Miguel Poveda to launch the cultural programme for Spain Pavilion…reports Asian Lite News
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will start its cultural programme on Friday with a performance by the flamenco singer Miguel Poveda, who will perform on the Jubilee Stage.
Poveda, with more than 14 albums and many awards, will sing a song with Yemeni artist Arwa Online.
EXPO 2020
The Spanish star has been awarded the ‘National Music Prize’ (2007); the ‘Music Culture Prize in Catalonia’ (2011); the ‘Medal of Andalucia’ and the ‘Chair of Flamencology prize’.
The Spain Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai presents a cultural program with 32 Spanish companies, more than 200 artists and close to 100 performances, which will take place both in the Spain Pavilion and on the main stages of the Expo site (Jubilee Stage, Terra Auditorium, Dubai Millenium Amphitheater, Earth Stage) as well as two performances in the framework of the Sharjah Book Fair, in which Spain is the Guest Country of Honor.
Sheikh Mohamed pointed out the Saudi pavilion is a distinguished addition to the Expo 2020 Dubai, wishing its team success during the global event…reports Asian Lite News
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, on Thursday visited the pavilion of Saudi Arabia at the Expo 2020 Dubai.
Upon his arrival, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed was received by HRH Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet of Saudi Arabia, and several officials.
MBZ visits Saudi pavilion
During his tour of the Saudi pavilion, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed viewed the country’s inspiring vision for a collective future and its ambitious projects based on four key pillars: People, Opportunity, Heritage, and Nature.
The pavilion’s young Saudi organisers also briefed him about its sections, components and advanced interactive visual technologies.
Sheikh Mohamed expressed his happiness at visiting the Saudi pavilion, which showcases rich and innovative content that underscores the kingdom’s significant development, prosperity, ancient history, inspiring projects and ambitious future vision.
He also lauded the distinguished Saudi cadres working at the pavilion and receiving visitors from various countries, noting the Saudi youth are innovative and have considerable overall capabilities, presenting an honourable and bright image of the kingdom to the world.
Sheikh Mohamed then pointed out the Saudi pavilion is a distinguished addition to the Expo 2020 Dubai, wishing its team success during the global event.
Sheikh Mohamed was accompanied by Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, and several Sheikhs, ministers and officials.
MBZ visits Saudi pavilion
Opportunity pavilion
Sheikh Zayed also visited the Opportunity Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which comprises the United Nations (UN) Hub.
During his visit, Sheikh Zayed was briefed about the creative ideas and innovative initiatives showcased at the pavilion, which offers a platform for individuals and communities to cooperate and contribute to drafting the features of the future and achieve overall equality.
During its participation in the event, the UN will organise a range of programmes, workshops and exhibitions highlighting the importance of partnerships and collaborations between international organisations and governments from around the world, including the UAE Government, and the private sector and civil societies.
MBZ visits Saudi pavilion
The pavilion’s topics and programmes are in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which represent the core of the UAE’s strategic vision and the expo’s objects, highlighting the efforts of countries to prioritise sustainable development and targeting millions of visitors and raising their awareness of the importance of achieving the SDGs.
The pavilion focuses on three pillars, which are water, food and energy.
Facilitators from different nationalities and backgrounds will present their creative projects related to the three that were implemented in their communities, which include simple solutions that require limited resources and investment, such a project, entitled, the “Food Pillar,” presented by Mariam Al Junaibi, an Emirati farmer of sustainable organic products, who will teach visitors how to cultivate their own food even if small areas.
The “Energy Pillar” is being presented by Fatima Juma Haji from Zanzibar, Tanzania, who was trained to be a solar energy engineer specialising in the rationalisation of electricity consumption in her village.
The “Water Pillar” will be presented by Abel Cruz, who will explain how to collect fog by hanging nets to provide water for his community.
At the Opportunity Pavilion, Sheikh Zayed was accompanied by Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Airports Company (ADAC), Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Minister of State for International Cooperation, Dr. Sultan bin Ahmed Al Jaber, Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, and Mohammed Mubarak Al Mazrouei, Under-Secretary of the Abu Dhabi Crown Prince’s Court.
The summit witnessed high-level dialogues, panel discussions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and stimulating innovation to support sustainable development…reports Asian Lite News
The 7th World Green Economy Summit (WGES), held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, concluded on Thursday.
