectivisation and villagisation [relocation of communities into planned villages].
The West became aware of the catastrophe through a series of BBC News reports by journalist Michael Buerk in October 1984 describing a “biblical famine” and containing graphic images of thousands of people, including children, facing starvation.

Band Aid

Bob Geldof, singer with the Irish rock group The Boomtown Rats, formed Band Aid in response to the horrific images shown in the news broadcasts.
With Midge Ure of the band Ultravox, he wrote the hit charity single Do They Know it’s Christmas in December 1984, featuring a string of high-profile musicians.
Following the single’s success, the idea to stage a rock concert evolved.
Live Aid was a series of simultaneous concerts that took place at Wembley Stadium in London, John F Kennedy Stadium in Philadelphia, the US, and at various other venues across the world.
The combined event was broadcast to an estimated worldwide audience of 1.5 billion.

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