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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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Dubai’s flamingo paradise closes for major Dh650-million makeover

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Ras Al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary, one of Dubai’s hidden gems and a haven for birdwatchers, has temporarily closed to make way for a stunning new upgrade, part of a Dh650-million development project set to transform the wetlands into a world-class eco-destination.

More Water, More Wildlife

The first phase of the redevelopment is already underway, with completion expected by the end of next year. It includes a massive 144% expansion of water bodies, boosting their total size to 74 hectares.

Alongside this, 10 hectares of new mudflats will be added, essential feeding grounds for migratory birds, supporting marine biodiversity and rare plant life.

Nature Gets a Boost

Phase two will focus on enhancing native vegetation and creating improved wildlife habitats to attract even more bird species. Visitor facilities are also set for an upgrade, giving nature lovers a better, more immersive experience.

The sanctuary is already known for its iconic pink flamingos in winter, as well as osprey, grey herons, and black-winged stilts. The reserve is fully fenced, offering safety for wildlife and serenity for guests.

Eco-Friendly Vision

Once complete, the new sanctuary is expected to increase carbon dioxide absorption by 60 per cent, giving a powerful green boost to Dubai’s environment.

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Skip the flight, catch the ferry: Pakistan–Oman set to launch sea service

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Pakistan and Oman are moving closer to launching a direct ferry service between Gwadar and the Sultanate, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen maritime cooperation, enhance trade, and build regional connectivity.

The developments came during a high-level meeting on Thursday between Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs, Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry, and the Ambassador of Oman to Pakistan, Fahad bin Sulaiman bin Khalaf Al Kharusi.

Maritime Trade in Focus

Both sides reaffirmed their deep-rooted diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties and discussed plans to accelerate cooperation in the maritime sector. Minister Chaudhry highlighted that Pakistan’s exports to Oman via sea ports reached $224 million in 2024, but stressed the potential to significantly increase this figure through joint initiatives.

Gwadar-Oman Ferry Could Unlock Billions

A major highlight of the meeting was the proposal to launch a direct ferry service from Gwadar to Oman, which Chaudhry said could unlock $10–15 billion annually for Pakistan through trade expansion, transit revenue, and investment inflows.

Potential New Ferry Routes

  • Based on current and past plans, potential ferry routes from Pakistan include:
    • Karachi to Gwadar
    • Gwadar to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Muscat (Oman)
    • Karachi to Chabahar (Iran)
    • Gwadar to Chabahar (Iran)
    • International excursion tours
    • Local city operation within Karachi 
    • Past Sea Routes that Were Proposed
  • There have been past discussions and reports about ferry services between Pakistan and other regions but they have yet to become a reality:
    • Dubai-Karachi Ferry Service: A luxury ferry service between Karachi and Dubai was approved in 2006, with Gulf Dream Cruise being the first operator. This service was planned to take two days and cost $549 for a round trip. However, the feasibility of a regular ferry service for fast passenger transfers was questioned due to the affordability of flights.
    • India-Dubai: The Indian government had granted permission for the launch of a cruise ferry service connecting Kerala and Dubai in 2023. The ferry service operating on the Beypur-Kochi-Dubai route, would prvide connectivity between Dubai and Kochi, within just three days and enable expats in the UAE to carry 10 times more luggage and travel at a lower cost than airlines. The ticket was expected to cost at around Dh450.
    • Iran Ferry Service: There was a plan to launch a ferry service between Karachi/Gwadar and Chabahar in Iran, primarily to facilitate pilgrims and offer a safer alternative to road travel.

Maritime Training & Human Capital Development

Chaudhry also proposed offering specialised training and scholarships for Omani students at the Pakistan Marine Academy, which is being upgraded to university status. The goal: to foster long-term maritime collaboration and build shared human capital in marine sciences and navigation.

Strong Cultural Ties and Diaspora Links

Ambassador Al Kharusi welcomed the proposals and highlighted the strong cultural connections between the two nations. He noted that Urdu remains widely spoken and understood in Oman, reflecting historic social bonds, and praised the Pakistani community’s role in Oman’s development.

The ambassador also backed greater B2B (business-to-business) engagements to unlock new trade and investment opportunities between the two countries.

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Bangladeshi electrician wins Dh25 million in Abu Dhabi Big Ticket Draw

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A Bangladeshi expat living in the UAE has won the Dh25 million grand prize in Big Ticket’s latest draw held on Thursday, July 3.

Mohammed Naser Balal, a 43-year-old electrician who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, took home the life-changing amount after his ticket 061080 was announced as the winning number in Big Ticket Draw No. 276.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Balal shared: “I’ve been buying tickets every single month for the past 12 years, always dreaming I’d win. Today, that dream came true.”

Balal, who purchased the ticket with five friends, plans to split the prize with them and build a home for his family in Bangladesh.

Indian Family Wins Nissan Patrol

In the same draw, an Indian family from Kerala won a Nissan Patrol. Geethammal and her son, now based in Dubai, were overjoyed as the ticket, purchased under her husband’s name, secured them the luxury car. Her husband has been living in the UAE for 30 years and was the first in the family

What’s Next in Big Ticket’s July Promotion?

  • Dh20 million grand prize up for grabs in the August 3 live draw
  • Weekly e-draws every Thursday in July, offering Dh50,000 to four winners
  • Buy 2, Get 1/2/3 Free ticket bundles (online & at airport counters)
  • Luxury car draws: Range Rover Velar (Aug 3) and BMW M440i (Sep 3)
  • Big Win Contest: Buy 2+ tickets between July 1–24 to enter and win between Dh20,000 and Dh150,000 at the live draw

Tickets can be purchased at www.bigticket.ae, Zayed International Airport, or Al Ain Airport.

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