The summit, held under the theme, “Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery,” brought together many prominent international speakers, in addition to dignitaries and representatives from government organisations, academics, experts and the media.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, MD and CEO of the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), and Chairman of WGES, announced the Dubai Declaration 2021 at the end of the summit. He expressed his gratitude and appreciation at His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid for his patronage of the event and thanked H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, for his presence at the summit’s opening ceremony. He also thanked everyone who contributed to the success of the summit.
“The summit’s seventh edition was held amidst exceptional events and activities, under the theme, ‘Galvanising Action for a Sustainable Recovery,’ in conjunction with the historic Expo 2020 Dubai held under the theme, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.’ These two themes are consistent with the UAE’s efforts to promote innovation and develop creative solutions to support the country’s sustainable development goals and overall economic growth,” Al Tayer said.
Due to the directives and tireless efforts of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Dubai has maintained its bid to become the global capital of the green economy. The summit witnessed high-level dialogues, panel discussions and seminars on developing innovative sustainable solutions and stimulating innovation to support sustainable development. These centred around its four main themes, the youth, innovation and small technologies, green economy and policies, and green finance,” he added.
“The UAE has served as a global model of resilience in times of crisis. This is evident in its immediate successful response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Thanks to our leadership, the country has been steadily recovering from this global health crisis, with our nation emerging stronger and more resilient,” he further added.
We recognise that climate change is an urgent global threat with impacts that reach beyond the environmental agenda, to include economic, social and environmental challenges.
We acknowledge that sustainable and green recovery should steer our efforts to rebuild the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to limit the temperature increase to well below 2 degrees Celsius while aiming for 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, in line with the Paris Agreement “COP21.”
We encourage inclusive partnerships in which governments, businesses and civil society are part of collective action for current and future generations.
We encourage further support towards low carbon transition by developing a strategy and a roadmap for green hydrogen in Dubai.
The World Green Economy Organisation (WGEO) will continue as the leading platform and partnership enabler for international cooperation, knowledge-sharing and technology transfer between developed and developing countries, considering the special needs and circumstances of the least developed countries and small island developing states, to promote the drafting and implementation of green economic policies at national, regional and global levels.
We look forward to fulfilling our commitments to the goals of the Paris Agreement while rendering our full support for a successful UNFCCC COP26, to be held in November 2021 in Scotland, UK.
We will coordinate and align the regional response to climate change for the effective implementation of the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and other national climate strategies and policies through the UNFCCC WGEO Regional Collaboration Centre in Dubai during MENA Climate Week 2022, coinciding with the next World Green Economy Summit to be held at the Expo 2020 Dubai in March 2022.
Among DEWA’s projects and initiatives are the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) in 2030…reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is showcasing its vital projects and innovative initiatives through its two stands at the Northern and Southern Complexes of the 23rd Water, Energy, Technology, and Environment Exhibition (WETEX) and the Dubai Solar Show (DSS).
DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX
SAEED MOHAMMED AL TAYER, MD AND CEO, DEWA, FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN, WETEX AND DSS: “the exhibition is held in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai, which provides an opportunity to showcase DEWA’s globally leading achievements for millions of visitors. It also provides an ideal platform to enhance collaborations with DEWA and help develop its business in the MENA region.”
Among DEWA’s projects and initiatives are the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, the largest single-site solar park in the world with a planned capacity of 5,000 megawatts (MW) in 2030. His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, recently inaugurated the first stage of the Solar Park’s fifth phase. It increased DEWA’s total capacity from clean energy to 1,310 MW and the clean energy share in Dubai’s energy mix to 10 percent. DEWA’s electricity capacity has reached 13,200 MW of electricity and 490 million gallons of water per day (MIGD).
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DEWA is also showcasing a model of the Innovation Centre at the Solar Park, which has consolidated its position as a global platform for promoting the future of sustainable energy. There is also the R&D Centre at the solar park, which supports DEWA’s efforts in anticipating the future and developing proactive, long-term plans that keep pace with the Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies and disruptive technologies and provide world-class services that improve the quality of life in Dubai.
DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX
Another project is DEWA’s Space-D project that includes the launch of a satellite constellation to support its primary satellite. Emiratis will manufacture these at the Research and Development (R&D) Centre of the solar park. The system features a ground station at the solar park and IoT and AI technologies to support ground communication transmission stations in electricity and water networks. By deploying this infrastructure, DEWA seeks to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of its planning and operations and enhance preventive maintenance at its production, transmission, distribution divisions, its smart grids, and electric vehicle charging stations.
