Expo 2020 Dubai visits near 11 million as programme launched for over-60s

Older guests can pre-book services that improve access and mobility at world's fair

Expo 2020 Dubai has stringent safety measures in place to protect the public. All photos: Chris Whiteoak/ The National

The sprawling Dubai site has a series of robust protocols to safeguard the public.

Covid-19 safety rules are set out by Expo 2020 officials.

Expo 2020 Dubai has made vaccinations and boosters mandatory for staff, volunteers, contractors and service providers.

Visitors sanitise their hands for protection against Covid-19 at the world's fair.

Expo 2020 Dubai is committed to provide an enjoyable and safe experience for the tens of thousands of people who visit the site each day.

Expo 2020 Dubai's latest visit numbers are nearing the 11 million mark, organisers said on Tuesday.

The world's fair recorded 10,836,389 visits since its opening on October 1, 2021, up until Monday, January 24.

Numbers in the past week were boosted by the opening of Why? The Musical, a 45-minute show directed by Bafta-winner Shekhar Kapur, with music by Oscar-winning composer AR Rahman.

Starring Australian theatre actress Shubshri Kandiah and Indian actor and comedian Jaaved Jaaferi, the show features more than 100 performers as well as stunning visuals projected on Al Wasl Dome, the world’s largest 360-degree projection screen. The show runs four nights a week until February 27.

Visits to Expo 2020's virtual site reached 72.5 million, up from 65 million last week, with Global Goals week helping to increase the number significantly.

Senior guests programme

Expo today announced a new programme that allows guests aged over 60 to pre-book certain services to improve their access and mobility around the site.

The Senior Guests Programme gives visitors access to dedicated parking spaces within each district, a buggy drop-off to the arrival plaza and private buggies for up to five people for 90 minutes, from 9am to 1pm each day.

The programme, which is open to any visitor with a free Expo Senior Citizen Pass, also offers guests a meet-and-greet concierge, a welcome pack that includes recommended journeys, based on particular themes, details of fast-track entry to selected pavilions, and a 30 per cent discount on lunch at select restaurants across the site.

Guests can book the Expo Concierge service on WhatsApp [phone]) or via email at [e-mail].

Full details of the Senior Guests Programme can be found here.