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100 Days to Go -- World Expo 2020 Dubai (UAE)

 


According to Khaleej Times, one of leading UAE newspaper, "Just 100 days of Expo 2020 Dubai left: 10 things you must check out".

I have not gone to the Expo 2020 Dubai yet but my daughter and her boyfriend from another country in the Gulf Region, together with their friends from Abu Dhabi and Dubai have already enjoyed visiting there even in few days.

I said I would just spoil their trip if I go along with them due to my calf strain and I did not want to be a burden to these adventurous, fun-loving young people.

This Expo 2020 Dubai's theme is "Connecting Minds, Creating the Future" which is very timely. The leaders of Dubai always think beyond here and now, and desire to capitalize on the power of mind connections in the building the future today.

Many people thought it would not happen this 2021 because of the pandemic challenges, but there as the organizers committed, one year after the scheduled start date, everything opened with a big bang on 1 October 2021 to run until 31 March 2022. I just wish it would extend for another six (6) months in consideration of the current situation and people's limitation to move, particularly now that Omicron is here, and considered to be highly transmissible, another threat to public health.

When hosting of Expo 2020 was awarded to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), I was one of those who were teary-eyed in joy. Why not? I considered this to be my second home. The previous Expo 2015 was held in Milan, Italy, and next after five (5) years is in Japan (2025). 

I just viewed the structure online, via video clips on social media and online newspapers, and I was impressed. There are 192 countries participating in this universal exposition. There is a central plaza called "Al Wasl", around which revolve three (3) thematic districts: OMS >> Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. According to Wikipedia, it is designed by American firm HOK, built by Orascom and BESIX in 438-hectare area (1,083 acres) between the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. There is an emergency centre that houses an isolation room, emergency care section, ambulances and helicopter services.

There is a target of 25M visits. (Read more.) Is this a tall target considering the current challenges? As of 13 December 2021, Gulf News reports that there were over 6.3M visitors already, which is 25% of target figure, in 2 months (33% - 2/6 months). For sure this holiday season, many people will flock there, but they must follow the necessary safety protocols related to COVID-19 pandemic, parallel to World Health Organization (WHO) and local government's directives for safe conduct of events.

The ticket costs
  • Single-entry AED95 
  • Multi-pass AED195 (30 consecutive days from 1st days of use)
  • 6-Month Season AED495
If you want to get a free pass to Expo 2020 Dubai, there are some ways and I will list them down later.

  • Etisalat has some related offers for 1-day and multi-day ticket or season pass when you purchase the products or subscribe to the plans  (Visitor Line Premium pack, Visitor Line Premium Plus pack, eLife, or New Freedom or Emirati Freedom Plans). Read more here. 
  • Emirates offers one complimentary Expo 2020 day pass for each person flying via its airline to any destination between 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. Terms and conditions must be read by the passenger booking for the flight. Read more here.
  • FlyDubai has a free Expo 2020 Dubai one-day ticket for passengers booking flight between 1 January 2020 to 31 March 2022 to travel to Dubai from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. This can be used on any date chosen by the passenger, subject to their terms and conditions. Read more here.
  • Per Esquireme.com, "Anyone that is in the age ranges 6 - 17, as well as 60 and above, will be able to get free tickets of any kind, including season passes. Students will also be able to get in for free."
  • The NationalNews.com says that taxi drivers, construction workers and nannies get free entry to Expo 2020 Dubai. Read more here.
>>

It is once-in-a-lifetime experience, and I hope that everyone in the UAE, residents and tourists, can have a chance to visit it, enjoy what it has to offer and for the business-minded, get some ideas, network and grow their businesses.

That is a smart move bundling a free one-day or multi-day or season pass with some products and services of companies here. It will really help achieve the target visits of 25M.

What about a free pass for those who have completed their second dose of vaccines?

Many of those who overstay here for some reasons beyond their control surely have silent wishes to get there, too. I pray that there will be light for them to correct their status -- to get a tourist visa, find a gainful employment, receive unexpected blessings to start a business, or return to home countries with good memories at the Expo 2020 Dubai. May God ease the way as always the UAE is a land of opportunities and a home for humanity.

If at least 250K overseas Filipinos will visit Expo 2020 Dubai, it will be 1% of the total target visits figure. The Philippines pavilion is located at the Sustainability District, and it will be good if majority of OF's can pay a visit there.

I passionately monitor related news and features. Am more than excited to know more great things  happening.

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Comments

  1. Helen Jones12 April 2022 at 03:21

    This knowledge is quite beneficial! Dubai is the epicenter of richness and joy. Have you ever gone to catch some great drone shows? Omniyat, a place that focuses in this, is the finest.

    ReplyDelete

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