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Around 2.7m children visit Expo since opening

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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.

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Dh1,000 fine and 4 black points: Dubai Police issue warning on sudden swerving

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Dubai Police have issued a renewed and stern warning to motorists regarding the dangers of sudden swerving, labelling the manoeuvre as a primary catalyst for fatalities and severe collisions on the emirate’s high-speed roads.

Major General Saif Muhair Al Mazrouei, Assistant Commander-in-Chief for Operations Affairs, highlighted that while missing an exit or attempting a quick overtake may seem minor, the resulting “side-impact collisions, loss of vehicle control, and rollovers” are often life-altering.

The split-second danger

Recent monitoring by Dubai Police has recorded a surge in incidents where drivers changed lanes without indicators or ensured the road was clear. On high-speed corridors, these actions leave zero reaction time for surrounding motorists.

“Arriving late is far better than not arriving at all,” said Major General Al Mazrouei. “Missing an exit never justifies putting lives at risk. We urge the public to remain calm, use indicators correctly, and avoid impulsive decisions behind the wheel.”

The cost of a sudden turn

To deter risky behaviour, Dubai Police reminded the public of the strict penalties under Article 29 of the Federal Traffic Law. Motorists caught swerving suddenly face:

  • A Dh1,000 fine.
  • Four black points added to their traffic file.

Community vigilance: We are all police

Road safety is a shared responsibility. The public is encouraged to report dangerous driving behaviour via the “Police Eye” feature on the Dubai Police smart app or by using the “We Are All Police” service by calling 901.

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Middle East

The Philippines guarantees unemployment cash benefits for Middle East overseas workers amid regional crisis

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As a 14-day ceasefire brings a temporary lull to regional conflict, the Social Security System (SSS) of the Philippines has issued a major reassurance to its 540,000+ active paying OFW members across the Middle East. SSS President Robert Joseph de Claro confirmed today that digital infrastructure remains fully operational, ensuring that displaced workers can access critical “Unemployment Benefits” and pension services regardless of the security situation on the ground.

Who qualifies?

With over 4,300 Filipinos already repatriated as of April 6, the SSS “Unemployment Benefit” serves as a vital bridge for those involuntarily separated from their jobs. To qualify, OFW members must meet the following:

  • Age: 60 years old or below.
  • Contributions: At least 36 monthly contributions, with 12 months paid within the 18 months immediately preceding the job loss.
  • Certification: Involuntary separation must be certified by the DMW (formerly POEA).
  • Timeline: Applications must be submitted via the My.SSS portal within one year of separation.

Recognising the difficulty of physical travel during the current conflict, SSS has launched a breakthrough Facial Authentication with Liveness Check for its pensioners. This allows retirees in the Middle East to complete their Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) via smartphone, eliminating the need to visit embassies or consulates.

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Heading to Abu Dhabi this weekend? What motorists need to know about road closures 

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Abu Dhabi Mobility has announced a series of temporary traffic modifications and partial road closures affecting major arteries in the capital starting today, Friday, April 10, through Monday, April 13, 2026.

The scheduled works will impact Al Fursan Street and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20), key routes connecting Khalifa City and Zayed City. Motorists are urged to exercise caution and plan for potential delays.

The closure schedule:

To minimise weekday disruption, the closures are concentrated over the weekend:

  • Friday, April 10 (2pm – Monday, April 13 (5am): The right lane on Al Fursan Street heading towards Abu Dhabi will be closed. Traffic flow will be maintained on the remaining open lanes.
  • Saturday, April 11 (12am) – Sunday, April 12 (11pm): A full closure of entry and exit points on Al Fursan Street will be in effect.

Guidance for motorists

Abu Dhabi Mobility has implemented a comprehensive traffic management plan. While diversions will be clearly marked with directional signage, authorities recommend the following:

  • Plan in advance: Use navigation apps to check for real-time congestion before departing.
  • Alternative routes: Utilise surrounding roads, including the main Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street (E20) corridor, to bypass the affected zones.
  • Safety first: Adhere to posted speed limits within diversion zones to ensure the safety of road crews and fellow drivers.

These measures are part of ongoing scheduled works designed to improve the capital’s infrastructure and long-term traffic efficiency.

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