News
Around 2.7m children visit Expo since opening
Expo 2020 Dubai’s focus on children and education has boosted its visit numbers, which have soared to 19,009,065, up almost 1.6 million in a week, with 2.7 million children under 18 visiting the site since the event opened in October last year.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s virtual visitation numbers have crossed 180 million, driven by the diverse entertainment available via Live@Expo and extensive coverage of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet.
With just over two weeks left, Expo 2020 Dubai is looking forward to its legacy and the next generation of innovators – from budding scientists to big thinkers.
Earlier this month, the world’s youngest TEDx speaker, six-year-old Kiara Kaur, talked to an adult gathering on ‘Small Change Big Difference’ at the Mexico Pavilion and spoke across the site as part of International Women’s Week activities. Also, children visiting the Dubai Cares Pavilion have been designing their ‘dream school’ in a challenge to aid a theoretical earthquake-hit area.
On March 5, innovative young students and their teachers gathered at Dubai Exhibition Centre for the fourth edition of the Emirates Young Scientist Competition, which forms part of the National Science Technology and Innovation Festival (NSTI), showing off their inventions to create a better future.
DUBAI, 07 March 2022. Students at Jumeirah Primary School, Dubai visit the Sweden Pavilion, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Katarina Premfors/Expo 2020 Dubai)
The Expo school programme offers four immersive journeys, allowing the students to embark on educational tours through the site’s three Thematic Districts (Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability) and pavilions with experiences aligned with diverse school curricula in the UAE.
On March 18, to mark Haq Al Laila, Expo 2020 Dubai, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Community Development, will welcome children and families in a unique event in Al Forsan Park.
Haq Al Laila is a time of celebration that symbolises giving and is celebrated on the 15th of Shaaban, in preparation for the arrival of the holy month of Ramadan two weeks later. In the evening, Emirati children wear colourful, traditional clothes and go door-to-door in their neighbourhood singing a song in exchange for sweets.
DUBAI, 14 March 2022. American School of Creative Science, Sharjah perform during Expo Young Stars at Al Wasl, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Anthony Fleyhan/Expo 2020 Dubai)
For Haq Al Laila, Expo 2020 will be distributing 200,000 goodie bags for children, including crisps and sweets. A camel parade, comprising 50 camels, will entertain young visitors in the evening, while bespoke stamps will be available at some Visitor Centres and The Family Place. The Majlises near these Visitor Centres will have panels explaining the meaning and significance of Haq Al Laila.
On March 15 – Khaleeji-led jam sessions to showcase the best of Arabic music and culture – and novelty Filipino pop-rock group Parokya Ni Edgar taking the stage on March 18.
DUBAI, 14 December 2021. Children at Expo 2020 , Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Antony Fleyhan /Expo 2020 Dubai)
Expo Sports Arena is encouraging visitors to get involved in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most nationalities in a fitness class at one time on 17th March, or deep dive into meditation with the Dylan Werner Fitness Special on 15th March.
The final Theme Week of Expo 2020 Dubai – Water Week – begins on March 20. Raising awareness that water is a finite source and currently under threat, the week is a call for collective global action and looks at what we can all do to be proactive agents of change.
Highlighting Expo 2020’s look towards the future and emphasis on young minds, teachers and children will be among the honoured VIP guests at the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony in Al Wasl Plaza on March 31.
Drivers in Dubai could soon experience dramatically shorter journeys as the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) announced that the huge Al Khaleej Street Tunnel Project is now 80 per cent complete.
Part of the wider Al Shindagha Corridor Improvement Project, the development is expected to reduce travel times from 104 minutes to just 16 minutes by 2030.
One of Dubai’s biggest road projects
The giant tunnel project stretches approximately 1,650 metres, extending from the end of the Infinity Bridge ramp in Deira to the intersection of Al Khaleej Street and Al Wuheida Street.
Once completed, the project is expected to serve around one million people across several rapidly growing districts.
The tunnel includes:
- Three lanes in each direction
- Capacity for up to 12,000 vehicles per hour, both ways
- Development of 15 major intersections
Areas set to benefit
The upgraded road network will improve connectivity to several key areas, including:
- Dubai Islands
- Waterfront Market
- Dubai Maritime City
- Port Rashid
Officials say the project is designed to support population growth and keep pace with rapid urban expansion across the emirate.
Round-the-clock construction
To meet the planned completion schedule in the fourth quarter of this year:
- 14 teams are working continuously on excavation support
- Four additional teams are handling tunnel excavation works 24/7
Current excavation output stands at:
- 5,000 to 6,000 cubic metres daily
- Expected to increase to 8,500 cubic metres in the next phase
Massive safety milestone reached
The RTA also revealed the project has been completed nearly:
- Eight million work hours
- With zero lost-time injuries reported
The workforce currently includes:
- 1,591 engineers, technicians and workers
- 221 machines and heavy equipment across sites
Tunnel inspired by Dubai’s skyline
Adding a creative touch to the infrastructure project, the inside of the tunnel will feature a mosaic mural designed by Emirati artist Maryam Hathboor.
The artwork is inspired by banknote-style illustrations showcasing Dubai’s skyline, blending public art with urban engineering.
For commuters frustrated by heavy traffic, this project could eventually become one of the city’s most game-changing transport upgrades yet.
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