Latest news with #DubaiExpo2020
What's On
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- What's On
Get free entry at museums across the UAE this weekend
This International Museum Day, be blessed with free entry in the UAE… International Museum Day is just around the corner, and if you're looking for a way to celebrate, then we've got just the thing for you. This weekend, May 18, is International Museum Day, and museums across the UAE are offering patrons free entry for a weekend of exploration. Museums in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah are offering free entry, giving lovers of art and culture a history and heritage-weekend treat. Even if you're simply looking for an indoor activity for your days off to beat the heat, this is a great choice. Dubai Expo 2020 Dubai Museum and Garden in the Sky are opening its doors for free access on May 17 and 18. The museum is open from 10am to 8pm, while Garden in the Sky welcomes visitors from 2pm to 10pm. Abu Dhabi If visiting the wonderful Louvre Abu Dhabi has been on your to-do list, now's the time to finally tick it off. This weekend on May 18, the art museum on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi is offering free entry to all UAE residents. All you need is your valid Emirates ID. Present this to the ticket desk and you can enter for free. Other free museums you can visit… A number of museums around the UAE offer free entry year-round in a bid to promote cultural learning and curiosity, and encourage the residents to interact with fruitful exploration. In Dubai, Jameel Arts Centre is one of the top free spots to visit, in addition to the Coffee Museum and the Dubai Police Museum, for which you do need a permit – you can apply for the permit through the Dubai Police website – or the 'Dubai Police' app. The home of Saudi-born poet Mubarak bin Hamad Al Oqaili, a beautiful heritage home dating back to 1923, now stands as a museum on the edge of Deira's Spice Souk. The home of one of the most important Arabic classical poets in history, the structure was built from coral, stone, plaster, sandalwood, teakwood and the fronds and trunks of palm trees. In Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, the Bassam Freiha Art Foundation, Abu Dhabi's Heritage Village and the Miraj Islamic Art Centre are great options. In Sharjah, the Sharjah Art Museum is a hotspot for culture and heritage. Images: Socials/Supplied > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Gulf Business
15-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Insights: Dubai's growing role as a global sports, entertainment hub
Image: Supplied The world's first free zone cluster dedicated to the sports and entertainment sectors has been established within the DWTC Free Zone, a space for all businesses in these industries. And its location in the heart of Dubai's central business district makes perfect business sense. Why? Because Dubai has steadily established itself as a global powerhouse in the sports and entertainment sectors. The city's transformation through hosting major events, like Dubai Expo 2020, tournaments and e-sports competitions reflects its strategic positioning on the world stage. While infrastructure and policy incentives often get the spotlight, Dubai's real edge lies in its ability to attract talent, and cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking ecosystem that welcomes both emerging ventures and established players alike. The so-called 'Dubai Chocolate Effect' is not just a phenomenon of social media-driven popularity. It is the result of the concentration of aspiring, creative, and talented entrepreneurs in the social and business environment, created and nurtured by the UAE leadership. A global hub: Dubai The sports and entertainment markets have shown remarkable resilience and growth. The Locally, Dubai's sports industry contributes approximately $2.5bn annually to the Emirates' economy while supporting 105,000 jobs – 3.8 percent of Dubai's total employment. What makes Dubai particularly fertile ground for these industries is the region's demographic advantage where over 60 per cent of the population is under 30 – digital natives who consume entertainment differently than previous generations. The UAE has been also a pioneer in economic zones development, with over 40 free zones focusing on various industries, creating spaces where innovation can flourish. Creating the first sports and entertainment cluster within the free zone environment organically complements aspirations of the Gulf nations to host mega events and supports the growth of sports industry in Dubai and across the region. Beyond standard business advantages When experts discuss Dubai's advantages, they often mention the usual factors: strategic location, tax benefits, and world-class infrastructure. The UAE's ranking at 16th globally for ease of doing business translates to real savings for companies in the fast-paced entertainment world. However, what's often overlooked is the human element. Dubai has created a truly global city where ideas from different cultures don't just coexist but actively cross-pollinate. Meetings in Dubai frequently feature perspectives from multiple continents shaping a single project, each bringing unique insights on how sports and entertainment resonate in their home markets. You can meet a person from literally any country in the world in Dubai. Dubai's pioneering regulatory framework and robust infrastructure have been crucial in shaping the emirate's sports sector, with government support as an integral priority in Dubai's vision to become the world's best city to live and work in. Where tech meets tradition Dubai effectively bridges traditional sports with emerging technologies. The region's gaming market is booming, driven by high internet penetration rates and a culture that eagerly embraces innovations like VR, AR, and