Organisers and workers are in the final stretch of testing stunning structures for the World Fair that will begin in Dubai in a month.
After a year-long postponement, officials spoke of a buzz of anticipation about Expo 2020 Dubai’s promise to inject confidence, optimism and cheer in a world still reeling from the devastating effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.
On Tuesday, the gates to the Expo site were filmed being opened to allow photo and camera crews inside.
Yousuf Caires, a senior vice president of Expo Live, described an upbeat mood.
“It’s a time of excitement for everybody, our site is visible and it’s alive,” he told The National.
We know how much the world is waiting for this. Everybody expects Expo to do something great.
Yousuf Caires,
Expo senior vice president
"It’s almost 30 days for expo so the excitement level is high, the pitch is high, the expectation is high.
“We know how much the world is waiting for this, how much this country, our community here in UAE, is waiting. Everybody is expecting Expo to do something great and we are trying to give everyone a really great experience.”
Dozens of exhibits have been set up by countries across the 438-hectare Dubai South site and conferences have been planned through to March 2021.
Mr Caires said the aim was to impact lives beyond the six-month fair.
The Expo Live programme is the first in the history of the World Fair to award grants to organisations and individuals focused on finding solutions to worldwide issues.
Innovators from across the world will speak to visitors about path-breaking work in sectors including education, empowering women and farmers’ rights.
“The last year was extremely tough for start-ups across the world and we were very fortunate to be able to support some of them,” Mr Caires said.
“They will tell their story and inspire people. We hope to find a lot more change makers here at the Expo.”
Pavilion of Lights - France
At the Expo site, workers are racing to complete some structures, others are adding finishing touches to the interiors of pavilions.
Electrical, engineering, communications systems, fire and life safety tests are being carried out to ensure structures are safe for the thousands expected to visit daily when doors open on October 1.
Planners are also fine-tuning the programming that will be on offer.
Designers and engineers are finishing work on a dazzling light show and the interiors of the France pavilion, one of the standout structures that draws inspiration from famed artist Claude Monet.
Construction work on the France Pavilion was completed in April.
“We are currently finalising the interior scenography of the permanent exhibition. The journey will take the public on a stroll through the history of progress, a founding concept of the World Expos since the mid-19th century,” said Erik Linquier, commissioner general for France at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“As the ‘Pavilion of Lights,’ we are completing the light shows that will light up the pavilion and the World Expo.”
Organisers have a packed schedule designed to encourage visitors to stay after they watch stunning displays of waves of light bursting across an overhead canopy.
“We can’t wait to welcome the world to the France Pavilion,” Mr Linquier said.
“Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to be the biggest event of the year, and I believe that it will be a successful event as Expo 2020’s organisers have relentlessly worked on sanitary and security measures to ensure the visitors’ safety.”
The country will celebrate its National Day one day after the opening and has promised to showcase art, science and innovation.
“Our motto 'France, light, speed, inspiration' reflects our ambitious programme … to lead visitors along a path that highlights unique and daring French innovations and creations,” he said.
Luxembourg - team ready to move in
Luxembourg, the first country in June 2016 to officially confirm its participation with a national pavilion, said it was poised at the final mile.
“The last touch-ups are being made and our team moves into the office within the next days. Slowly but surely our pavilion is coming to life, and we cannot wait to open the doors very soon,” said Maggy Nagel, commissioner general of Luxembourg at Expo 2020 Dubai.
The contractor and project consultant have almost concluded their testing of the electrical, plumbing, fire safety and operational elements. The eye-catching structure holds a giant slide in the central hall and is filled with trees and plants.
Ms Nagel said hosting the World Fair had never been more crucial.
“Collaboration and coming together as one is considered more vital than ever before,” she said.
“We at the Luxembourg pavilion are fully aligned with the precautions taken by Expo 2020. In this spirit, we have implemented various precautionary measures across the area and within the building of the pavilion. We cannot wait to welcome the world to the Luxembourg pavilion.”
Italy to engage visitors online too
Paolo Glisenti, commissioner of the Italian pavilion, said staff would soon test multimedia installations, interior light and sound design as part of final fit-outs.
He said the effort would expand to engaging audiences online, so that people unable to make it to Expo 2020 Dubai would still be part of the excitement.
A 3D replica of Michelangelo's David is attracting attention as the striking centrepiece.
The life-size copy of the famous 16th-century marble statue has been placed under an unusual roof made from the hulls of boats and painted in the national colours.
“I believe Expo will set a new model for global events in the foreseeable future by creating the perfect mix between virtuality, connecting at distance and physical participation,” Mr Glisenti said.
“We have finalised our programme for the first three months of Expo leaving room for updating and adjusting the events to take place in the second quarter”.
MATCH INFO
Manchester City 3 (Sterling 46', De Bruyne 65', Gundogan 70')
Aston Villa 0
Red card: Fernandinho (Manchester City)
Man of the Match: Raheem Sterling (Manchester City)
SPEC%20SHEET%3A%20NOTHING%20PHONE%20(2)
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Evacuations to France hit by controversy
- Over 500 Gazans have been evacuated to France since November 2023
- Evacuations were paused after a student already in France posted anti-Semitic content and was subsequently expelled to Qatar
- The Foreign Ministry launched a review to determine how authorities failed to detect the posts before her entry
- Artists and researchers fall under a programme called Pause that began in 2017
- It has benefited more than 700 people from 44 countries, including Syria, Turkey, Iran, and Sudan
- Since the start of the Gaza war, it has also included 45 Gazan beneficiaries
- Unlike students, they are allowed to bring their families to France
Emirates exiles
Will Wilson is not the first player to have attained high-class representative honours after first learning to play rugby on the playing fields of UAE.
