Hundreds of people stepped out in celebration at Expo 2020 Dubai on Tuesday to reflect on six months that have brought the world closer together and paved the way for a brighter future.
The three-kilometre Walk for People and Planet was started by Reem Al Hashimy, Minister of State for International Co-operation and director general of Expo.
It marked the culmination of the Programme for People and Planet, which was a key theme at the world's fair and united participants from around the globe, allowing them to explore society's biggest challenges and greatest opportunities.
Ms Al Hashimy said the initiative aimed to forge lasting memories for communities long after Expo ended.
Families with children on their spring break stopped to take pictures during the walk that started at a sports park and passed theme pavilions and Al Wasl Plaza.
Organisers said every step participants took showed their commitment to achieving a better future for all.
The event was tied to Expo's focus on the UN Sustainable Development Goals, with the world's fair aiming to inspire collective action for a cleaner and healthier planet.
The UN has described the goals as a call for action for countries to promote prosperity while protecting the planet.
Lena Deliquot, 10, took part in the walk with two younger brothers, her father and grandparents.
The French-Spanish Dubai pupil said she enjoyed “discovering the world with Expo".
Her family spent most Sundays at the mega-event and she plans recycle more and spread awareness about reusing items to reduce waste.
“I wanted to walk for the planet because there is a lot of pollution and things that are not good for Earth at the moment,” Lena said.
“I really enjoy Expo. Each country shows what it can do. Also, there are people who can’t really go from one country to another because they don’t have the money, but they can come to Expo for different perspectives.”
On song for world's fair
The enthusiasm of the crowds was infectious, with children leading their parents to queue up at pavilions after completing the walk.
Among the youths was Nawaf Ahmad, who is also the voice of Rashid, a mascot for a show at Al Wasl Plaza about the race to save the planet.
As he waited outside the South Korea pavilion, Nawaf, 12, broke into the song he has performed for the past few months.
“It’s a great exhibition, can’t you feel the elation, a world-class exposition, nearly 200 nations, there is so much more to see and hear and touch and taste and think and learn and do,” he sang.
Nawaf, who wants to be an aerospace engineer, took part in the walk with his younger brother and said he would miss Expo when it ended this week.
“I want to invent engines that work sustainable to the environment we are living in and not polluting it all,” Nawaf said.
“Everything is special in Expo. On April 1, I can’t imagine the feeling. It will be a tough thing to let all of this go.
"This is like art work. I can’t even imagine that day.”
Nadia Verjee, chief of staff of Expo programmes, said the aim was for people to continue to make a difference.
“Expo 2020 Dubai has brought the world together for six months and affirmed commitment to people and planet, and a sustainable future for all,” she said.
“As Expo 2020 Dubai comes full circle, we’d like to invite everyone to continue to build on this momentum as we walk together to take the necessary steps as individuals, as businesses and as policy makers towards achieving the sustainable development goals.”
Expo success story set for final chapter
Expo will conclude on Thursday with a spectacular closing ceremony featuring fireworks and pop concerts.
Among the headline acts will be singers Christina Aguilera and Norah Jones and cellist Yo-Yo Ma.
Organisers believe the event will attract the biggest crowds yet.
The world's fair will remain open for firework displays at midnight and 3am.
Metro trains will run around the clock on Thursday and Friday to handle crowds, with tens of thousands of people expected to visit Expo.
The celebrations are included in the price of a ticket that has allowed people to visit the event several times over the past month.
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Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026
1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years
If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.
2. E-invoicing in the UAE
Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption.
3. More tax audits
Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks.
4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime
Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.
5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit
There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.
6. Further transfer pricing enforcement
Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes.
7. Limited time periods for audits
Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion.
8. Pillar 2 implementation
Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.
9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services
Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations.
10. Substance and CbC reporting focus
Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity.
Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer
On the menu
First course
▶ Emirati sea bass tartare Yuzu and labneh mayo, avocado, green herbs, fermented tomato water
▶ The Tale of the Oyster Oyster tartare, Bahraini gum berry pickle
Second course
▶ Local mackerel Sourdough crouton, baharat oil, red radish, zaatar mayo
▶ One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest Quail, smoked freekeh, cinnamon cocoa
Third course
▶ Bahraini bouillabaisse Venus clams, local prawns, fishfarm seabream, farro
▶ Lamb 2 ways Braised lamb, crispy lamb chop, bulgur, physalis
Dessert
▶ Lumi Black lemon ice cream, pistachio, pomegranate
▶ Black chocolate bar Dark chocolate, dates, caramel, camel milk ice cream
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo
Power: 201hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 320Nm at 1,750-4,000rpm
Transmission: 6-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 8.7L/100km
Price: Dh133,900
On sale: now
The specs
Engine: 3.8-litre V6
Power: 295hp at 6,000rpm
Torque: 355Nm at 5,200rpm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.7L/100km
Price: Dh179,999-plus
On sale: now
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
