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.
Dubai Police have issued a public advisory warning residents against the spread of misinformation, stressing that relying on unverified sources can threaten community safety and stability.
In a statement shared on social media, authorities highlighted how the speed of modern communication has made it easier for inaccurate information to circulate, sometimes deliberately to create panic and anxiety.
Officials emphasised that individuals play a critical role in maintaining public order, noting that sharing unverified content can have serious consequences. “What we share matters,” the statement said, adding that misinformation can undermine public safety.
Residents have been urged to act responsibly online by verifying information before sharing and relying only on official sources for updates.
The advisory also referenced warnings from UAE Public Prosecution, which confirmed that individuals who repost or circulate rumours—even if they are not the original creators—can face legal action under the country’s cybercrime laws.
Authorities reiterated that responsible digital behaviour is essential to protecting both individual and community well-being.
In a major step toward digital transformation, the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipalities and Transport has announced it will stop accepting cash payments across all its customer service centres starting April 1, 2026.
Residents will now be required to pay all service fees through approved digital platforms such as TAMM, DARI, and Smarthub, or via credit cards at service centres.
The move marks a significant shift towards a fully cashless system across all entities under DMT, aimed at improving efficiency, reducing processing times, and enhancing the overall customer experience.
While cash payments will no longer be accepted, authorities noted that in exceptional cases, payments may still be made via direct bank deposits or secure digital payment links sent to customers’ phones.
The transition is part of Abu Dhabi’s broader push to adopt smart, seamless government services and accelerate its digital economy.
Big changes are coming to Dubai, and they could directly affect your wallet, job opportunities, and even living conditions.
At a key meeting led by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defence of the UAE, the Executive Council of Dubai approved a range of major initiatives aimed at supporting residents, businesses, and workers across the emirate.
Boost for businesses and residents
Dubai is rolling out a Dh1 billion support package starting April 2026. The goal? To ease financial pressure.
What does that mean in real life:
Businesses can delay paying some government fees
Hotels get more time to pay tourism-related charges
Companies get longer deadlines for customs payments
Residency processes will be made simpler
Dubai’s economy is still growing strong
Dubai’s economy grew by 5.4% in 2025, showing steady progress. Officials have also updated how this growth is measured to give a clearer, more accurate picture of the economy.
Easier trade, especially for high-value goods
A new initiative by Dubai Customs will make it much easier to bring goods—especially expensive items like artwork—into Dubai.
No customs duties on certain art imports
Fewer restrictions and faster processes
High-tech tracking systems
This move is aimed at attracting global investors and collectors.
More support for local families
The new Dubai Empowerment Strategy, led by Community Development Authority, focuses on:
Creating job opportunities
Supporting small businesses and home ventures
Improving financial stability for families
Better living conditions for workers
A new plan will improve worker housing across Dubai:
100% access to essential services by 2033
Strict health and safety standards for accommodations
Whether you’re an employee, business owner, or investor, these changes are designed to make life easier, boost opportunities, and keep Dubai’s growth on track.