• Ruwwad Najib, 10, from India with his Expo 2020 Dubai passport. All Photos by Victor Besa / The National
    Ruwwad Najib, 10, from India with his Expo 2020 Dubai passport. All Photos by Victor Besa / The National
  • Visitors enter the Australia Pavilion.
    Visitors enter the Australia Pavilion.
  • People interact with a robot at the Finland Pavilion.
    People interact with a robot at the Finland Pavilion.
  • Wattle the Koala welcomes visitors to the Australia Pavilion.
    Wattle the Koala welcomes visitors to the Australia Pavilion.
  • A performer at Expo 2020 Dubai.
    A performer at Expo 2020 Dubai.
  • The Nieto children from Spain with their Expo 2020 Dubai passports.
    The Nieto children from Spain with their Expo 2020 Dubai passports.
  • Visitors enter the Australia Pavilion.
    Visitors enter the Australia Pavilion.
  • Visitors watch the ocean environmental awareness video at the Australia Pavilion.
    Visitors watch the ocean environmental awareness video at the Australia Pavilion.
  • Visitors interact with the light show at the Australia Pavilion.
    Visitors interact with the light show at the Australia Pavilion.
  • Romanian traditional Cymbalom player, Nikulina Tudorache, at the Mobility Pavilion.
    Romanian traditional Cymbalom player, Nikulina Tudorache, at the Mobility Pavilion.
  • The Finland Pavilion.
    The Finland Pavilion.
  • Visitors watch the ocean environmental awareness video at the Australia Pavilion.
    Visitors watch the ocean environmental awareness video at the Australia Pavilion.
  • Expo 2020 Dubai is open until the end of March.
    Expo 2020 Dubai is open until the end of March.

Five things to do at Expo 2020 this weekend


Anam Rizvi
  • English
  • Arabic

Read More: 'Packed schedule' at Expo 2020 Dubai for public holiday weekend

Expo 2020 has more than 190 country pavilions, exhibitions at the Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability pavilions, hundreds of places at which to eat and many shows a day, so visitors have options galore to explore at the world's fair.

UAE residents and tourists are expected to visit the world’s greatest show more than once.

Walking around various pavilions, from hiking in the fog at the Swiss pavilion and soaking in the sights and sounds of old Jerusalem in the Palestine pavilion, there are experiences for every kind of taste at Expo 2020 Dubai.

Live Blog: Updates and live coverage from Expo 2020 Dubai

If you are thinking of heading down to the world’s fair, here are five of the cool experiences you can try out while you are there.

Cool down at the Expo 2020 Dubai's fire-spitting waterfall

The water feature at Expo 2020 Dubai with waves that cascade down stone walls is drawing crowds.

Visitors stopped off to dip their feet in the waterfall that crashes to the ground before disappearing into the stone. The water also dances to music as people frolic in the tumbling stream below.

  • Time for a paddle in a giant water installation near the Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National.
    Time for a paddle in a giant water installation near the Al Wasl Plaza at Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National.
  • But the stone walls can be tricky to climb. Victor Besa / The National.
    But the stone walls can be tricky to climb. Victor Besa / The National.
  • Visitors walk in the Expo 2020 Dubai Surreal waterfall area. Victor Besa / The National.
    Visitors walk in the Expo 2020 Dubai Surreal waterfall area. Victor Besa / The National.
  • Visitors wait for walls of water to tumble from four storeys high at Surreal, an installation created for Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National.
    Visitors wait for walls of water to tumble from four storeys high at Surreal, an installation created for Expo 2020 Dubai. Victor Besa / The National.
  • Surreal, a ring of waterfalls, has become a must-see feature of the world's fair. Victor Besa / The National.
    Surreal, a ring of waterfalls, has become a must-see feature of the world's fair. Victor Besa / The National.
  • A water feature at Expo 2020 Dubai. Waves crashing down the walls in the circular arena can help to keep visitors cool. James Langton / The National
    A water feature at Expo 2020 Dubai. Waves crashing down the walls in the circular arena can help to keep visitors cool. James Langton / The National
  • Mark Fuller, chief executive of Los Angeles firm WET, watches Surreal, a water feature designed by his company. AP Photo
    Mark Fuller, chief executive of Los Angeles firm WET, watches Surreal, a water feature designed by his company. AP Photo
  • Composer Ramin Djawadi wrote an original score, Surreal, for the Expo 2020 Dubai water feature. It was recorded with a live orchestra in London. Photo: WET
    Composer Ramin Djawadi wrote an original score, Surreal, for the Expo 2020 Dubai water feature. It was recorded with a live orchestra in London. Photo: WET
  • The music for the falls was created by Djawadi, a Game of Thrones composer and two-time Emmy award winner. Photo: WET
    The music for the falls was created by Djawadi, a Game of Thrones composer and two-time Emmy award winner. Photo: WET
  • Children enjoy the Expo 2020 Dubai water feature. Victor Besa / The National.
    Children enjoy the Expo 2020 Dubai water feature. Victor Besa / The National.
  • The walls are streaked with colour at night. Photo: WET
    The walls are streaked with colour at night. Photo: WET
  • The movement of the waves is choreographed to orchestral music specially recorded for the Expo 2020 Dubai installation. Photo: WET
    The movement of the waves is choreographed to orchestral music specially recorded for the Expo 2020 Dubai installation. Photo: WET
  • The falls were designed by WET, a Los Angeles company that created the Burj Khalifa fountains. Photo: WET
    The falls were designed by WET, a Los Angeles company that created the Burj Khalifa fountains. Photo: WET
  • Stone spires at the centre of the water ring shoot flames out at night. Photo: WET
    Stone spires at the centre of the water ring shoot flames out at night. Photo: WET
  • A view of the new water feature by night. Photo: WET
    A view of the new water feature by night. Photo: WET
  • The walls are streaked with colour at night. Photo: WET
    The walls are streaked with colour at night. Photo: WET
  • Viewing platforms give spectators a sense of the waterfalls, which plunge four storeys. Photo: WET
    Viewing platforms give spectators a sense of the waterfalls, which plunge four storeys. Photo: WET
  • Water and fire are two elements at the heart of the Surreal installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: WET
    Water and fire are two elements at the heart of the Surreal installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: WET
  • Early sketches show how the artists conceptualised the water installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: WET
    Early sketches show how the artists conceptualised the water installation at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: WET
  • Full-size models were built from wood, much like in a movie set, at WET's testing laboratory in California. Photo: WET
    Full-size models were built from wood, much like in a movie set, at WET's testing laboratory in California. Photo: WET
  • The models helped designers to tell which changes needed to be made to the structure. Photo: WET
    The models helped designers to tell which changes needed to be made to the structure. Photo: WET
  • The wood frame of one model. Photo: WET
    The wood frame of one model. Photo: WET

