Connect with us

World

Crowds flock to Expo 2020 Dubai as UAE National Day celebrations get underway

Celebrations to mark the United Arab Emirates’ National Day were underway on Thursday at Expo 2020 Dubai as crowds flocked to the world’s largest cultural gathering to mark the historic Golden Jubilee celebrations.

For all the latest headlines follow our Google News channel online or via the app.

Making the most of free entry to the world fair to mark the landmark event, throngs of visitors packed the 4.38 square kilometer site, to view some of the Expo’s 191 pavilions, and experience a site-wide National Day celebration, including fireworks, a flypast, aerial stunts, celebratory ceremonies, musical showcases, cross-cultural conversations, cultural performances and exhibits.

Waving miniature UAE flags, every district of the vast site was packed with residents and tourists alike as they came together to mark 50 years since the nation’s historic unification and founding in 1971.

Khalifa bin Kuwair, a seven-year-old Emirati, was visiting Expo with his younger brother Mansoor, three, and his mother.

Waving a UAE national flag, Khalifa gave a toothy grin as he told Al Arabiya English he was “very, very excited” to spend National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai.

”I want to see the Expo mascot and the fireworks. I am very excited to be here.”

He was visiting an International Colors of the World Parade, which horses of the Dubai Police and the UAE Ministry of Interior Marching Band, as well as performers on stilts and colorful dancers who wowed the crowd on Al Ghaf Avenue.

Saudi national Omar was also among the visitors.

He told Al Arabiya English that he regularly visits the UAE and came to Expo as it was “a perfect place to celebrate the UAE National Day.” ”It has been very good so far, I’ve just visited the Saudi pavilion. It has been a great atmosphere.”

Yahya al-Maqbali, a 32-year-old Emirati, was visiting Expo 2030 with his group of friends.

With a scarf bearing the colors of the UAE flag, he said: “We love all the National Days, but we are very happy today. We came to Expo as we get to see all the nationalities that call Dubai home. It is a special place to mix with so many people.”

Among the visitors thronging Al Ghaf Avenue at the Expo was Indian national Sakir Hussein.

The technician told Al Arabiya English he had come to Expo to avail the free entry offer.

“It has been very nice so far,” he said. “I plan to visit many pavilions including Iraq, India and, of course, the UAE.”

Visitors throughout the day were treated to a variety of music and cultural performances.

Among those performing was Rashid Hamad, a 16-year-old Emirati who was performing with a marching band.

“It is a proud day for all of the UAE,” he said.

Read more:

Expo 2020 Dubai visitors praise Saudi Arabia’s pavilion on UAE National Day

Emiratis, expats, entrepreneurs herald the UAE on its 50th National Day

Expo 2020 Dubai: Global participants congratulate the UAE on its Golden Jubilee

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

World

Almarai signs an MoU with the Authority of People with Disabilities to train and employ them.

Almarai Company signed a memorandum of understanding with the Authority of People with
Disabilities to train, qualify and employ persons with disabilities. This came on the sidelines of
the First International Labor Market Conference, organized by the Ministry of Human Resources
and Social Development on December 13 – 14, 2023, at the King Abdulaziz Convention Center
in Riyadh.

The memorandum was signed by the Chief Human Resources Officer of Almarai Company,
Fahad Mohammed Aldrees, and the CEO of the Authority of People with Disabilities, Dr.
Hisham bin Muhammad Al-Haidari.

“This agreement comes within the framework of the company’s social responsibility program, as
Almarai employs more than 500 people with disabilities, which is one of the most suitable work
environments for them.” Fahad Aldrees said. Pointing out that Almarai has the “Silent Line”,
which is one of its production lines that is designated for people with hearing disabilities.

It is worth mentioning that Almarai supports over 300 charity organizations annually across the
kingdom that operate in the field of community development.

