Meet some of Expo 2020 Dubai's most loyal visitors

Those who have travelled to the venue up to 74 times have been honoured

Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Co-operation and Director General of Expo 2020 Dubai, presents an award to Abhishek Rajput, who has visited the world's fair 63 times so far. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Sudanese pianist Sahar Abdulla Rasheed receives her award from Reem Al Hashimy at the Expo Champions Awards ceremony at Opportunity Forum. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

Ms Al Hashimy and Nashiba Pitilian pose for an on-stage selfie at the Expo Champions awards ceremony. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai

All the winners urge people to visit Expo 2020 before it closes on March 31. EPA

The shows at Al Wasl Dome are a highlight of Expo 2020. Pawan Singh / The National

How many times have you visited Expo 2020 Dubai?

Chances are it will not be as often as Sara Al Mansoori, 24, who was given an award by event organisers after visiting 74 times.

The Emirati woman was among 50 people who received trophies at the start of the week for being the most loyal visitors to the world's fair.

Ms Al Mansoori, who works for Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce, said the event was special as it allowed people from different countries to come together for the first time since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“Before the expo we had limited interaction because of the pandemic,” she said.

“In a way it was almost like we were able to experience travel again despite the restrictions.

“It’s an incredible experience to have access to so many different cultures and nationalities on our doorstep.”

Ms Al Mansoori said she would often travel to the world’s fair by herself to soak up the atmosphere and learn about the traditions of other nations.

So what has been her favourite part of expo after visiting so many times?

“Frankly speaking, being able to sample the different types of foods from so many countries has been incredible,” said Ms Al Mansoori.

“My tip is to try the pavilions at Estonia and the Netherlands. It’s a close call between who has the best burger at the expo.

Also honoured with a trophy for being one of the event’s most loyal visitors was Dubai resident Abhishek Rajput, 33, who has made 63 trips so far and is planning many more before the curtain closes on the event at the end of March.

“It’s a once in a lifetime chance to part of something so huge,” said Mr Rajput, who works in the IT sector.

“Everything is so memorable about the expo especially when learning about how other countries are using technology and sustainability to create new opportunities.

“I’ve also attended several conferences on agriculture, health care and education and it’s provided me with wonderful networking opportunities.”

He urged anyone who has not already attended the world’s fair to do so before it is too late.

“It’s a unique chance to explore the world around us which we are lucky to have,” said Mr Rajput.

“It’s bringing people together after what happened with the pandemic so everyone should get to enjoy it.”

Sudanese pianist Sahar Abdulla Rasheed, 19, was another honoured for making multiple visits — 50 and still counting in her case — in addition to all the times she performed at pavilions.

“I learnt a lot about so many other cultures, an opportunity that really was not available anywhere else,” said Ms Rasheed.

“I have tried to visit as many pavilions as possible because it enabled me to talk to people from other countries and cultures.

“I have learnt about other languages and how they are spoken. There is no question that I have learnt a lot through the expo.”

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