Jonny Macdonald
Abu Dhabi-born and raised, the current Jebel Ali Dragons assistant coach was selected to play for Scotland at the Hong Kong Sevens in 2011.
Jordan Onojaife
Having started rugby by chance when the Jumeirah College team were short of players, he later won the World Under 20 Championship with England.
Devante Onojaife
Followed older brother Jordan into England age-group rugby, as well as the pro game at Northampton Saints, but recently switched allegiance to Scotland.
Islamic%20Architecture%3A%20A%20World%20History
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAuthor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eric%20Broug%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPublisher%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thames%20%26amp%3B%20Hudson%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPages%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20336%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EAvailable%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20September%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UK's plans to cut net migration
Under the UK government’s proposals, migrants will have to spend 10 years in the UK before being able to apply for citizenship.
Skilled worker visas will require a university degree, and there will be tighter restrictions on recruitment for jobs with skills shortages.
But what are described as "high-contributing" individuals such as doctors and nurses could be fast-tracked through the system.
Language requirements will be increased for all immigration routes to ensure a higher level of English.
Rules will also be laid out for adult dependants, meaning they will have to demonstrate a basic understanding of the language.
The plans also call for stricter tests for colleges and universities offering places to foreign students and a reduction in the time graduates can remain in the UK after their studies from two years to 18 months.
Who are the Soroptimists?
The first Soroptimists club was founded in Oakland, California in 1921. The name comes from the Latin word soror which means sister, combined with optima, meaning the best.
The organisation said its name is best interpreted as ‘the best for women’.
Since then the group has grown exponentially around the world and is officially affiliated with the United Nations. The organisation also counts Queen Mathilde of Belgium among its ranks.
Milestones on the road to union
1970
October 26: Bahrain withdraws from a proposal to create a federation of nine with the seven Trucial States and Qatar.
December: Ahmed Al Suwaidi visits New York to discuss potential UN membership.
1971
March 1: Alex Douglas Hume, Conservative foreign secretary confirms that Britain will leave the Gulf and “strongly supports” the creation of a Union of Arab Emirates.
July 12: Historic meeting at which Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid make a binding agreement to create what will become the UAE.
July 18: It is announced that the UAE will be formed from six emirates, with a proposed constitution signed. RAK is not yet part of the agreement.
August 6: The fifth anniversary of Sheikh Zayed becoming Ruler of Abu Dhabi, with official celebrations deferred until later in the year.
August 15: Bahrain becomes independent.
September 3: Qatar becomes independent.
November 23-25: Meeting with Sheikh Zayed and Sheikh Rashid and senior British officials to fix December 2 as date of creation of the UAE.
November 29: At 5.30pm Iranian forces seize the Greater and Lesser Tunbs by force.
November 30: Despite a power sharing agreement, Tehran takes full control of Abu Musa.
November 31: UK officials visit all six participating Emirates to formally end the Trucial States treaties
December 2: 11am, Dubai. New Supreme Council formally elects Sheikh Zayed as President. Treaty of Friendship signed with the UK. 11.30am. Flag raising ceremony at Union House and Al Manhal Palace in Abu Dhabi witnessed by Sheikh Khalifa, then Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
December 6: Arab League formally admits the UAE. The first British Ambassador presents his credentials to Sheikh Zayed.
December 9: UAE joins the United Nations.
HIJRA
Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy
Director: Shahad Ameen
Rating: 3/5
How to wear a kandura
Dos
- Wear the right fabric for the right season and occasion
- Always ask for the dress code if you don’t know
- Wear a white kandura, white ghutra / shemagh (headwear) and black shoes for work
- Wear 100 per cent cotton under the kandura as most fabrics are polyester
Don’ts
- Wear hamdania for work, always wear a ghutra and agal
- Buy a kandura only based on how it feels; ask questions about the fabric and understand what you are buying
If you go...
Etihad Airways flies from Abu Dhabi to Kuala Lumpur, from about Dh3,600. Air Asia currently flies from Kuala Lumpur to Terengganu, with Berjaya Hotels & Resorts planning to launch direct chartered flights to Redang Island in the near future. Rooms at The Taaras Beach and Spa Resort start from 680RM (Dh597).
Results
5pm Maiden (PA) Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner No Riesgo Al Maury, Szczepan Mazur (jockey), Ibrahim Al Hadhrami (trainer)
5.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Marwa W’Rsan, Sam Hitchcott, Jaci Wickham.
6pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 1,600m
Winner Dahess D’Arabie, Al Moatasem Al Balushi, Helal Al Alawi.
6.30pm Handicap (PA) Dh80,000 2,200m
Winner Safin Al Reef, Connor Beasley, Abdallah Al Hammadi.
7pm Wathba Stallions Cup Handicap (PA) Dh70,000 2,200m
Winner Thulbaseera Al Jasra, Shakir Al Balushi, Ibrahim Al Hadhrami.
7.30pm Maiden (TB) Dh 80,000 2,200m
Winner Autumn Pride, Szczepan Mazur, Helal Al Alawi.
