Where exactly are you? There are FREE buses to#Expo2020Dubai site from ANYWHERE in the UAE!

Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) on Wednesday announced the provision of free bus rides for visitors of Expo 2020 Dubai aboard ‘Expo Rider’ buses from nine locations in the UAE.

These include three in Abu Dhabi, two in Sharjah, and one location in each of Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Al Ain. RTA has deployed 203 Expo Riders transport visitors to the Expo venue from 18 stations, with nine of them in Dubai, in addition to two routes to lift visitors directly from hotels to the site of Expo. 

Where are the nine stations? 

RTA has deployed 77 buses to lift visitors from nine location across the UAE. 

The three stations in Abu Dhabi city are: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi Main Bus Station, Marina Mall Station in addition to one station at Al Ain (Al Ain Bus Station). 

There are two stations in Sharjah: Al Jubail Bus Station and Muwaileh Bus station. There is also Ras Al Khaimah Bus Station, Ajman Bus Station, and Fujairah Bus Station (near City Centre Fujairah). 

There will be 287 trips per day during weekdays, rising to 358 trips during the weekends (Thursday and Friday). 

RTA had previously designated 126 Expo Riders buses to transport visitors for free directly from nine stations. 

Stops in Dubai 

There will be stops between Dubai and the Expo, at Palm Jumeirah, Al Baraha, Al Ghubaiba, Etisalat, Global Village, International City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Dubai Mall and Dubai International Airport (Terminal 3), with 455 to 476 daily journeys. 

It will also provide commuter service between the parking areas to the three Expo Gates of Opportunity, Mobility, and Sustainability, as well as Expo People Mover to transport visitors between the Expo Gates. 

Service hours 

Expo Riders will operate from 6.30am and continue service for 90 minutes after the closure of Expo Gates. 

Passenger commuting service from the parking area (Expo Parking Shuttle) to the three Expo Gates will start at 9 am and continue for 90 minutes after the closure of Expo Gates. Bus Service between Expo Gates (Expo People Mover) will start service at 6.30am and continue service 90 minutes after the closure of Expo Gates. 

Taxi and e-hail services will be running around the clock. 

Modern buses 

The transit service for Expo visitors features buses with low floors for easy boarding and disembarkation, making them accessible to people of determination.

#Expo2020: WhatsApp & Skype calls have started working for some users in the UAE

This is good!

Some smartphone users in the UAE have been able to make phone calls using WhatsApp, Skype and other internet apps, news agency Reuters reported on Wednesday. 

When some journalists tried to verify this claim, they, too, were able to effortlessly make a phone call on WhatsApp. The voice quality, too, was clear. Phone calls via Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services are banned in the country, and residents are required to use paid apps such as Botim to make internet phone calls. Microsoft Teams, Zoom and Skype for Businesses, however, have been made available for use to enable remote work and learning. 

Talks are under way to lift the ban off some VoIP services like WhatsApp and Facetime in the UAE, the cyber security head of the UAE government had revealed earlier. Speaking on the sidelines of the GCC cyber-security conference and exhibition in December last year, Mohammed Al Kuwaiti, the cyber-security head of the UAE government, said WhatsApp had been unlocked for a limited time for test usage. Al Kuwaiti pointed out that there remain some regulations that need to be considered and the authorities were working on it. 

Specific details about these regulations are yet to be disclosed.

All nationalities can apply for 5-year multiple-entry UAE tourist visas

Immigration authorities in the UAE have opened application processes for the five-year multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the country.

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has said the visa will now be issued for all nationalities. 

The five-year visa enables tourists to enter multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, which can be extended for another 90 days. 

Applicants have to pay Dh650 to apply for the visa via ICA. 

Heads of tourist agencies in the UAE have confirmed the availability of the multi-entry tourist visa to Khaleej Times. 

How to apply:

 

A travel agent told Khaleej Times, “Interested applicants can apply directly on the ICA website. A quota system has not been awarded to travel agencies. 

Documents, including bank statements of the applicant, can be uploaded directly on the websites -- and it is the discretion of the immigration authority to award the visa to the applicant or not.” 

Interested visitors who wish to apply for the visa from immigration departments in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, Al Ain and the Al Dhafra (Western region) can apply for the visa on the ICA website www.ica.gov.ae. 

Dubai-issued multiple-entry visit visas will be authorised by GDRFA. 

Applicants can find details for application HERE. 