blockchain. Local e-sports tournaments have grown from modest affairs to events that attract international sponsors. Sports medicine specialists are adapting their expertise to address the unique physical demands of e-sports athletes. Data analytics firms are finding new applications for measuring athletic performance. These interconnections create a rich ecosystem where traditional categories begin to blur. A VR fitness application can simultaneously be a tech product, a sports tool, and entertainment content – and in Dubai, it can find support for each aspect of its development. Collaboration: The key to growth Despite this progress, the full potential of Dubai's sports and entertainment business sectors remains untapped. The key to further development is deeper collaboration, not just between businesses, but across the entire ecosystem including government entities, educational institutions, and community organisations. This is where specialised zones and accelerators can make a difference, by bringing diverse stakeholders together. When sports tech startups connect with established federations and leagues, when healthcare researchers interact with performance coaches, when rights owners can network with investors, and sports and talent agencies can rub shoulders with the artists, sports stars and media personalities they seek to represent, the resulting innovations can be transformative. The establishment of Looking forward Dubai has repeatedly demonstrated its capacity to reinvent itself and stay ahead of global trends. The city's next chapter will be defined by how it nurtures creative industries like sports and entertainment. The foundations are already in place: world-class infrastructure, a supportive business environment, and a diverse population. The new sports strategy for Dubai focuses on key areas including sports clubs, infrastructure for sports facilities, e-sports, sports tourism, and sports technology. This strategic approach, combined with plans to develop multipurpose arenas, community leisure and fitness facilities, cycling tracks, and other sports infrastructure, demonstrates Dubai's commitment to long-term growth in the sector. For young people especially, these sectors offer more than entertainment – they provide career pathways that didn't exist a generation ago. From sports physiotherapy to game design, from event management to performance analytics, new professional opportunities are emerging that align with Dubai's strategic vision of being a global destination for sports, entertainment, and tourism. The future depends on how effectively connections are built – including between traditional sports and digital innovations, between global brands and local talents, and between commercial objectives and community benefits. As Dubai continues fostering these connections, it will solidify its position as a global hub for The writer is the CEO at ISEZA.
Khaleej Times
14-04-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
A heartfelt account of the high stakes involved in Dubai Expo by Reem Al Hashimy
Few narratives manage to inspire while remaining grounded in honest reflection genuinely. Reem Bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy's When Ground Shifts – The Story of Dubai Expo: Creating Hope in Times of Upheaval achieves precisely this balance. As the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and the driving force behind Dubai Expo 2020, Al Hashimy, through her new book, offers readers a thoughtful, authentic and deeply human account of one of the world's most remarkable events. The narrative opens with an intriguing fact: Dubai submitted its Expo bid on the very last possible day. This sets the stage for a compelling story filled with ambition and determination. Expo 2020, the first ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia, swiftly became a global platform showcasing innovation, resilience and unity amid uncertain times. This historical context alone makes the story engaging, as readers gain insights into the high stakes and intense preparation required to host such an extraordinary international event. Al Hashimy's openness and sincerity are what make this book resonate deeply. Rather than simply recounting events, she weaves her personal experiences throughout the narrative, providing readers with genuine insights into her life. A particularly impactful moment described in the book is when she travelled to Paris for a crucial presentation to the Expo organising committee at 39 weeks pregnant, highlighting the extraordinary personal sacrifices made behind the scenes of public success. Yet, she thoughtfully reflects on this intense period, openly admitting her wish to have savoured these experiences rather than rushing through them. Her candid reflections challenge the misleading idea of 'no pain, no gain,' suggesting that passion and intensive work should never compromise one's health and happiness. This thoughtful acknowledgement humanises her narrative, reminding readers of the importance of balance and well-being. Beyond these personal insights, Al Hashimy provides valuable perspectives on the complexities of international diplomacy and collaboration involved in securing Expo bids. She explains how cities prepare meticulous bids and how diplomatic negotiations unfold, shedding light on a process often hidden from public view. In doing so, her account addresses prevalent stereotypes about the Middle East, particularly regarding women, demonstrating how the UAE distinguishes itself through progressive policies and genuine empowerment of all citizens. Al Hashimy's journey is an inspiring example of how leadership backed by a supportive national vision can effectively challenge global misconceptions. A central theme of the book is Al Hashimy's passionate vision for true partnership and equality among nations. She convincingly argues for moving