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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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Dubai: Microsoft and du to develop Dh2 billion data centre in city

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Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, has announced a groundbreaking Dh2 billion partnership between Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du) and Microsoft to develop a new hyperscale data centre in the city.

The announcement came during Dubai AI Week 2025. The initiative is part of the Dubai Future Foundation’s broader vision for positioning the emirate as a global leader in digital innovation.

The new data centre, to be built in multiple phases, will cater to the surging demand for AI capabilities and sovereign cloud solutions. Microsoft will be the anchor tenant, using the facility to support its expanding cloud services and next-gen digital infrastructure across the region.

“This project is a key investment in Dubai’s digital future,” said Sheikh Hamdan. 

The move is part of the Dubai Universal Blueprint for Artificial Intelligence, launched in 2024. The new facility also supports Dubai’s goal of diversifying beyond traditional telecoms into future-focused industries, contributing to the city’s emergence as a hub for innovation, sustainability, and AI-driven economic growth.

Dubai AI Week 2025 continues until April 25, with over 180 speakers, 150 sessions, and participation from innovators and experts representing more than 100 nationalities.

(Source: Wam)

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Dubai’s taxi fleet goes green: 200 cars to join DTC

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Dubai Taxi Corporation (DTC) has partnered with Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility to add 200 BYD SEAL electric cars to its fleet. This is a big step towards a more sustainable Dubai and supports the UAE’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions.

The BYD SEAL is a modern electric sedan that can travel 600 km on a single charge, making it perfect for Dubai’s busy streets. It offers a smooth, quiet ride while helping the city go green. This move is part of DTC’s plan to switch to a completely electric fleet by 2040.

A Step Towards a Greener Future

The DTC’s push for electric taxis is also helping Dubai reach its goal of cutting down on pollution and building a cleaner city. Over 86% of DTC’s current fleet is already eco-friendly, surpassing the Roads and Transport Authority’s (RTA) goal to make all taxis green by 2027.

Comfort and Innovation Combined

The BYD SEAL cars are designed with the latest electric technology, ensuring they are reliable and eco-friendly. This partnership is not just about changing the DTC fleet; it’s a model for other cities to follow as they look to adopt green transport solutions.

A Greener Tomorrow for Dubai

This new electric taxi initiative is part of Dubai’s broader plan to become a global leader in sustainable development. The city aims for a zero-emission future by 2040, and with more eco-friendly vehicles joining the public transport system, it’s well on its way.

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Relief for shoppers: Dubai gold prices fall below Dh400 after record high

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Gold prices in Dubai took a sharp dip on Wednesday morning, falling below the symbolic Dh400 mark per gram, offering some much-needed relief to buyers following a record-setting rally earlier this week.

The price for 24-carat gold opened at Dh399.50 per gram, a significant drop from Dh420 on Tuesday. The decline comes after weeks of price surges that had seen rates climb almost hourly.

Other gold variants also saw notable decreases:

  • 22K gold is now priced at Dh370.00, down from Dh388.75
  • 21K gold sits at Dh354.75, previously Dh372.75
  • 18K gold dropped to Dh 304.00 from Dh319.50

Mixed Reactions from Consumers

The recent rollercoaster in gold prices has sparked a variety of responses across the city. While some residents rushed to sell old jewellery for cash at higher prices, others opted to buy new pieces in anticipation of further increases.

Local jewellers say shoppers are gravitating towards lighter jewellery designs and smaller investment pieces like gold coins. Some are even trading in older items to secure better value at current rates, according to a local report.

Global Factors at Play

On the international stage, spot gold fell by 0.7% to $3,357.11 per ounce, while US gold futures dropped 1.5% to $3,366.80.

The dip is largely attributed to a rebound in the US dollar index. Market sentiment shifted after US President Donald Trump backed away from earlier plans to dismiss Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell, a move that reassured investors and strengthened the dollar.

Earlier price surges were driven by a weaker dollar, recession fears, and tense US-China trade relations. Now, with the dollar stabilising, gold prices are adjusting accordingly.

For real-time updates and historical data on gold prices in Dubai, visit GoldTrade.ae.

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