Expo 2020 Dubai records close to 4.8 million visits in first two months

World's fair launched a new December Festive Pass for Dh95

Visitors queue outside the Singapore pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The marching band from Tulane University, US, performs New Orleans music at Al Forsan Park. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Visitors walk through the Spain pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Riverdance bring their final performance at Expo 2020 to a close on the Jubilee Stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

White umbrellas turn into projection screens at the Netherlands pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Visitors walk through the Singapore Pavilion, whose theme is "nature, nurture, future". Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

People take photographs of exhibits in the Singapore pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

A young visitor stands in front of 'Fluidum', a kinetic statue made up of 85 robotically-controlled mirrors, which can transform the reflection of the spectator, at the Czech Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Visitors stroll through the Greece pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Members of the UAE's Al Noban Troupe and Morocco's Hassada Troupe in action. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Visitors inside the Netherlands Pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

An exhibition called 'Plastic Oceans - Beauty Destroyed', at the Czech Republic pavilion. 'Water and its conservation is the main focus of the pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Norwegian chessmaster Magnus Carlsen competes against Russia's chessmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi (unseen) during Game 2 of the FIDE World Chess Championship Dubai 2021. AFP

Members of the Tulane University marching band perform. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

An exhibit in the Czech Republic pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

White umbrellas turn into projection screens at the Netherlands pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

People wait to enter the UAE pavilion. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Canadian singer Shawnee Kish on stage in the Dubai Millennium Amphitheatre. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

The UAE's Al Noban Troupe and Morocco's Hassada Troupe perform on the Earth Stage. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

The Moroccan Troupe's rhythmic dance is inspired by the harvesting traditions of Had Gharbia. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Russian chessmaster Ian Nepomniachtchi competes against Norwegian chessmaster Magnus Carlsen (unseen) during Game 2 of the FIDE World Chess Championship at Expo 2020 Dubai. AFP

Expo 2020 Dubai has recorded nearly 4.8 million visits since its gates opened to the public on October 1.

Officials said visit numbers reached 4,766,419 in the period up to November 28, driven by music, sports stars and the continued strong take-up of the November Weekday Pass. Virtual visits to Expo 2020 have now reached 23.5 million.

In the past week, the Jubilee stage has hosted Kuwaiti singer Abdullah Al Ruwaished, Egyptian singer Mohamed Hamaki and Ireland’s Grammy-winning Riverdance, which ended its 24-show run with a grand finale performance on Saturday night.

Expo launched a December Festive Pass for Dh95 on Saturday that includes access to a concert by acclaimed American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.

The concert will take place in Al Wasl Plaza on December 10, and the US singer will also introduce songs from her new double album Keys.

Expo is also currently hosting the FIDE World Chess Championship, which organisers said is attracting a surge of interest from both players and fans.

In the highlight of the world chess calendar, world No 1 champion Magnus Carlsen from Norway will defend his title against the winner of the Candidates Tournament, Russia's Ian Nepomniachtchi, at Dubai Exhibition Centre. The tournament runs until December 16, with $2.25 million in prize money.

The event continues to attract families, with plenty of entertainment for younger visitors, including arts and crafts, light shows and live performances.

Expo launched a new family dining offer on Saturday, which gives one free kids’ meal with every adult meal at certain Expo eateries from Sunday to Wednesday.

Highlights for the remainder of the month include the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations and Christmas festivities.