The stand also presents a model for the green hydrogen project, implemented between DEWA, Expo 2020 Dubai and Siemens Energy at the outdoor testing facilities of the solar park. It is the first project of its kind in the MENA region to produce hydrogen from solar power.
Among DEWA’s pioneering projects in Hatta is the hydroelectric power plant, the first in the Gulf Cooperation Council to generate electricity using stored water in Hatta Dam. The station’s production capacity will reach 250 MW. It will have a storage capacity of 1,500 megawatt-hours. Other projects include Dubai Summit, and Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls. Dubai Summit includes the construction of a 5.4-kilometre cable car to transport tourists to the summit of Um Al Nesoor. At 1,300 metres above sea level, it is the highest natural summit in Dubai. Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will use the slope of the upper dam to create a natural waterfall. A waterway will be built along the parking area below the dam. The water used in the waterfall will be collected at the end of the stream, recycled, and pumped back to the top of the dam. Moreover, DEWA will showcase Hatta Line and Cable, a strategic flagship project connecting the one-of-a-kind new Hatta Hydroelectric Plant to Dubai’s high voltage transmission grid through a combination of 132kV new and existing underground cables and overhead lines.
DEWA exhibits globally leading achievements at WETEX
DEWA is also showcasing its net-zero energy buildings, which received the Platinum Rating in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for Cities certification awarded by the United States Green Building Council (USGBC). These include DEWA’s Sustainable Building, the first sustainable government building in the UAE and the largest government building in the world certified by LEED; Al-Shera’a (Arabic for sail) Building, DEWA’s new headquarters, which will be the tallest, largest, and smartest government Zero Energy building in the world; the Innovation Centre; R&D Centre; Smart Grids Station (SGS); Moro Hub (Data Hub Integrated Solutions LLC ) in Jebel Ali; and the Distribution Power Division Complex in Al Ruwayyah.
DEWA is organising the second Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) to design solar-powered buildings in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, as part of a partnership between DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy (DSCE), and the US Department of Energy.
WETEX and DSS witnessed the launch of DEWA Smart Grid Strategy 2014-2035 and DEWA Smart Grid Report 2021. DEWA’s Smart Grid Strategy 2021-2035 includes six main themes: Foundational Capabilities; Grid Automation; Smart Energy Solutions and Green Mobility; Smart Water; Artificial Intelligence; and Innovative Value-Added Services. The Smart Grid Strategy themes comprise 19 smart grid capabilities.
UAEU Pavilion release Programming Guide for Expo 2020
The Pavilion is prepared to feature 1 primary programme, 2 exhibitions and over 67 events over the course of six months at Expo 2020 Dubai…reports Asian Lite News
The UAE University (UAEU), the country’s flagship institution and the only participating university in Expo 2020 with its very own pavilion, releases the institution’s Programming Guide for Expo 2020 Dubai.
The Pavilion, to officially open on 10th October, 2021, is designed with the theme ‘University of the Future’, an innovative approach to higher education. The Pavilion is prepared to feature 1 primary programme, 2 exhibitions and over 67 events over the course of six months at Expo 2020 Dubai.
PROF AHMED ALI MURAD
PROF AHMED ALI MURAD, UAEU PAVILION, DEPUTY COMMISSIONER GENERAL AND OFFICIAL SPOKESPERSON EXPO 2020: “The UAE University Pavilion takes part in Expo 2020 Dubai’s view of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” by fostering creativity, innovation, and collaboration through various activities for 6 months. The October Programming is the University’s inaugural lineup of events and exhibitions to introduce its ambition, views, and goals in this global platform where visitors from all over the world will be present.”
An online Programming Guide for October presents the UAEU Pavilion’s official list of programmes. The programming consists of the Pathfinders Programme 2.0, a Permanent Exhibition, a Temporary Exhibition as well as other Events.
The Pathfinders Program 2.0, as the primary program of the UAEU Pavilion, will welcome national and international participants who will go through a six-month curriculum, using Expo 2020 site as a learning environment, to solve challenges submitted by countries pavilions.
The Permanent Exhibition will be set in place to offer visitors an interactive 20-minute immersive experience of the Pathfinders’ journey. The Temporary Exhibition will be displayed digitally and features the UAEU’s ‘Tree of Life’ as it creatively narrates the story behind the UAEU’s vision and ambition.