Moreover, agents have said the demand for tourist visas to enter the UAE has quadrupled over the past several weeks, especially from those interested to attend Expo 2020. 

“Our agency is submitting an average of 2,000 tourist visa applications every day,” said Raheesh Babu, group chief operating officer of internet-based travel agency Musafir.com. 

 

The UAE cabinet adopted a new remote work visa to enable employees from all over the world to live and work in the UAE for one year and approved a multiple-entry tourist visa for all nationalities in March this year. 

Step-by-step process to apply for the five-year visa via ICA.

>>Step 1 

Upload application information, including name, service beneficiary details, address inside the UAE, address outside the UAE. 

>>Step 2 

Upload attachments including coloured photo, passport copy, medical insurance, and bank statement for last six months. Applicants must have a balance of US $4,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies in the last six months. 

>>Step 3 

Review the application 

 

>>Step 4 

Pay for the application 

 

>>Step 5 

Receive visa by e-mail ICA has said that the service is available to all individuals of all nationalities. Individual will receive a multiple-entry visa for five years, provided that the stay period in the country shall not exceed 90 days in one year.

Culled From Khaleej Times.

Photos: #NoTimeToDie: Daniel Craig looks sharp as he hits the red carpet as James Bond for the last time

Daniel Craig, 52, looked sharp in a fuchsia pink tuxedo as he chatted to Kate Middleton, with the actor quick to compliment the Duchess on her stunning Packham gown.

The actor appeared to be uncharacteristically speechless as he marvelled at the Duchess and her outfit, kindly telling her: 'You look jolly lovely!' Joining Daniel, Lashana looked effortlessly glamorous in an elaborate yellow Vivienne Westwood Couture gown, while Lea dazzled in a shimmering silver number and Ana opted for an elegant black dress.

Manny Pacquiao officially retires from boxing after 26-year career to focus on running for president of the Philippines next year

Boxing legend Manny Pacquiao is officially hanging up his gloves with the eight-division world champion and Philippines senator announcing his retirement from the ring.

The 42-year-old exits the sport as an all-time great, being the only fighter to win titles in eight different weight classes, with no other boxer matching his extraordinary feat of holding championship belts across four decades. 

Pacquiao finished his 26-year, 72-fight career with 62 wins, eight losses and two draws and of those 62 wins, 39 were by knockout and 23 by decision.

'As I hang up my boxing gloves, I would like to thank the whole world, especially the Filipino people for supporting Manny Pacquiao. Goodbye boxing,' Pacquiao said in a 14-minute video posted on his Facebook page. 'It is difficult for me to accept that my time as a boxer is over. Today I am announcing my retirement.' 

The 42-year-old had revealed he will be running for president of the Philippines next year. 

Will you be voting for Manny my Filipino TOYsters?

#Expo2020Dubai: Sheikh Hamdan announces 6-day paid leave for govt employees

Good news for Dubai Government employees:

They can avail up to six days of paid leaves to experience the wonders of Expo 2020 Dubai. 

The move is as per directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai. The idea is for the government employees to understand global innovations being displayed at the world fair that begins its six-month run on October 1. 

Sheikh Mohammed, Hamdan add Expo 2020 Dubai logo to Twitter profiles The employees can avail the leaves till the event ends on March 31, 2022. The event will help sharpen the employees' capabilities and make them future-ready as they witness ideas presented at 192 pavilions at the fair. 

Sheikh Hamdan said: 

"Expo 2020 is a unique event that will bring the world to Dubai. They will bring their knowledge, cultures and creativity from around the globe. "Our goal is to implement the Expo's theme of 'Connecting minds, creating the future' practically. We want our team to be familiar with creative ideas from all over the world." The Dubai Crown Prince stressed that the government has established a unique work model, with creativity as its foundation. "The aim is to reach the highest levels of excellence. 

This calls for reviewing successful experiences to inspire new ideas that will help achieve the ambitious goals set by the UAE as it prepares for the next 50 years," Sheikh Hamdan added.

#MeToo: R. Kelly found guilty of ALL counts in racketeering & sex trafficking & faces life in prison

A mixture of relief and disbelief greeted the guilty verdict on Monday in the sex trafficking trial of singer R. Kelly, the most high-profile musician brought down in the #MeToo era but whose music remains popular on streaming services.

Kelly, once one of the biggest selling R&B singers, was convicted on all nine counts after some 25 years of using his fame and wealth to lure underage girls and women for sex. 

