Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, presents an award to Abhishek Rajput, who has visited the world's fair 63 times so far. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Sudanese pianist Sahar Abdulla Rasheed receives her award from Reem Al Hashimy at the Expo Champions Awards ceremony at Opportunity Forum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Ms Al Hashimy and Nashiba Pitilian pose for an on-stage selfie at the Expo Champions awards ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
All the winners urge people to visit Expo 2020 before it closes on March 31. EPA
The shows at Al Wasl Dome are a highlight of Expo 2020. Pawan Singh / The National
Chances are it will not be as often as Sara Al Mansoori, 24, who was given an award by event organisers after visiting 74 times.
The Emirati woman was among 50 people who received trophies at the start of the week for being the most loyal visitors to the world's fair.
Ms Al Mansoori, who works for Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, said the event was special as it allowed people from different countries to come together for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.
To be honest, there’s so much to do. I was able to try new experiences almost every day
Sara Al Mansoori
“Before the expo we had limited interaction because of the pandemic,” she said.
“In a way it was almost like we were able to experience travel again despite the restrictions.
“It’s an incredible experience to have access to so many different cultures and nationalities on our doorstep.”
Sara Al Mansoori pictured on one of her many visits to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Sara Al Mansoori
Ms Al Mansoori said she would often travel to the world’s fair by herself to soak up the atmosphere and learn about the traditions of other nations.
So what has been her favourite part of expo after visiting so many times?
“Frankly speaking, being able to sample the different types of foods from so many countries has been incredible,” said Ms Al Mansoori.
“My tip is to try the pavilions at Estonia and the Netherlands. It’s a close call between who has the best burger at the expo.
Also honoured with a trophy for being one of the event’s most loyal visitors was Dubai resident Abhishek Rajput, 33, who has made 63 trips so far and is planning many more before the curtain closes on the event at the end of March.
Abhishek Rajput receives an award for making so many trips to Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Abhishek Rajput
“It’s a once in a lifetime chance to part of something so huge,” said Mr Rajput, who works in the IT sector.
“Everything is so memorable about the expo especially when learning about how other countries are using technology and sustainability to create new opportunities.
“I’ve also attended several conferences on agriculture, health care and education and it’s provided me with wonderful networking opportunities.”
He urged anyone who has not already attended the world’s fair to do so before it is too late.
“It’s a unique chance to explore the world around us which we are lucky to have,” said Mr Rajput.
“It’s bringing people together after what happened with the pandemic so everyone should get to enjoy it.”
Sahar Abdulla Rasheed, a pianist who performed at Expo 2020 Dubai, was awarded for making more than 50 trips to the world's fair. Photo: Sahar Abdulla Rasheed
Sudanese pianist Sahar Abdulla Rasheed, 19, was another honoured for making multiple visits — 50 and still counting in her case — in addition to all the times she performed at pavilions.
“I learnt a lot about so many other cultures, an opportunity that really was not available anywhere else,” said Ms Rasheed.
“I have tried to visit as many pavilions as possible because it enabled me to talk to people from other countries and cultures.
“I have learnt about other languages and how they are spoken. There is no question that I have learnt a lot through the expo.”
Expo 2020 Dubai launches white passport for superfans
Expo 2020 Dubai has launched a special limited-edition white passport for superfans of the world's fair. Expo 2020 Dubai
Visitors with a minimum of 100 stamps in their yellow passport can present it at an Expo visitor centre to receive the white passport for free. Expo 2020 Dubai
The Expo 2020 passport is a must-have for visitors.
One million Expo 2020 passports were sold between October and December.
Muhammad Asim Durrani, a Dubai Customs employee, got pavilion stamps inked on his t-shirt, scarf and a small kandora. Pawan Singh/The National.
Fazil Ummer visited every Expo pavilion in just two days. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai
Expo 2020 Dubai visitors from Saudi Arabia get their passports stamped at the Spain pavilion. Victor Besa / The Nationa
Visitors get their passports stamped at the Italy pavilion. Victor Besa/The National.
The Nieto children from Spain with their Expo 2020 Dubai passports. Victor Besa/The National.
Jhaequan Stewart shows the stamp he collected at the Jamaica pavilion. Victor Besa / The National
Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)
Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)
Scoreline
Switzerland 5
WHAT IS A BLACK HOLE?
1. Black holes are objects whose gravity is so strong not even light can escape their pull
2. They can be created when massive stars collapse under their own weight
3. Large black holes can also be formed when smaller ones collide and merge
4. The biggest black holes lurk at the centre of many galaxies, including our own
5. Astronomers believe that when the universe was very young, black holes affected how galaxies formed
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Pot 1: Iran, Japan, South Korea, Australia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, China
Pot 2: Iraq, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Lebanon, Kyrgyz Republic, Vietnam, Jordan
Pot 3: Palestine, India, Bahrain, Thailand, Tajikistan, North Korea, Chinese Taipei, Philippines
Pot 4: Turkmenistan, Myanmar, Hong Kong, Yemen, Afghanistan, Maldives, Kuwait, Malaysia
Pot 5: Indonesia, Singapore, Nepal, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Mongolia, Guam, Macau/Sri Lanka
Prize money: $50,000 (Dh183,650) for winners and $10,000 for those on the shortlist.
Winning novels: 13
Shortlisted novels: 66
Longlisted novels: 111
Total number of novels submitted: 1,780
Novels translated internationally: 66
The biog
Favourite books: 'Ruth Bader Ginsburg: A Life' by Jane D. Mathews and ‘The Moment of Lift’ by Melinda Gates
Favourite travel destination: Greece, a blend of ancient history and captivating nature. It always has given me a sense of joy, endless possibilities, positive energy and wonderful people that make you feel at home.
Favourite pastime: travelling and experiencing different cultures across the globe.
Favourite quote: “In the future, there will be no female leaders. There will just be leaders” - Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook.