France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai to play significant role in reviving French economy
The France Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai will play a significant role in reviving the French economy, according to its Commissioner-General Erik Linquier…writes Lina Ibrahim
“In fact, [our participation in Expo 2020 Dubai] is part of the French government’s relaunch strategy to maintain a strong and visible presence globally,” Linquier, who is also the Chairman of COFREX, the French exhibition company in charge of organising French participation in international and universal exhibitions, told the Emirates News Agency (WAM).
Expo 2020 Dubai
“Our participation illustrates the relevance, determination, and desire of French companies to build a sustainable society for the collective future, with the France Pavilion being their platform to showcase their savoir-faire, talent, and innovation,” he added.
‘France, Lightspeed Inspiration’: a source of inspiration, knowledge and creativity
Under its theme of ‘Lightspeed Inspiration’, the pavilion embodies France’s vision and highlights its many successes in the shift towards innovative eco-friendly and user-oriented mobility solutions.
Light is also the architectural theme for the France Pavilion, which visitors can explore as a source of inspiration, knowledge and creativity, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
Located in the Mobility District, the pavilion seeks to explore light as an enabler of progress, a vehicle for connections and a source of creativity. Designed as a link between France’s proud universal heritage and a more inclusive world for today, it offers solutions to build a more sustainable and more resilient world, in accordance with the United Nations 2030 Agenda.
UN’s Sustainable Development Goals: a priority shared by France and UAE
“The 17 Sustainable Development Goals of UN’s 2030 Agenda are a priority shared by France and the UAE and are more than ever relevant in a post-pandemic context. France’s contribution to achieving these SDGs, including combatting climate change, is an objective of responsible development and economic growth, crucial in the post-COVID rebound,” said Linquier.
He highlighted that Expo 2020 Dubai represents an ideal opportunity for all French artists, entrepreneurs, academics, companies, start-ups, communities, and foundations to develop internationally, conquer new markets, and express their commitment to building a sustainable society for the collective future.
France designed its six-month presence at Expo 2020 Dubai around twelve themed fortnights, which are based on the 17 SDGs. The objective of these themed fortnights is to raise public awareness of major causes and challenges of tomorrow and to highlight French initiatives in terms of biodiversity, climate, peace, space, consumption, and others.
“The France Pavilion will show how climate and environmental interdependence on an international scale can be a tool for international cooperation and business development, while proposing concrete solutions. While France is committed to ensuring strong coherence between its national and international policies, Expo 2020 Dubai will provide a pioneering platform to highlight this,” said Linquier, adding that France is fully aligned to express its vision of environmental transformation and innovation to build a better tomorrow. “It is our ambition to showcase the values of daring, optimism, and collective sense.”
More than 600 French companies, startups, and SMEs operate in UAE
There are more than 600 French companies, startups, and SMEs operating in the UAE, and representing various French industries, innovations and services.
“France’s participation in Expo 2020 constitutes a new and valuable opportunity to continue strengthening these relations and elevating them to new heights. It will create further opportunities between the two countries to consolidate economic, commercial, academic, and cultural ties,” said Linquier.
Experience a cultural and artistic immersive journey
France’s boldness in art and technology is also strongly present in the visitors’ journey at Expo 2020 Dubai, which is organised into several spaces that aim to reinvent France’s present and create its future.
The promenade will be dressed in street furniture designed by Franco-Iranian artist Sepand Danesh, who has designed furniture and sculptures that symbolise universal attitudes and emotions such as reverie or contemplation. The promenade will also host an exhibition dedicated to innovative textiles developed by lille3000 and will display themed photography exhibitions.
In the introductory space, the Explorers will offer a list of the natural, cultural and human resources of French regions to make as many people as possible aware of their riches and fragility.
Dedicated to the notion of Redefining Progress, the permanent exhibition presents visitors with three staged spaces, each featuring a vision of progress. These visions echo the theme of the Pavilion (“Light, Enlightenment”), its geographical wing (“Mobility”) and the general Expo 2020 Dubai theme (“Connecting Minds, Creating the Future”).
Within the continuity of the permanent exhibition, visitors will be able to discover temporary exhibitions, renewed every month, with each one being dedicated to an artistic expertise: starting with digital art, tableware, kinetic art, architecture, and fashion.
France Pavilion launches Notre-Dame AR experience
Finally, art on display will give an identity to each of the France Pavilion’s Belvédère’s spaces throughout the whole duration of the event.
