Expo 2020 Dubai hits 5.6 million visits after packed National Day weekend

Nearly 900,000 visits were recorded in a week

Children enjoy the water feature at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

An air display by the Al Fursan team wows the crowds at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE's 50th National Day show in Hatta. Photo: Dubai Media Office

Hatta's Golden Jubilee show reflected the country's 'early dreamers' who began the story of the Emirates. Victor Besa / The National

Burj Khalifa in Dubai illuminated in the colours of the national flag. Pawan Singh / The National

A group of children celebrate National Day at the dhow monument on the Corniche in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Colours of the World Parade during Golden Jubilee celebrations at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

A visitor to Al Wasl Plaza, Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

(L-R) Anju Jacob, Evelyn and Sebin Dcruz in the flag garden near Kite Beach, Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Fireworks light up the night sky at the UAE's 50th National Day celebrations in Hatta. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

The UAE flag is illuminated in Hatta. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Part of the UAE's 50th National Day extravaganza in Hatta. Photo: Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Golden Jubilee show which reflects on the country's "early dreamers" who began the story of the Emirates. Victor Besa / The National

Artists perform during the celebration of the 50th UAE National Day at Expo 2020 Dubai. EPA

Adnoc's headquarters in Abu Dhabi displays an image of the UAE's Founding Father, Sheikh Zayed. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Proud Emirati children wave the UAE flag from a sunroof in Abu Dhabi. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The Al Fursan team put on a dazzling display. Victor Besa / The National.

From left: Sheikh Ammar bin Humaid Al Nuaimi, Crown Prince of Ajman, Sheikh Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, Sheikh Saud bin Rashid Al Mualla, Ruler of Umm Al Quwain, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, Sheikh Hamad bin Mohammed Al Sharqi, Ruler of Fujairah and Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, attend the Federal Supreme Council meeting, at the Sheikh Rashid Palace in Hatta, Dubai, on Thursday. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / Ministry of Presidential Affairs

A lerge crowd watched a spectacular fireworks display over the Abu Dhabi Corniche. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

People soaking up the atmosphere on the Abu Dhabi Corniche on National Day. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

Visitor numbers to Expo 2020 Dubai climbed to more than 5.6 million after a busy UAE National Day weekend packed with shows, fireworks and parades.

Officials said the world’s fair recorded 5,663,960 visits since its doors opened to the public on October 1.

Residents and tourists have taken advantage of a number of ticket offers over the past two months, including free entry for all on December 2 and a half-price weekday ticket throughout November.

During October and November, the sprawling event site in Dubai welcomed 5,383 world leaders, including ministers, presidents, prime ministers and heads of state. It has also hosted 10,461 events.

Proving that a one-day visit is not enough, Sconaid McGeachin, senior vice president of communications for Expo 2020 Dubai, said six out of 10 visitors now hold an Expo season pass and the number of repeat visits has reached 1.2 million.

“Throughout the month of November, 28 per cent of visits came from outside country,” she said.

“Many visited from countries including India, France Germany, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the UK.”

“In line with the normal tourism rush during the festive season, we expect this number to increase significantly as we move forward.”

Revealing more in terms of numbers, Ms McGeachin said virtual-visit numbers had reached 25 million and more than 600,000 trips to the world’s fair were made using the free Expo bus ride service.

In addition, 2.2 million trips to Expo have been made on the Dubai Metro.

In terms of pupil visits to the world’s fair, the Expo school programme has attracted close to 250,000 schoolchildren over the past two months.

Last month, Expo launched a December Festive Pass for Dh95 that includes access to a concert by American singer-songwriter Alicia Keys.

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

On Friday, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, received French President Emmanuel Macron at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Mr Macron congratulated Expo 2020 for “organising this exhibition and making it a success”.