Entertainment

In pictures: World leaders, celebrities, public figures who visited Expo 2020 Dubai

Expo 2020 Dubai brought together 192 countries in one place. Since its launch in October 2021, the fair welcomed over 20 million visitors, including several celebrities, public figures and world leaders. With just three days left, here’s a look at some of the fair’s most iconic visits over the past six months.

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World leaders

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman visited Expo 2020 Dubai early December, marking one of the fair’s most iconic visits, and toured a number of pavilions, including the Kingdom’s very own.

Saudi Arabia’s pavilion won the award for the ‘Best Pavilion’ category and two other honorary awards, based on Exhibitor Magazine’s rankings of the mega-event’s pavilions. It also holds three Guinness World Records for: The longest interactive water curtain (32 meters long), the largest interactive light floor, and the largest interactive digital screen mirror (1,240 square meters). It was also awarded the Platinum Certificate in LEED by the US Green Building Council (USGBC).

UK’s Prince William

Britain’s Prince William arrived in the United Arab Emirates on February 10, his first-ever official trip to the country.

The Duke of Cambridge met with Dubai Crown Prince Hamdan bin Mohammed during his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, where he took part in the UK’s national day celebrations at the world fair.

Belgium’s King Philippe and Queen Mathilde

King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium visited Expo 2020 Dubai on February 6 on their country’s national day, which was being celebrated at the world fair and involved musical performances and a stunning parade.

Dutch Royal Family

King Willem-Alexander and Queen Máxima attended the Netherlands’ National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai on November 3, where they officially opened the Netherlands Pavilion.

Monaco’s Prince Albert

On October 10, Prince Albert II of Monaco and Reem bint Ibrahim al-Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, officially inaugurated the Monaco Pavilion’s mini version in the European Principality, Emirates News Agency (WAM reported. The mini pavilion offers augmented reality headsets that allow visitors in Monaco to experience all areas of their country’s pavilion, inspired by the ‘Rock of Monaco.’

French President Emmanuel Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron visited Expo 2020 Dubai on December 3.

“We are very happy to be here and I want to congratulate your country and your leaders for this exhibition because in such a period of time and where we see COVID-19 and so many threats and on some issues, organizing this exhibition and making it a success because, it’s already a success, is good for your country and good for everybody,” he told reporters at the fair, according to WAM.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in

The Republic of Korea celebrated its Expo 2020 Dubai National Day with a visit by the country’s President and First Lady on January 16. The busy agenda consisted of a 20-minute show including traditional dance, drums and the martial art of taekwondo, and a stunning concert from global K-pop stars later in the evening.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro visited Expo 2020 Dubai on November 17 as part of his visit to the UAE and to celebrate Brazil’s National Day at its pavilion.

“It is wonderful to be here to celebrate Brazil’s Expo 2020 National Day event – it offers an amazing opportunity for Brazil to showcase itself to the world,” President Bolsonaro said, according to WAM.

President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sanchez

President of the Government of Spain Pedro Sanchez visited the fair on February 2 to celebrate his country’s National Day, where he also formed a strategic partnership with the UAE to improve stability and human rights both in the region and globally.

Morocco’s Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch

Morocco celebrated its National Day at the world fair on December 26 with a visit by Aziz Akhannouch, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Morocco, an aerobatic display by the Green March Moroccan Patrol, and a performance by one of the nation’s most eminent pianists, Marouan Benabdallah.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan visited the Expo on February 15 during his first official visit to the UAE in almost a decade where he was welcomed by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid

Pakistan President Dr. Arif Alvi

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi visited Expo 2020 Dubai on January 9 where he held a meeting with Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to explore ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the two countries.

Israel President Isaac Herzog

Israeli President Isaac Herzog visited Expo 2020 Dubai on January 31. He visited the UAE pavilion where he had a meeting with Dubai Crown Prince Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, marking his first official visit to the UAE.

Celebrities

Malala Yousafzai

Youngest winner of the Nobel Peace Prize and renowned women’s rights activist Malala Yousafzai visited the world fair on January 30, where she gave a speech at the Women’s Pavilion on women’s’ right to education.

Lionel Messi

Football legend Lionel Messi visited the Expo on December 13, where he met with Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence and Commissioner General of Expo 2020 Dubai and Noura bint Mohammed al-Kaabi, Minister of Culture and Youth.

Cristiano Ronaldo

Football legend and international superstar Cristiano Ronaldo visited the Expo on January 28 where he gave a Q&A session and spoke to fans.

Alicia Keys

Superstar Alicia Keys took to the stage at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Wasl Dome where she performed a concert on December 10.

Usain Bolt

The world’s fastest man, Usain Bolt, visited the fair in December 2021.

Armin Van Burren

World-famous DJ Armin Van Burren performed a concert at Expo 2020 Dubai for New Year’s celebrations on January 1, 2022.

Jason Derulo

American singer, songwriter and dancer Jason Derulo performed a concert at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday night, March 25, on the Jubilee Stage, where he sang some of his best hits ‘In My Head, ‘Savage Love,’ and many more.

Nancy Ajram

Lebanese superstar Nancy Ajram performed a concert at Expo 2020 Dubai on November 12, as part of the ‘Infinite Nights’ show.

Ragheb Alama

Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alama also headlined for the ‘Infinite Nights’ show on November 12 where he performed a concert.

Amr Diab

Egyptian singer and superstar Amr Diab performed a concert at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Jubilee Stage on October 30.

Christina Aguilera

Christina Aguilera will perform at Expo 2020 Dubai’s closing ceremony on Thursday, March 31.

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Entertainment

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.

Entertainment

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.