beyond traditional power dynamics, advocating collaboration built on mutual respect and sustainable partnerships. Her vision is practical, clearly illustrated by the inclusive and cooperative spirit of Expo 2020. She consistently emphasises the necessity for equal dignity among countries, providing a powerful alternative to hierarchical approaches to international relations. This inclusive strategy underpinned the Expo's success and offered an insightful blueprint for future global cooperation. Al Hashimy candidly addresses the enormous challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly detailing the difficult decision to postpone Expo 2020 by a year. She vividly describes the tension, uncertainty, and collective determination that eventually led to the Expo's remarkable success. This portrayal of resilience in the face of unprecedented global upheaval further enriches the narrative, making it both timely and deeply relatable. Expo's enduring legacy, particularly the creation of Expo City, showcases Dubai's visionary approach. The author's thoughtful discussions on sustainable urban planning reveal how temporary event venues can be innovatively transformed into thriving, long-term communities. This vision underscores a broader message about the importance of sustainable development and the potential for lasting impact when careful planning and foresight guide significant global events. Throughout the narrative, Al Hashimy's warmth and authenticity shine brightly. Readers encounter her as a dedicated professional leader and as someone who cherishes family deeply. She openly discusses balancing relentless professional demands with the personal desire to nurture close family relationships. This interplay between personal commitment and professional ambition significantly enriches the emotional depth of her story, allowing readers to connect with her on a deeply human level. The book's release, only weeks ahead of Osaka Expo 2025, the event set to follow Dubai Expo 2020, significantly enhances its timeliness and relevance. When Ground Shifts ultimately invites readers to celebrate the monumental achievements of the Dubai Expo and consider the broader possibilities for global collaboration. It is an engaging, heartfelt narrative filled with wisdom, hope and inspiration, demonstrating the profound transformative power of collective effort and compassionate leadership.
Arab News
11-04-2025
- Business
- Arab News
From Dubai to Osaka to Riyadh: Expos mark decade of global dialogue, says UAE official
DUBAI: The move of expos from Dubai to Osaka and soon to Riyadh presents a 'unique opportunity to shape a decade of global engagement' in the Middle East and Asia, according to Shihab Al-Faheem, the UAE pavilion commissioner general. The sequence of the three locations 'offers continuity for themes such as innovation, sustainability, and cultural dialogue,' Al-Faheem said in an interview with Arab News Japan. 'It also strengthens connections between our countries. The UAE, Japan, and Saudi Arabia each bring distinct strengths and perspectives,' he added. 'By working together through these global platforms, we can create long-term partnerships that deliver meaningful outcomes for people and the planet.' Al-Faheem, who is also the UAE's ambassador to Japan, said the Osaka-Kansai Expo this year carries special meaning for the Gulf country. The UAE's first expo journey began in Osaka more than five decades ago, and the commissioner-general explained that returning to Japan was 'an opportunity to continue engaging with the world and to contribute to shaping a future grounded in cooperation and collective progress.' As the baton was passed from Dubai Expo 2020 to Osaka, Al-Faheem said the most important insight the UAE valued was that of creating experiences that are immersive, inclusive and people focused. 'We also learned that strong logistical planning and a flexible, responsive approach are essential to hosting a successful expo,' he told Arab News Japan. 'We believe these lessons will resonate with Japan as it welcomes the world in 2025.' When it comes to the UAE's participation in Osaka this year, the country's pavilion will continue its 'immersive and multi-sensory journey' giving visitors a chance to 'engage on an emotional and intellectual level.' The UAE Pavilion's theme is 'Earth to Ether,' which expresses the Gulf country's journey from a heritage rooted in the land to a future defined by innovation. With sustainability and technology in mind, Al-Faheem said the pavilion uses eco-conscious materials such as Datecrete and palm-based architectural elements to reflect environmental values. 'The content of the pavilion also showcases our leadership in clean energy, smart healthcare, and space technologies,' the ambassador said. The architectural design draws inspiration from traditional Emirati structures and uses materials from the date palm. Inside the pavilion, visitors will be able to experience stories that reflect the UAE's values and vision for the future. Given that the UAE and Japan have both hosted World Expos, Al-Faheem said that this has allowed the two countries to strengthen 'an already deep and multifaceted relationship. These global events provide a powerful platform to showcase shared values and to develop partnerships across sectors such as energy, education, culture, and technology.' The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 is expected to honor the relationship between the two countries and create new opportunities for joint initiatives. Al-Faheem said he hopes that through the upcoming expo, the UAE will be able to deepen people-to-people ties with Japan and to create cultural and educational exchanges. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai will run from April 13 to Oct. 13, with an official opening ceremony on April 12. • This article also appears on Arab News Japan
