Emirati officials announce new plans for world’s fair site

Category: Lifestyle/Entertainment

Listening

Unlocking Word Meanings

Read the following words/expressions found in today’s article.

  1. anticipation / ænˌtɪs əˈpeɪ ʃən / (n.) – the act of planning and preparing for an important event or any unexpected situation that may happen in the future
    Example:

    We brought several umbrellas to the wedding reception in anticipation of a heavy rain.


  2. buggy / ˈbʌg i / (n.) – a small vehicle used for transporting guests or tourists
    Example:

    Leo rented a golf buggy so we can easily move around the golf country club.


  3. pavilion / pəˈvɪl yən / (n.) – a temporary structure built for public events or exhibits
    Example:

    I’m excited to visit different pavilions at the World Business Expo.


  4. the beating heart of (something) / ðə ˈbi tɪŋ hɑrt ʌv / (idiom) – a very important person or thing that gives a place or an organization a special quality
    Example:

    The chocolate truffle cake is the beating heart of our business. It’s our bestseller.


  5. integral / ˈɪn tɪ grəl / (adj.) – relating to something or someone that’s an important part of a whole
    Example:

    Our new business partner will play an integral role in our expansion plans.


Article

Read the text below.

Emirati officials revealed plans to repurpose the Expo 2020 site in Dubai that received millions of visitors between October 2021 and March 2022.


At a press conference at the site’s exhibition center, officials announced the property would be transformed into Expo City Dubai, an environment-friendly city housing businesses and other tenants.


“Expo City Dubai will offer everyone, families, youth, students, tourists … opportunities to experience rich, diverse, educational, fun and cultural attractions,” said Marjan Faraidooni, chief experience officer at the Expo site.


The pandemic-delayed world’s fair in the United Arab Emirates closed after eight years of anticipation, over $7 billion in investment, 240 million hours of labor and six months of festivities.


The new city will be accessible only by pedestrians, buggies and bicycles, said Ahmed Al-Khatib, chief development and delivery officer.


The pavilions of the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Brussels and others will be preserved. Al-Khatib said 80% of the existing assets of Expo 2020 will be “retained and repurposed.”


The gigantic Al Wasl dome, known as the beating heart of Expo 2020 that attracted visitors including artists and heads of state, will also be preserved.


The new development will play an integral role in the 2040 plan advocated by Dubai ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum to double the size of the city.


In a series of tweets, Al-Maktoum said Expo City Dubai will be a hub for economic activity.


This article was provided by The Associated Press.


Viewpoint Discussion

Enjoy a discussion with your tutor.

Discussion A

  • Now that Expo 2020 is over, Emirati officials will transform the site into an environment-friendly city that houses businesses and other tenants. Do you think it’s a good idea to repurpose the place? Why or why not? Discuss.
  • What are the benefits of hosting a global event, such as Expo 2020 (ex. higher tourism rate)? What about its disadvantages (ex. short-term use of facilities)? Discuss.

Discussion B

  • What city in your country is considered an economic hub? What are some attractions that people can explore there (ex. business districts, museums, etc.)? Discuss.
  • Do you think these economic hubs are environment-friendly? Why or why not? Discuss.