“We adapted our calendar of events to match Expo 2020’s new schedule and we optimised this extra time to pay even more attention to the visitor experience and programming,” said Linquier.
Expecting millions of visitors over a period of six months “The France Pavilion is historically one of the most visited pavilions during World Expos and we look forward to welcoming millions of visitors for the next six months,” said the pavilion’s Commissioner-General.
“We are working very closely with the organisers to provide a seamless experience, as we adhere to Expo 2020’s COVID-19 health and safety guidelines. The UAE’s response in face of the pandemic and their efforts in hosting [this mega event] are a testament of their resilience and dedication,” he concluded.
Dubai Fitness Challenge also supports Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in, work and visit, reports Asian Lite News
Dubai Fitness Challenge is set to return this month to energise the whole city with 30 days of free fitness events, activities, and classes.
Running from 29th October to 27th November 2021, the initiative launched by H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, seeks to encourage everyone to embrace a more active lifestyle, try new fitness activities and enjoy the outdoors.
Dubai Fitness Challenge also supports Dubai’s vision to become the world’s best city to live in, work and visit.
This year’s action-packed calendar will see a more diverse and inclusive range of fitness activities and events than ever before – with a focus on getting outside as participants complete their 30 minutes of daily activity across the 30 days. Everyone of all ages and abilities will be able to enjoy the three, free Fitness Villages at Kite Beach, Expo 2020 Dubai and Mushrif Park; fourteen Fitness Hubs in business and residential communities across the city; major sporting events and over 5,000 free live and virtual fitness classes.
The signature Dubai Run <
https://www.dubairun.com/> and Dubai Ride <
https://www.dubairide.com/> will return to Sheikh Zayed Road with families taking part alongside recreational and professional runners and cyclists for these two coveted events.
The Fitness Village at Kite Beach will be home to action-packed beach workouts with 15 dedicated Sports and Fitness zones offering a variety of activities and classes for all levels and interests including HIIT training, yoga, spinning and water sports. The main stage will feature live sessions from the region’s top fitness instructors, while families will be entertained at the Fun Spot kids zone. Padel Tennis will also be a new addition for this year, with a pop-up beachside court set up for anyone who would like to try out this increasingly popular sport.
On the other side of the city, the Fitness Village at Expo 2020 Dubai will be a wonderland for sports enthusiasts packed with running events, a Global Fitness Stage, football pitch, cricket nets, a gym and multi-sports area. Expo 2020 will also be collaborating with Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Fitness Challenge (DFC) on numerous events, including the Expo 2020 Dubai Run – a high-profile race, held on Friday 19th November.
The third Fitness Village at Mushrif Park will have six zones with family-friendly activities, special workout spaces for women, as well as aqua zumba and aerobics, and a dedicated kids zone with obstacle courses and skill challenges.
Ahmed Al Khaja, CEO of Dubai Festivals and Retail Establishment said: “The fifth edition of the Dubai Fitness Challenge comes at a time when people are becoming increasingly conscious of their health and wellbeing than ever before. Our appetite for enjoying the outdoors has never been greater and we truly appreciate the opportunity to come together as a community and spend quality time with family and friends. Dubai Fitness Challenge was created to meet these needs and help people embrace a more active lifestyle, take advantage of the incredible range of fitness facilities across the city and bring everyone together to have fun while focusing on their physical and mental wellbeing. Our aim remains the same – to help make Dubai an even happier and healthier city. This year, we have the opportunity to get even more people involved in the movement, not only those who call Dubai home, but visitors from across the world, coming to experience our great city and celebrate the wonders of human achievement at Expo 2020 Dubai.
“The line-up for Dubai Fitness Challenge 2021 is truly extraordinary with signature events including Dubai Run and Dubai Ride complementing the thousands of free fitness activities and classes available every day of this 30-day challenge. Whether you’ve been seeking to make a change, are looking for a new sport to try or simply want to enjoy some fun and fitness with family and friends, there is no better time for each and every one of us to embrace the positive momentum across the city and get involved. At Dubai Tourism, we are proud to partner with Dubai Sports Council to bring this important initiative to life and look forward to a very successful fifth year of the highly anticipated Dubai Fitness Challenge.”
