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DUBAI / WAM
Expo 2020 Dubai’s focus on children and education has boosted its visit numbers, which have soared to 19,009,065, up almost 1.6 million in a week, with 2.7 million children under 18 visiting the site since the event opened in October last year.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s virtual visitation numbers have crossed 180 million, driven by the diverse entertainment available via Live@Expo and extensive coverage of Expo 2020 Dubai’s Programme for People and Planet.
With just over two weeks left, Expo 2020 Dubai is looking forward to its legacy and the next generation of innovators – from budding scientists to big thinkers.
Earlier this month, the world’s youngest TEDx speaker, six-year-old Kiara Kaur, talked to an adult gathering on “Small Change Big Difference” at the Mexico Pavilion and spoke across the site as part of International Women’s Week activities. Also, children visiting the Dubai Cares Pavilion have been designing their “dream school” in a challenge to aid a theoretical earthquake-hit area.
On March 5, innovative young students and their teachers gathered at Dubai Exhibition Centre for the fourth edition of the Emirates Young Scientist Competition, which forms part of the National Science Technology and Innovation Festival (NSTI), showing off their inventions to create a better future.
The Expo school programme offers four immersive journeys, allowing the students to embark on educational tours through the site’s three Thematic Districts (Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability) and pavilions with experiences aligned with diverse school curricula in the UAE.
On March 18, to mark Haq Al Laila, Expo 2020 Dubai, in conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Community Development, will welcome children and families in a unique event in Al Forsan Park.
Haq Al Laila is a time of celebration that symbolises giving and is celebrated on the 15th of Shaaban, in preparation for the arrival of the Holy Month of Ramadan two weeks later. In the evening, Emirati children wear colourful, traditional clothes and go door-to-door in their neighbourhood singing a song in exchange for sweets.
For Haq Al Laila, Expo 2020 will be distributing 200,000 goodie bags for children, including crisps and sweets. A camel parade, comprising 50 camels, will entertain young visitors in the evening, while bespoke stamps will be available at some Visitor Centres and The Family Place. The Majlises near these Visitor Centres will have panels explaining the meaning and significance of Haq Al Laila.
On March 15 – Khaleeji-led jam sessions to showcase the best of Arabic music and culture – and novelty Filipino pop-rock group Parokya Ni Edgar taking the stage on 18th March.
Expo Sports Arena is encouraging visitors to get involved in a Guinness World Record attempt for the most nationalities in a fitness class at one time on 17th March, or deep dive into meditation with the Dylan Werner Fitness Special on 15th March.
The final Theme Week of Expo 2020 Dubai – Water Week – begins on 20th March. Raising awareness that water is a finite source and currently under threat, the Week is a call for collective global action and looks at what we can all do to be proactive agents of change.
Highlighting Expo 2020’s look towards the future and emphasis on young minds, teachers and children will be among the honoured VIP guests at the Expo 2020 Dubai closing ceremony in Al Wasl Plaza on 31st March.
With only 16 more days to see the world in one place, Country Pavilions are now open daily until 23:00 GST.