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#ThanksToExpo, say Expo 2020 Dubai’s guests; visits soar to 20.8m

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Expo 2020 Dubai visitors are saying #ThanksToExpo, with visit numbers soaring to 20,819,155, after crossing the 20-million threshold earlier this week.

From Expo 2020 Dubai’s crown jewel, Al Wasl dome, to water feature Surreal, the stellar entertainment line-up and fascinating pavilions of the 192 participating countries, visitors have been moved by how the largest global gathering of its kind, since the start of the pandemic, has brought together people from across the world at one place.

Indian resident Sera Rachel Jacob said, “Having learnt about the Sustainable Development Goals in theory during undergrad, I never got to see them being implemented by world nations. At Expo 2020 Dubai, I got to see how all countries contribute and plan to achieve these goals.”

South African resident Dr Aloysia Ogle said, “[Expo] has really opened my mind to the possibilities for the future. I was so pleasantly impressed with the accommodations made for people of determination. I have visited with my father-in-law in a wheelchair, my son with autism and my small daughter in a stroller, and still managed to have an amazing experience.”

DUBAI, October 23, 2021. Children visit the Water Feature, Expo 2020 Dubai. (Photo by Stuart Wilson/Expo 2020 Dubai)

Austrian tourist Dr Karin M Strasser said, “For me, Expo 2020 Dubai has motivated me to travel as much as I can. I believe knowledge and understanding of other nations and ethnic groups contributes to world peace.”

Expo’s School Programme for Young Stars, which ran across Expo 2020 Dubai’s six months, gave exposure to young performers and a platform like no other, showing off their talent on the Al Wasl stage. Suhaila Khomais, mother of student Mira Faisal El Naqbi, said, “It has been incredibly exciting to see my daughter present a segment for the first time at Expo’s Al Wasl Plaza for the whole world to see – it’s an indescribable feeling.”

Expo 2020 Dubai is currently hosting Water Week, the 10th and final Theme Week as part of the Programme for People and Planet. Running until March 26, and with a wide range of programming focusing on how we can protect our most precious resource, there will be a strong focus on the global community’s collective responsibility to better manage and preserve water in the face of threats such as climate change, plastic pollution and over-fishing.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet offers an exchange of inspiring new perspectives to address the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time, including climate and biodiversity and the Global Goals. In doing so, the programme has generated meaningful conversations and collaborations that will positively impact lives long after Expo 2020 Dubai closes its doors on March 31, 2022.

A number of countries are still to celebrate their National Days, including Pakistan on March 23, Namibia on March 24 and India on March 29, while the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE), the organisation that oversees World Expos, will mark its Honour Day on March 30.

Expo 2020 Dubai’s virtual visitation numbers have passed 197 million, driven by the diverse entertainment available via Live@Expo, as well as extensive coverage of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet.

Expo 2020 Dubai looks forward to hosting visitors for more special events that are coming up, including the spectacular closing ceremony on March 31, which will feature top entertainment and honour teachers and school pupils.

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Sharjah introduces new traffic rule: Dedicated lanes for bikes, buses and heavy vehicles from November 1

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Motorists in Sharjah, take note: starting November 1, new lane rules will come into effect across the emirate’s major and secondary roads.

In cooperation with the Sharjah Roads and Transport Authority (SRTA), the Sharjah Police General Command has announced that specific lanes will now be designated for motorcycles, delivery bikes, heavy vehicles, and buses. The move is aimed at improving traffic flow, enhancing safety, and making better use of the emirate’s road network.

According to police officials, the rightmost lane on all main roads will be reserved for heavy goods vehicles and buses.

  • On four-lane roads, motorcycles can use the third and fourth lanes on the right.
  • On three-lane roads, they can ride in the middle or right-hand lane.
  • On two-lane roads, they must stay in the right lane only.

To ensure compliance, smart radars, cameras, and patrols will monitor vehicles around the clock. Any violations will be penalised according to the Federal Traffic Law:

  • Article 8: Dh1,500 fine and 12 black points for heavy vehicles not keeping to mandatory lanes.
  • Article 70: Dh500 fine for failure to follow traffic signs or instructions.

The Sharjah Police urged all drivers and riders to follow the new rules and use the lanes designated for their vehicle type. Officials said the regulation is part of broader efforts to promote road safety, reduce congestion, and improve overall quality of life in Sharjah.

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UAE urges 2026 Hajj pilgrims to follow health rules for a safe journey

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With preparations underway for Hajj 2026, UAE authorities have issued a reminder for all pilgrims to strictly follow the health and safety requirements set by both the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

The General Authority of Islamic Affairs, Endowments and Zakat (Awqaf UAE) emphasised that the well-being of pilgrims remains a top national priority, ensuring every journey to the holy sites is safe, organised, and spiritually fulfilling.

Health Requirements for Hajj 2026

Pilgrims must be medically fit to perform Hajj and free from certain conditions that could pose risks during the pilgrimage. Those with the following health issues will not be cleared to travel:

  • Major organ failure or any physical condition preventing Hajj rituals
  • Neurological or psychological disorders affecting cognition
  • Old age accompanied by dementia
  • Pregnancy during the last three months
  • Active infectious diseases such as tuberculosis or hemorrhagic fevers
  • Active cancer cases undergoing chemotherapy or similar treatments

Mandatory Vaccinations

All pilgrims are required to complete their immunisations well before Hajj, including:

  • Meningitis and seasonal influenza vaccines
  • Covid 19 and other recommended vaccines based on individual health conditions

Awqaf UAE confirmed it will review the results of all medical examinations in coordination with the country’s health authorities to ensure each pilgrim meets the approved standards.

Record Number of Applicants

This year saw an impressive 72,000 applications submitted via the official Awqaf UAE app and website before the October 9 deadline. The authority has already begun reviewing applications, and those who receive preliminary approval will be contacted directly to complete their final registration within the specified timelines.

The UAE has called on all pilgrims to fully comply with the health guidelines issued by both countries, ensuring that Hajj 2026 is performed in a safe, healthy, and spiritually enriching environment.

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Own a piece of Dubai: RTA launches exclusive online auction for special number plates

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Car enthusiasts, here’s your chance to turn heads on Dubai’s roads. The Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has announced its 81st online auction, offering 300 exclusive vehicle plate codes, and these aren’t your average numbers.

The limited collection includes three, four, and five-digit plates from coveted series such as A, B, I, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, T, U, V, W, X, Y, and Z. Both private and classic car owners can take part in this high-demand auction.

When and how to join the bidding:

  • Registration opens: Monday, October 27
  • Bidding starts: Monday, November 3, and runs for five days
  • Where: Online via the RTA website or mobile app

To participate, bidders must have an active traffic file in Dubai and submit a Dh5,000 security cheque payable to the RTA, along with a non-refundable participation fee of Dh120. Payments can be made online or at RTA Customer Happiness Centres in Umm Ramool, Al Barsha, or Deira.

Winners must complete payment within 10 working days after the auction ends. Cash payments are accepted up to Dh50,000, while larger amounts can be paid by certified cheque or credit card, either online or at RTA service centres.

And yes, all plate sales are subject to 5% VAT.

Whether you’re after a lucky number, a personalised plate, or simply want to make your ride stand out, this auction is your ticket to owning a little slice of Dubai style.

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