Saeed Hareb, General Secretary of Dubai Sports Council said: “Dubai Fitness Challenge has become an annual celebration of fitness and wellness, and one of the most anticipated events of our calendar. It is also proof of Dubai’s ever-growing dedication to physical and mental well-being. This pioneering initiative, and its goals, have been embraced by every section of our community – young and old, men and women and People of Determination.
“Last year, the Challenge played a big role in motivating and energising children, engaging more than 620,000 students from more than 600 schools in the UAE. Overall, more than 1.5 million people participated in the 2020 Dubai Fitness Challenge, including more than 20,000 for the Dubai Ride, which turned the iconic the Sheikh Zayed Road into a giant cycling track. More than 100,000 people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels took part in the Dubai Run, and, for the first time, more than 200 virtual events were organised as part of DFC.
Dubai Fitness Challenge set to return this month
“The 2020 edition of DFC was a huge success despite the challenges posed by COVID-19, and as Dubai welcomes guests from around the globe for Expo 2020 – we are looking forward to another 30 days of blockbuster events. Dubai Sports Council is proud to partner with the Department of Tourism & Commerce Marketing (DTCM) for another edition of Dubai Fitness Challenge, and together we hope to achieve the lofty goals of Dubai as a city of sport, happiness and physical activity.”
The 2021 edition of DFC will also see the addition of the Dubai Padel Cup, which includes three-days of exhibition matches at an iconic location in Dubai featuring some of the world’s top-ranked professionals, as well as a dedicated championship for amateur players in various categories of ability.
With less than a month to go, everyone can register now for the Challenge on www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com <
http://www.dubaifitnesschallenge.com> . Signing up to take part will ensure you’re in the know about everything DFC has to offer including exclusive events, free classes and activities across the city.
Participants will also be able to access offers on their favourite fitness brands and have the chance to win exciting prizes. For those not sure where to start, the “Find Your 30” section of the DFC website features workout programmes, health and fitness vlogs, nutritious recipes, podcasts, virtual classes, articles about keeping fit and more.
As part of DFC’s commitment to creating a safe environment, all activities will comply with COVID-19 regulations and social distancing mandates. Participants are required to follow precautionary guidelines including wearing masks in public spaces.
Expo unveils nine-metre-tall giants to honour Arab explorers
The Mobility Pavilion pays tribute to these giant Arab personalities through intricately-crafted tableaux, offering stories of the innovations that helped drive global mobility through the centuries…reprots Asian Lite News
Visitors to the futuristic Alif – the Mobility Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai are to be dwarfed by nine-metre-tall, photo-realistic figures from the Golden Age of Arab civilisation, including ancient navigator Ahmad Ibn Majid and celebrated explorer Ibn Battuta.
Ahmad Ibn Majid, a great Muslim navigator, born in the 15th century in Julfar (present-day Ras Al Khaimah), and nicknamed ‘The Lion of the Sea’, wrote many works of literature on marine science and the movement of ships in his lifetime – when Arab sailors were considered among the best in the world.
EXPO 2020
Ibn Battuta was a great medieval Muslim Moroccan traveller from the 14th century, who wrote a book about his adventures, ‘The Riḥla’ (‘The Travels’). This celebrated work details his explorations, covering some 75,000 miles (120,000km), visiting many Muslim countries, and as far as China and Sumatra (now part of Indonesia).
The Mobility Pavilion pays tribute to these giant Arab personalities through intricately-crafted tableaux, offering stories of the innovations that helped drive global mobility through the centuries.
By uncovering the stories of these historical Arab giants, visitors can explore the concept of mobility, its power and far-reaching influence, and discover the role of the region in advancing human exploration.
These giants are set to be one of the mega-attractions of Alif – the Mobility Pavilion, where visitors are taken on a voyage through time and space to discover how people, innovation, technology and data are interacting in increasingly complex ways.
UK’s Red Arrows to put up 20-minute air show at Expo
Famed daredevils, the Red Arrows, the aerobatic team of the UK’s Royal Air Force (RAF), will take to the skies over the Expo 2020 Dubai site on Friday, 8th October 2021…reports Asian Lite News
The Red Arrows’ distinctive Hawk fast-jets, known for their formation flying and colourful displays of synchronised smoke trails, will be visible over Jubilee Park on Friday at 16:00 GST for about 15-20 minutes as part of the UK Pavilion’s participation at Expo 2020 Dubai.