The gravity-defying illusion is switched on at night, as the water appears to flow upwards and the stone is coloured with rainbow streaks.

The experience is set against a backdrop of specially composed music. An orchestra in London recorded the original score by well-known Game of Thrones music composer and two-time Emmy award winner Ramin Djawadi.

Read more: All you need to know about Expo 2020 Dubai's fire-spitting waterfall

Play games and make a pledge to help save the planet

Learn about how to save water, energy and food and pledge to contribute in a small or big way to saving the planet at the Opportunity pavilion.

The pavilion focuses on how every person can be an agent of change in helping to reach sustainable development goals.

  • The Mission Shared Room at the Opportunity pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. All pictures by Expo 2020 Dubai
    The Mission Shared Room at the Opportunity pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. All pictures by Expo 2020 Dubai
  • The Mission Accomplished Pledge Room at the Opportunity pavilion
    The Mission Accomplished Pledge Room at the Opportunity pavilion
  • A night view of The Opportunity Portal
    A night view of The Opportunity Portal
  • An aerial view of Mission Possible - The Opportunity pavilion
    An aerial view of Mission Possible - The Opportunity pavilion
  • Mission Possible - The Opportunity pavilion will be a major visitor attraction at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Mission Possible - The Opportunity pavilion will be a major visitor attraction at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Inside the impressive Opportunity pavilion
    Inside the impressive Opportunity pavilion
  • The future of agriculture will be on the agenda
    The future of agriculture will be on the agenda
  • The Opportunity pavilion aims to educate and entertain visitors
    The Opportunity pavilion aims to educate and entertain visitors

Parallel "tracks" run through the pavilion, focusing on those themes of water, food and energy.

At the pavilion, visitors can play a game in which they help provide the right amount of sunshine and water to a plant to ensure it grows and blossoms.

The final area in the pavilion is the Pledge Room, which delivers a sensory experience giving visitors the illusion that they are in the clouds while looking at Earth and they can make pledges to work towards sustainable development goals.

These pledges are then displayed in panels across the ceiling.

Enjoy a light show at Al Wasl Dome

Al Wasl Dome, often called the beating heart of the Expo, truly comes to life at night.

People gather around the mammoth structure and watch the dazzling dance of lights and patterns as soothing music is played.

  • Every country will celebrate its national day or have an honour day at Al Wasl Plaza during Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: Expo 2020 Dubai
    Every country will celebrate its national day or have an honour day at Al Wasl Plaza during Expo 2020 Dubai. All photos: Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Artists from the 191 nations at 2020 Expo Dubai will feature in the busy entertainment programme at Expo.
    Artists from the 191 nations at 2020 Expo Dubai will feature in the busy entertainment programme at Expo.
  • The entertainment programme will cover all genres, including music, dance, theatre, spoken word, immersive projections, light installations, sports, fitness and wellbeing activities.
    The entertainment programme will cover all genres, including music, dance, theatre, spoken word, immersive projections, light installations, sports, fitness and wellbeing activities.
  • An honour day will be held for international organisations participating at Expo on the day they have nominated.
    An honour day will be held for international organisations participating at Expo on the day they have nominated.
  • Each country will provide entertainment in the form of a cultural performance on its national day.
    Each country will provide entertainment in the form of a cultural performance on its national day.
  • Expo will also have an extensive business programme running throughout the six months.
    Expo will also have an extensive business programme running throughout the six months.

