Establishing itself as a real estate master developer, a thriving ecosystem for the business community, a model of urban sustainability, a go-to destination for events and experiences, and a home of knowledge and culture, Expo City Dubai has achieved significant milestones since its launch, with more collaborations and events in the pipeline as the city continues to drive human progress.
In a video released on Monday, Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of International Cooperation and CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, commended the bold vision of Expo 2020 Dubai and applauded the impressive progress made by Expo City Dubai since it was officially created in June 2022.
For the latest headlines, follow our Google News channel online or via the app. Reem Al Hashimy said: “At Expo 2020 Dubai, we brought the world together in a spirit of friendship and optimism, and we promised we would meet again to continue to connect minds and shape the future – a promise we have fulfilled in the first year of our life as a new city and hub on the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan.
“We have accomplished a great deal – from launching smart, sustainable residential communities and welcoming business partners, to building a city rich in entertainment and culture and inspiring learners of all ages. But this is only the beginning. Working together to create a more healthy, balanced world is in our DNA, and we look forward to more organisations, residents, students and visitors joining us as our city grows and flourishes.”
A real estate master developer
In March, Expo City Dubai unveiled Expo Valley and Expo Central – exceptional residential developments that exemplify best practices in innovative, sustainable, and inclusive design within a 15-minute smart, people-centric community. Conveniently located between Dubai and Abu Dhabi and easily accessible by metro, the projects’ first phase is underway, developed by the same team that created the spectacular Expo 2020 Dubai site.
Linked to Expo City, Expo Valley combines care for the planet with the health, wellbeing, and happiness of its residents, with villas and townhouses dispersed throughout a natural landscape. Expo Central, located at the heart of the proud legacy city of the World Expo, offers luxury apartments and townhouses a vibrant, community feel.
Fostering innovation, growth
Expo City Dubai provides an enabling environment for businesses to scale and grow, and around 3,000 employees from leading local and global organizations will have established offices within the city by September, contributing to its innovation ecosystem, promoting cross-sector collaboration and supporting Dubai's position as a global centre of trade. As it grows, Expo City will welcome more businesses, small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), entrepreneurs, organizations, academia, and research institutions, including those looking to establish in the UAE for the first time.
Sustainability in focus
A blueprint for sustainable living, Expo City Dubai is committed to forging a more environmentally-conscious future as it continues its decarbonisation journey – a commitment that extends beyond its physical infrastructure to include the social, environmental and economic realms.
Examples include the Climate Ambassadors Programme – a joint initiative between the Expo School Programme and the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) – which has seen almost 2,400 UAE school and university students step into the shoes of climate negotiators attending COP28, which Expo City will host later this year. At a global level, the Expo Live Innovation Programme, which actively supports solutions that address climate change and make a positive impact on the planet, recently selected 36 grassroots climate-related innovations from 34 countries including Bangladesh, Botswana, Peru and the UAE, to receive funding and guidance, as well as a platform at COP28.
With sustainability at its core, Expo City’s strategy spans decarbonisation, sustainable construction, waste, wellbeing, accessibility and more, as well as ongoing events designed to educate visitors and inspire them to take climate action.
Sharing knowledge
Expo City aims to drive human progress, and knowledge-sharing cuts across many of its activities and carries forward the legacy of the World Expo and its themes, with the city hosting a range of community events to encourage purpose-led dialogue on important issues. The Expo School Programme continues its success, with school tours, holiday camps, exclusive events and hands-on workshops providing students with memorable journeys and lifelong lessons, fostering a spirit of discovery and learning.
Celebrating festivities and sports
Expo City Dubai has become a go-to destination for events, hosting a range of celebrations and sports activities. ‘Hai Ramadan’ brought together communities during the holy month, providing a cultural journey with unique experiences from across the Islamic world. Thousands of visitors celebrated the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ in Fan City, and Expo City Dubai has hosted over 20 community sporting events, engaging tens of thousands of participants and spectators and reinforcing its role as a catalyst for community health and fitness. With more events – including the first ever UNTOLD music festival to be held outside Europe – constantly being added to the calendar, visitors should keep an eye on www.expocitydubai.com for the latest updates.
A great day out
Visitors can experience all Expo City’s flagship pavilions via the Dh120 one-day Attractions Pass, which gives entry to Alif, Terra and the Vision and Women’s Pavilions, as well as the three Stories of Nations exhibitions. Experiences can be visited individually for Dh 50, and children aged 12 and under as well as people of determination enjoy free entry. The stunning Public Realm, which includes parks and playgrounds as well as Al Wasl Plaza and the Surreal water feature, is free to visit at any time.