R. Kelly has long been trailed by troubling accusations of sexual misconduct and abuse, even as he climbed the Billboard charts and earned Grammys for his R&B music. 

The scrutiny on the singer intensified in the #MeToo era — particularly after the premiere of “Surviving R. Kelly,” a 2019 documentary series that featured interviews with several of his accusers. Kelly, whose real name is Robert Sylvester Kelly, has repeatedly and vehemently denied any wrongdoing. 

The decades of rumors and allegations culminated this year with a high-profile federal sex-trafficking trial in New York, where Kelly was found guilty on Monday on all counts. 

He pleaded not guilty in the case.

He had this to say online:

#Expo2020Dubai venue to have on-site medical service stations also providing Covid screening

The Expo 2020 site will have a network of medical service stations that provide round-the-clock emergency care.

It will also have a Covid-19 screening centre on-site. This came as the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) announced that it has completed preparations for the mega event that begins its six-month run on October 1. 

PCR Covid-19 tests are mandatory for unvaccinated visitors to Expo 2020. Authorities had earlier announced that a five-lane PCR testing facility and a centre that can perform 10,000 tests per day have been set up at the site. 

Results of the tests will be issued within four hours. Awadh Al Ketbi, director-general of the DHA, said the UAE has set an example for the world in managing the Covid-19 pandemic. This includes prevention, patient care and “accelerated recovery”. 

“This success highlights the UAE’s capabilities in overcoming challenges, the robust capacity of its advanced healthcare sector, and efficiency in tackling emergency situations and evolving developments,” he said. The authority has “mobilised its human capital, harnessed its capabilities, equipment and technology to provide a highly advanced care system, high quality services and a safe environment for all Expo participants and visitors”, he added. 

The medical care network provided by the DHA for Expo 2020 is not only limited to the venue of the event but also extends to a large group of hospitals and specialised medical centres, both government and private. The top official also said that the DHA has been a part of the Expo journey from the beginning. 

“It established a medical clinic and provided round-the-clock medical services for all workers of the Expo during its construction phase.” 

Culled From Khaleej Times.

VIDEO: First Look at Kanye West's Jeen-Yuhs documentary on Netflix

The first look at the upcoming Kanye West documentary, Jeen-Yuhs, was released on Netflix's official YouTube account on Saturday.

During the clip, the 44-year-old rap mogul was seen performing with his friend and collaborator, Mos Def, while hanging out with a group of other individuals who marveled at the pair's rapping skills. 

The feature has been in the works for just over two decades, and it is currently set to be released on the streaming service in 2022.

Watch:

 

Photos & Videos: Awww, poor Anthony Femi Joshua!!!

You win some, you lose some!

Oleksandr Usyk showed Anthony Joshua where it hurts as he brought him to his knees during his unanimous points win. Joshua loses WBA, WBO, IBF and IBO world heavyweight titles. 

Eddie Hearn has admitted that Anthony Joshua was beaten by the 'better man on the night' after the former heavyweight champion suffered a devastating defeat to Oleksandr Usyk. 

The Ukrainian put on a boxing masterclass to become the world heavyweight champion at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Usyk beat Joshua with a scorecard of 117-112, 116-112 and 115-113, to become just the third fighter after Evander Holyfield and David Haye to win world titles in both the cruiserweight and heavyweight divisions. 

Matchroom Boxing promoter Hearn said that Joshua could have no complaints about the outcome and congratulated Usyk for going 'down in history'.

Breaking News: China bans all cryptocurrency transactions!

Sad news for crypto lovers!

China's central bank has said all financial transactions involving cryptocurrencies are illegal, sounding the death knell for the digital trade in China after a crackdown on the volatile currencies.

The global values of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin have massively fluctuated over the past year partly due to Chinese regulations, which have sought to prevent speculation and money laundering. 'Virtual currency-related business activities are illegal financial activities,' the People's Bank of China (PBOC) said in an online statement Friday, adding that offenders would be 'investigated for criminal liability in accordance with the law. 

The notice bans all related financial activities involving cryptocurrencies, such as trading crypto, selling tokens, transactions involving virtual currency derivatives and 'illegal fundraising'. 

The central bank said that in recent years trading of Bitcoin and other virtual currencies had become 'widespread, disrupting economic and financial order, giving rise to money laundering, illegal fund-raising, fraud, pyramid schemes and other illegal and criminal activities.' 

This was 'seriously endangering the safety of people's assets,' the PBOC said. 