UK’s Red Arrows to put up 20-minute air show at Expo
As one of the world’s premier aerobatic display teams, the Red Arrows are the public face of the RAF and assist in British Armed Forces recruitment, acting as an ambassador by performing at home and overseas.
The Red Arrows have been wowing the world since 1965 with their trademark ‘Diamond Nine’ shape and precision flying, and have flown almost 5,000 displays in 57 countries.
The UK Pavilion is located in the Opportunity District and is inspired by ‘Breakthrough Message’, one of the final projects by the late scientist Stephen Hawking. The pavilion highlights leading British expertise in sectors that include artificial intelligence and space, under the theme ‘Innovating for a Shared Future’.
Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces says health situation in UAE is safe and reassuring, reports Asian Lite News
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, has said, “We overcame the COVID-19 crisis and learned many lessons from the experience. As life in the UAE begins to return to normal, we give thanks to God.”
Shiekh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan
At Qasr Al Bahr Majlis, Sheikh Mohamed said, “Today is a blessed day as we see you all here. I want to reiterate that life has started to go back to normalcy in the UAE, be it at work, educational facilities, or while practicing our daily habits and activities, with taking precautionary measures into consideration and applying some behaviour changes in our daily lives.”
The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi welcomed the attendees, expressing his pleasure to see them all safe and sound, and in good health. “Thank God for seeing you all after a long period. Our joy is endless to see our families and brothers here.”
He also offered his condolences to everyone who lost a loved one due to the coronavirus, saying, “2020 was a tough year with many challenges. However, the UAE, with the grace of God, was able to be at the forefront of countries that managed to overcome the crisis, at a time other countries were facing a lot of difficulties.”
The comments come as the UAE sees a dramatic reduction in daily Covid-19 case counts, hitting an 18-month low of 156 new cases on Wednesday. They also come during the first week of the Dubai Expo, a six-month mega-event meant to showcase innovations from all over the world, raise Dubai’s international profile and boost tourism to the Gulf emirate, which saw nearly 9% of its population leave in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Sheikh Mohamed stressed that three factors have mainly contributing to bringing life to normalcy: the availability of the vaccines; the continuity of testing; in addition to the availability of some of the latest treatments in the UAE and some other countries worldwide.
He referred that the daily cases have dropped to below 500 cases, which is a promising sign that indicates that coronavirus is under control and is now less dangerous than before.
The UAE’s coronavirus experience has varied by emirate; Dubai saw a strict lockdown in the spring of 2020, then gradually reopened through the summer, becoming one of the first cities to reopen to tourism the following July. UAE capital Abu Dhabi has been more strict, but recently loosened several restrictions.
The country hit a peak of nearly 4,000 cases a day in February of this year, but also boasted one of the fastest vaccination campaigns in the world, with Dubai residents in particular enjoying relative ease of travel and social mobility compared to much of the rest of the world.
Life in Dubai in particular feels closer to “normal” than at any point during the pandemic; groups of up to 10 people can sit at tables in restaurants, businesses have reopened to full capacity, and bars and gyms are bustling and the airport is busy. Masks remain required in most places, however, and activities like dancing in clubs and bars are still not allowed.
His Highness Sheikh Mohamed concluded his speech with thanking God, and said, “We thank God for everything. We have overcome the crisis with ease and grace, and safe, and we have learned a lot of lessons, despite the difficulty and intensity of the crisis.”
He also thanked the field and medical teams on all their efforts that have been and still being made to bring the pandemic under control, expressing his appreciation for the response and cooperation of the members of the society who have helped a lot in overcoming the dangers of the pandemic and lessening its impact.
Present at the Majlis were H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler’s Representative in Al Dhafra Region; H.H. Sheikh Tahnoun bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Ruler’s Representative in Al Ain Region; H.H. Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Nahyan bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan Charitable and Humanitarian Foundation; H.H. Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of the Interior; H.H. Sheikh Hamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council; H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Zayed Al Nahyan; H.H. Sheikh Khalid bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the Board of Zayed Higher Organisation for People of Determination; H.H. Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Member of the Executive Council, Chairman of Abu Dhabi Executive Office; H.H. Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan; in addition to a number of sheikhs and senior officials.
UAE authorises Sputnik Light Covid-19 vaccine
Meanwhile, the United Arab Emirates has authorised the Russia-developed one-shot Sputnik Light as both a standalone COVID-19 vaccine and a booster shot, Russia’s sovereign fund RDIF said on Wednesday.