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Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest at ADIHEX 2024: A celebration of ancestral elegance
The Abu Dhabi International Hunting and Equestrian Exhibition (ADIHEX) announce the return of the prestigious Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, a unique initiative aimed at highlighting the significance of purebred hunting dogs and fostering a connection between the new generation and their rich ancestral heritage.
Under the esteemed patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region and Chairman of the Emirates Falconers’ Club (EFC), this iconic event is scheduled from 31st August to 8th September, 2024, at ADNEC Centre Abu Dhabi, celebrating the blending of deep Emirati cultural traditions with cutting-edge innovation and technology across 11 diverse sectors.
A highlight of this year’s event is the Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest. One of the world’s oldest and most revered dog breeds, the Arabian Saluki stands as a symbol of wild hunting and desert traditions in the Middle East. Known for its grace, speed, and intelligence, this distinctive breed has been a faithful companion to the Bedouin people for over 5,000 years, serving as both a hunter and guardian. The Saluki’s agility and loyalty have made it an integral part of hunting and racing traditions, especially within the Arabian Peninsula.
The Arabian Saluki Centre was established in Abu Dhabi in 2001 alongside the Emirates Falconers’ Club, marking the first facility of its kind in the Arabian Gulf region and the Middle East, to revive the tradition of desert hunting using Saluki dogs, a cherished aspect of desert heritage.
ADIHEX was the first cultural event in the Arab region to honour the bond between Man and his loyal companion, which has been by our side for thousands of years. The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is a unique initiative designed to promote interest in purebred hunting dogs and to strengthen the new generation’s connection to their ancestral heritage and traditions and to serve as a testament to this unique bond.
With its origin steeped in history, this fascinating dog’s name is believed to be derived from the city of Saluk in Yemen or the Bani Saluk tribe. Renowned for its endurance and elegance, the Saluki can reach speeds up to 75 kilometres per hour, maintaining this pace over distances up to almost five kilometres. The breed is cherished for its unique physical characteristics, including a slender body, deep chest, long legs, and two distinct coat types: ‘Al Hoss’ (smooth) and ‘Aryash’ (feathery).
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, held during ADIHEX, is more than a beauty pageant. It celebrates the essence of the Saluki by focusing on the dog’s personality, skills, reflexes, and sensory response. Unlike typical dog competitions, this contest evaluates the Saluki’s breed characteristics, behaviour, overall appearance, structure, hunting skills, and psychological traits. Judging criteria include the dog’s gait, head, eyes, mouth, ears, coat, colour, and general impression.
The Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest is an integral part of ADIHEX’s mission to preserve and promote the cultural heritage of the UAE and the wider Arab world. This contest not only showcases the beauty and abilities of the Saluki but also plays a vital role in raising awareness about the importance of preserving traditional hunting practices and the Saluki’s role in them.
This year’s competition will feature four categories: ‘Smooth (Hoss) Males,’ ‘Feathery (Aryash) Males,’ ‘Smooth (Hoss) Females,’ and ‘Feathery (Aryash) Females.’ The event is scheduled to take place during ADIHEX 2024, and, per the rules, participants must ensure their dogs are healthy, microchipped, and vaccinated.
The Saluki’s enduring legacy is celebrated through this competition, which draws participants and spectators from across the region and beyond. It provides a platform for Saluki enthusiasts to connect, share their passion, and celebrate a breed that has remained virtually unchanged for millennia, reflecting the diverse hunting landscapes and traditions of the Middle East.
Aside from the alluring Arabian Saluki Beauty Contest, as the largest edition of ADIHEX to date, the 21st edition will showcase thousands of brands across 11 diverse sectors, offering a dynamic platform for new business opportunities and captivating audiences of all ages. This exhibition celebrates the thrill of an adventurous outdoor lifestyle, allowing visitors to explore falconry, hunting, equestrian sports, veterinary products, fishing and marine sports, environmental preservation, cultural heritage, arts and crafts, and the latest in technology and innovation across all the represented sectors.
Sharjah Ruler directs allocation of beach for women in Khorfakkan’s Al Luluyah area
H.H. Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, has ordered the allocation of a 500-metre beach for women in Al Luluyah area of Khorfakkan, providing them with complete privacy. The project will include a service building that includes a cafe, a medical clinic and a prayer room for women. His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah also directed the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking Al Bardi 6 and Al Batha areas in Khorfakkan, to facilitate the movement of citizens, and modifications will be implemented on the internal roads in the Hayawa area.