While crypto creation and trading have been illegal in China since 2019, further crackdowns this year by Beijing warned banks to halt related transactions and closed much of the country's vast network of bitcoin miners. 

Friday's statement by the central bank sent the strongest yet signal that China is closed to crypto.

Video: The awesome moment Rihanna met Tems! #Essence

On Wednesday night, popular American singer and beauty entrepreneur, Rihanna, held an event promoting her latest Savage X Fenty collection and Nigerian singer, Tems was in attendance.

The Wizkid and Tems hit song, Essence, was among the songs played on the night and it was indeed a thrilling moment for Tems. 

Another highlight of the night was when Rihanna met Tems for the first time and she hugged her and screamed “Oh my God” in excitement!

Rihanna now follows Tems on Instagram:

Watch: 

Photos: Pele celebrates leaving intensive care following colon surgery

Football legend Pele has been seen in a video singing the anthem of his old Brazilian club Santos as he celebrated leaving the intensive care unit of a Sao Paulo hospital.

The 80-year-old Brazilian was seen smiling as he accompanied visiting musicians who brought along a guitar so he could exercise his vocal chords. 

Daughter Kely Nascimento, who has been posting updates of her dad's recovery from a hospital op to remove a tumour from his colon, released the footage of him enjoying himself at a room in the Alberto Enstein Hospital in Sao Paulo. 

She wrote along the video in a direct message to fans: 'You asked for more! There's nothing better than this.'

 

Get well soon legend!

Audio: The #Expo2020Dubai official song, #ThisIsOurTime is LIT!

With less than 10 days to go until it opens its doors to the world, Expo 2020 Dubai launched its official song on Tuesday.

Titled 'This Is Our Time', the song highlights pride in the UAE’s culture, celebrates the future and brings together countries from around the world, while conveying the story of Expo’s overarching theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ through the universal language of music. 

The song features Hussain Al Jassmi, one of the UAE’s biggest artists and Expo 2020 Ambassador, accompanied by Lebanese-American Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mayssa Karaa, who is also Artistic Director of Expo’s all-female Firdaus Orchestra, as well as 21-year-old Emirati singer-songwriter Almas, named in Spotify’s Best Female Talent in the Middle East.

"هذا وقتنا".. الأغنية الرسمية لإكسبو 2020 #دبي تحتفي بدولة #الإمارات وتأثير التعاونhttps://t.co/j4czAcP6au@expo2020dubai pic.twitter.com/oJMHbWs82k

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) September 21, 2021

Hussain Al Jassmi said: “'This Is Our Time' is a tribute to the UAE for all it has been, is today and will achieve in the years to come. It’s a song about pride, faith and unity, and I hope that it brings a smile to the faces of everyone who hears it, wherever they may be in the world. Being a part of such an iconic event in the UAE’s history is extremely exciting and rewarding.” 

One of the first global mega-events to take place since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, Expo 2020 will run from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022. 

It invites millions of visitors to join the making of a new world in a six-month celebration of human creativity, innovation, progress and culture, with music providing a unifying, uplifting force.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid tours Expo 2020 Dubai site on a bike:

 

Landmarks people want to see most around the world

A new study from luxury travel company Kuoni reveals that Dubai's Burj Khalifa is the most searched for landmark in the 66 countries analysed, which accounts for 37.5 per cent of the world, thus making it the most popular.

It is the most Googled landmark in India, Switzerland and most of Africa, as well as Fiji, Indonesia and Turkmenistan. In the UAE, however, the most searched for landmark was India's Taj Mahal, which comes joint fourth in the study, with England's Big Ben. The second most popular is France's Eiffel Tower, which ranked top in 29 counties including the UK, Ireland, Canada and Australia. In third place is Machu Picchu, which comes out top in 19 counties, including Mexico, Spain and Chile. According to the study, "despite the ongoing pandemic, online searches for the world’s most famous landmarks have risen by 20 per cent over the past month."

Landmarks people want to see most around the world:

1. Burj Khalifa, UAE – 66 countries

2. Eiffel Tower, France – 29 countries

3. Machu Picchu, Peru – 19 countries

4. Big Ben, UK – 11 countries

4. Taj Mahal, India – 11 countries

5. Pompeii, Italy – 9 countries

6. Alhambra, Spain – 5 countries

7. Notre Dame, France – 4 countries

7. Stonehenge, UK – 4 countries

8. Petra, Jordan – 3 countries

8. Great Wall of China, China – 3 countries