The Al Wasl Dome is at its most beautiful after night falls.

Visitors will remember the dome, it was used at the Expo's opening ceremony where its walls were lit with beautiful patterns.

Al Wasl Plaza’s dome is 130 metres in diameter and more than 67 metres tall.

Feel like you are in the Alps with a hike in the fog

If you want to forget the heat and humidity, there is nothing like a quick escape in the Alps.

At the Swiss pavilion, people can walk through a cloud of fog and feel like they are hiking in the Alps.

  • The dazzling Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai South. Manuel Salchli, commissioner general of the Swiss Pavilion, pictured on Monday, March 29, 2021. Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The dazzling Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai South. Manuel Salchli, commissioner general of the Swiss Pavilion, pictured on Monday, March 29, 2021. Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Swiss pavilion at Expo 20200 Dubai aims to celebrate a global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak / The National
    The Swiss pavilion at Expo 20200 Dubai aims to celebrate a global recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. All pictures by Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Manuel Salchli, commissioner general of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
    Manuel Salchli, commissioner general of the Swiss pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
  • Manuel Salchli is ready to unlock the potential of Switzerland's striking Expo 2020 Dubai offering
    Manuel Salchli is ready to unlock the potential of Switzerland's striking Expo 2020 Dubai offering
  • The Switzerland pavilion will showcase the country's majestic mountainous terrain
    The Switzerland pavilion will showcase the country's majestic mountainous terrain

A hill was built from recycled stone, with high-tech sound and visuals added to recreate a panoramic view from the top of a mountain.

Deeksha Vasanthakumar, a Grade 7 pupil at Delhi Private School Dubai, was excited after her first trip on Wednesday.

Hiking through the fog in the Swiss pavilion was her favourite experience.

“I was in seventh heaven," said the 11-year-old Indian pupil.

Enjoy a kaleidoscope of colours at the Pakistan pavilion

Visitors at the Expo 2020 have been posting their share of photos of the colourful Pakistan pavilion.

Thousands of individual glass units of different sizes and colour were used to create the facade of the pavilion.

The result is an optical illusion for visitors as they walk past the unique structure.

The pavilion, which covers an area of 3,251 square metres in the Opportunity District, has a theme – The Hidden Treasure – intended to boost tourism, commerce and investment in Pakistan.

  • People visit the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo
    People visit the Pakistan pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020. Kamran Jebreili / AP Photo
  • People visit the Pakistan pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    People visit the Pakistan pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • A visitor to the Pakistan pavilion looks at a Phooljaal on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    A visitor to the Pakistan pavilion looks at a Phooljaal on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Dress from the Kalaash tribe at the Pakistan pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Dress from the Kalaash tribe at the Pakistan pavilion on the first day of Expo 2020 in Dubai. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Green lights come off the floor and the ceiling in the Pakistan pavilion reflecting the country's plan to plant scores of trees. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    Green lights come off the floor and the ceiling in the Pakistan pavilion reflecting the country's plan to plant scores of trees. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • Sachu Khan with his musical instrument called ‘Saroz’ at the Pakistan pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
    Sachu Khan with his musical instrument called ‘Saroz’ at the Pakistan pavilion. Pawan Singh / The National
Tips to avoid getting scammed

1) Beware of cheques presented late on Thursday

2) Visit an RTA centre to change registration only after receiving payment

3) Be aware of people asking to test drive the car alone

4) Try not to close the sale at night

5) Don't be rushed into a sale 

6) Call 901 if you see any suspicious behaviour

Director: Laxman Utekar

Cast: Vicky Kaushal, Akshaye Khanna, Diana Penty, Vineet Kumar Singh, Rashmika Mandanna

Rating: 1/5

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if you go

The flights Fly Dubai, Air Arabia, Emirates, Etihad, and Royal Jordanian all offer direct, three-and-a-half-hour flights from the UAE to the Jordanian capital Amman. Alternatively, from June Fly Dubai will offer a new direct service from Dubai to Aqaba in the south of the country. See the airlines’ respective sites for varying prices or search on reliable price-comparison site Skyscanner.

The trip 

Jamie Lafferty was a guest of the Jordan Tourist Board. For more information on adventure tourism in Jordan see Visit Jordan. A number of new and established tour companies offer the chance to go caving, rock-climbing, canyoning, and mountaineering in Jordan. Prices vary depending on how many activities you want to do and how many days you plan to stay in the country. Among the leaders are Terhaal, who offer a two-day canyoning trip from Dh845 per person. If you really want to push your limits, contact the Stronger Team. For a more trek-focused trip, KE Adventure offers an eight-day trip from Dh5,300 per person.

Name: Peter Dicce

Title: Assistant dean of students and director of athletics

Favourite sport: soccer

Favourite team: Bayern Munich

Favourite player: Franz Beckenbauer

Favourite activity in Abu Dhabi: scuba diving in the Northern Emirates 

 

Updated: October 21, 2021, 5:06 AM