10X10 INITIATIVE

‘Projects of 50’ are a set of initiatives to boost the UAE’s economy. 

One of these is 10x10, which aims to increase the UAE’s exports by 10 per cent in 10 key global markets: China, the UK, the Netherlands, Italy, Russia, Poland, Luxembourg, Australia, New Zealand and Indonesia.

NEW EXPO 2020 VISITOR UPDATE

Visitors to the Expo must show they have received a coronavirus vaccine or have had a recent PCR test (taken within the previous 72 hours) to enter the site when it opens.

Non-vaccinated ticket holders who have not been tested within the 72-hour period can test at the PCR testing facility adjacent to the Expo.

Expo plans to make PCR testing free of charge to the Expo 1-Day or Multi-Day Pass ticket holders at one of a network of testing centres across the city, which will be available on the Expo 2020 website.

JAPAN PAVILION VIRTUAL TOURS

A virtual tour of the Japan pavilion at Expo 2020 is set happen for people across the world who cannot make it to Dubai.

Special sessions will also be held during which people out of the country can use remotely-controlled avatar robots to participate in functions taking place at the pavilion in Dubai...how cool is that?! 

You can still join in all the fun from afar! 

The pavilion's design is inspired by traditional origami shapes and the 3-D facade acts as a sunshade to protect visitors inside.

Japan is next in line to host the World Expo, in Osaka in 2025, and the digital tours have been planned to get people interested in the event.

TECH DRIVE

UAE ministers have announced ‘Projects of 50’ these are economic initiatives to boost the country’s competitiveness, attract to skilled workers and investment.

Tech Drive is an initiative that will support advanced technology adoption in the industrial sector.  In partnership with Emirates Development Bank, this initiative is worth AED 5bn!

The fund’s packages include financial and non-financial programmes, direct and indirect lending, capital investment in emerging and small and medium-sized companies, and advisory and guidance services.

Tech Drive operates as part of the efforts to advance the UAE’s economic diversification and industrial transformation.

GREEN & FREELANCERS VISAS

UAE ministers have announced ‘Projects of the 50’ - a set of strategic projects aimed at fostering the UAE’s new phase of growth.  

Part of this includes “Green Visa”, which will expand the self-residency status to investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled individuals, top students and graduates.   

The Green Visa enables those mentioned to sponsor themselves and will allow the sponsorship of young people until the age of 25 instead of 18, extends the grace period for leaving the country upon job loss or retirement to 90-180 days instead of 30, and includes the sponsorship of parents.  

The ‘’Freelancers Visa’’ - the first federal visa for self-employed workers, will also be introduced and will enable self-employed workers based in the UAE and overseas in specialized fields such as AI, Blockchain and digital currencies to be able to sponsor themselves. 

PROJECT 5 BN

UAE ministers have announced ‘Projects of the 50’ - a set of strategic projects aimed at fostering the UAE’s new phase of growth.

This includes “Project 5Bn” which will involve the allocation of AED5 billion to support Emirati projects in priority sectors. The AED5 billion is part of the Emirates Development Bank’s April 2021 allocation, to help accelerate industrial development, adopt advanced technology, and support entrepreneurship and innovation by 2025 – all to support its wider mission of increasing productivity, enhancing the industrial sector’s contribution to GDP and creating job opportunities for UAE’s citizens.

VMAs 2021 HIGHLIGHTS

The MTV Video Music Awards 2021 marks it's 40th anniversay this year! Doja Cat was the host this year and here are the highlights of the night: 

• Justin Bieber made his first appearance on the VMAs stage in six years performing "Ghost" then Olivia Rodrigo hit the stage with an incredible performance of "good 4 u".
• Olivia Rodrigo won song of the year for “Drivers License” & best new artist. 
• Justin Bieber won artist of the year & Best pop song for “Peaches”.
• JLO made an unexpected appearance right at the start of the show, and then presented Olivia Rodrigo with the second award of the night!
• Lil Nas X brought the 'Montero' Prison to the VMAs Stage, he also won video of the year for “Montero (Call Me by Your Name)”.
• Chlöe Bailey made her solo debut, she performed her first single, "Have Mercy".
• Travis Scott won the award for Best Hip Hop Video for "Franchise", he has a touching acceptence speech thanking his 3-year-old daughter Stormi. 
• Normani performed "Wild Side" in a TLC inspired metallic outfit that drew from the group's "No Scrubs" video. Instead of Cardi B, who joined Normani on the track, Teyana Taylor came out for a steamy finale to the performance.
• Billie Eilish gave a touching speech while accepting the Video for Good Award for her song "Your Power", she expressed, "We need to protect our young women at all costs. We also need to remember that we all have power. And we have to remember not to abuse it."
• BTS won group of the year.
• Bruno Mars / Anderson .Paak / Silk Sonic: “Leave the Door Open” won best R&B song.

HH MBR CYCLES AROUND THE EXPO 2020 SITE

As the world eagerly awaits the opening of Expo 2020, HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum gives us an incredible sneak peak while riding his bike throughtout the site. 

Truly epic views! 

Don't miss out on getting your tickets now! 

#BENNIFER V2.0 IS OFFICIAL

They have reignited their love and now made it red carpet official in Italy!

Jennifer Lopez and Ben Affleck have been photographed together, gracing the red carpet of the 78th Annual Venice Film Festival. They attended the premiere of Ben's new film, "The Last Duel". The power couple dressed to impress, waving to admiring fans as they travelled to the festival via water taxi. 

#Bennifer are devoting as much time together as possible, before their professional calendars fill up come the fall. The pair are also focused on steadily acquainting their families, as their relationship progressively becomes more cemented.

Lopez and Affleck first met back in 2001 on the set of the rom-com "Gigli", before subsequently dating and announcing their engagement in November 2002. However, just days before the wedding, they postponed their nuptials with #Bennifer v1.0 officially splitting in January 2004.

Will wedding bells ring this time around? 

EXPO 2020 DUBAI PASSPORT LAUNCHED!

How exciting is this...a special Expo 2020 passport has lauched to help visitors explore over 200 pavilions. 

The passport is now available for purchase for only 20 Dirhams. 

It's basically the best Expo souvenirs you will ever have, as you visit each country (pavilion) you get your passport stamped! 

The Expo team revealed that the passport is designed and inspired by the UAE's heritage. Shaped like an official passport, the 50-page booklet has designs and pictures of the three Thematic Pavilions (Mission Possible – The Opportunity Pavilion, Alif – The Mobility Pavilion and Terra – The Sustainability Pavilion), as well as Al Wasl Plaza – the crown jewel of the Expo site. Plus, other Dubai landmarks, such as the city’s iconic skyline, and other elements relating to the UAE! 

We can't wait to get our hands on one of these!