Continue Reading

World

Central Phuket Shopping Center Prepared Surprises This Christmas & New Year 2024

Central Phuket Shopping Center, the luxury lifestyle landmark o Phuket, invites everyone to celebrate Christmas and New Year 2024 in The Great Celebration 2024 Campaign. Joining hands with global partner ‘The Pokémon Company’, Central Phuket bring over Pokémon, the super cute character popular around the world, for all locals and international fans. The special campaign launch presents a procession of cute ‘Pikachu’ alongside with the giant Christmas tree for the first time in Thailand.
This December, Central Phuket prepared many activities for shoppers when visiting Phuket! Experience the “Surprise of the Day” with free Cotton Candy for our little ones, a sweet and fluffy treat, a special gift from Central Phuket. Bring your kids to enjoy this sweet treat every Saturday and Sunday throughout the month of December. Don’t miss the Christmas Carol that
everyone loves, little Santas spread freshness by singing together in the Christmas Carol activity. Plus, Christmas Live Music, the festival of joy is back! Celebrate Christmas in a luxurious and classy atmosphere, enjoying the music that will bring us joy. Also, there will be Christmas Troop, Santa Claus is coming to town! The Santa troop will spread happiness throughout Central Phuket. Lastly, Cake Workshop, workshop activity with Chef Sebastien’s IRON CHEF Thailand teaching how to make Christmas Vanilla Cake. A special activity for the Christmas season. Moreover, Central Phuket provides special promotion exclusively for international tourists throughout December 23 – January 24 including:

1) Get Free! Tourist welcome discount package valued up to THB 10,000.
2) Receive THB 100 Gift voucher when spending up to THB 2,500 per receipt.
3) Get to buy ‘Happy Holiday Collections’ special price: Pokémon 2-in-1 pillow blanket, tumbler, travel bag set, and keychain. Visit redemption counter for the price.
4) Exclusive for Grab Users get discount code up to 25% off* when traveling to participating Central Shopping Centers.
5) Receive famous Elephant Pants when spending over THB 5,000 in shopping center.
6) Get Free! H&M THB 100 gift voucher when booking any accommodations in Phuket with Agoda. Terms and conditions apply.

Central Phuket is a home of global luxury brands such as Alexander McQueen, Balenciaga, Ermenegildo Zegna, Gucci, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Saint Laurent. Exclusive for this season, Louis Vuitton launches a pop-up store located at Central Phuket. The design is inspired by the story of Damier or Checkerboard, the brand’s signature pattern. This classic pattern was created by Louis
Vuitton and his son Georges Vuitton in 1888 and has always been part of the design of Maison’s iconic items and concepts. Find clothes, shoes, bags, and accessories for men at the Pop-up Store from Louis Vuitton at Central Phuket, 1st floor, from today until 31 March 2024. And with over 500 renowned fashion brands and lifestyle shops ranging from local to international
well-known brands covering all categories, international shoppers will be able to find what they are looking for in Central Phuket.
Central Phuket is located in the heart of one of the world’s most famous beach cities, Phuket and await to welcome both locals and international visitors this holiday. Also, don’t miss one of the most joyful New Year Count Down events in Phuket city at Central Phuket Shopping Center on December 31, 2023.

Continue Reading

World

Saudi Fund for Development Provides $100 Million Development Loan for the Rogun Hydropower Project

The Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) Chief Executive Officer, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, signed a new development loan agreement with the Minister of Finance of the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Kahhorzoda Fayziddin Sattor, through which SFD is contributing $100 million USD to fund the Rogun Hydropower Project, a landmark initiative that will enhance energy,
food, and water security, and foster sustainable development in the country. The signing was attended by the Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to the Republic of Tajikistan, H.E. Waleed Al-Reshiadan, and the Ambassador of Tajikistan to Saudi Arabia, H.E. Akram Karimi, alongside other officials from both sides. SFD’s development loan will help contribute towards a more sustainable and equitable food and water future for Tajikistan, while driving the country’s energy transition and climate resilience. The project aims to contribute to the national energy security and will help advance sustainable
development in the Republic of Tajikistan, by providing the renewable electricity supply to meet local demand and expand electricity production domestically and regionally, producing 3600 MW of energy. The loan agreement will also finance the construction of a 335-meter-tall dam, which will enhance irrigation capabilities and bolster agricultural activities across the country. Additionally, the project will improve flood protection through the construction of four hydraulic
tunnels for diversion and drainage. It will also provide clean and drinkable water to people through desalination, and help advance socio-economic development, by creating both direct and indirect jobs.
Importantly, this project also supports the realization of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs); specifically, SDG 2, Zero Hunger, SDG 6, Clean Water and Sanitation, and SDG 7, Affordable and Clean Energy.
On this occasion, the CEO of SFD, H.E. Sultan Al-Marshad, said: “Today’s signing marks a major milestone in our shared journey towards a more sustainable future. With this landmark development loan, SFD is not just supporting Tajikistan’s energy future, but also its sustainable development and the well-being of its people. The Rogun Hydropower Project is a beacon of
hope for a bright future that is powered by clean, renewable energy. It will propel Tajikistan towards environmental stewardship and prosperity.”

Continue Reading

Trending