Expo 2020 Dubai: All 7 emirates announce holidays for some staff

Dubai - Visitors from around the globe have been thronging to the mega fair site ever since it opened on October 1

It's almost a week since the world's greatest show kicked off, but anticipation and expectations continue to remain at a steady high.

Visitors from around the globe have been thronging to the Expo 2020 Dubai site ever since it opened on October 1 — and residents across the UAE have been making their own plans.

Recently, several of them have had extra reason to rejoice, thanks to initiatives introduced by various entities — from both the public and private sector — granting employees paid leave to see the world exposition.

Here's a list of government and corporate bodies that have announced the welcome measure:

>> UAE federal government

Federal government employees across the UAE will be able to avail of six days of paid leave scheme to visit the mega fair.

The decision was approved by the UAE Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, on Wednesday.

>> Dubai Government

As per directives issued by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, government employees in the city can avail of a six-day paid leave to attend the global event.

The idea is for the government employees to understand global innovations being displayed at the world fair.

"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," he'd said at the time.

>> Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Earlier this week, Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Presidential Affairs, approved eight days of paid leave for employees of the Ministry wishing to visit the Expo.

"Everyone shares the responsibility of making the international event a success and showcasing a shining image of the UAE, by offering visitors a comprehensive experience and attracting the public’s attention to the country’s achievements and leading international stature," he said.

>> Department of Government Support, Abu Dhabi

On Wednesday, the Department of Government Support also announced that Abu Dhabi government employees have been given six days’ holiday to visit the world exposition.

They can avail of the leave until 31 March, 2022, when the fair ends.

“The six-day leave will help our staff properly plan their visit to the Expo site," said co-chairman Suhail Galadari. "The World’s Greatest Show is an event which will generate a wealth of ideas, not just during the event, but long after its conclusion. So, for anyone interested in visiting and learning more about what the future will bring, I say that the time is now.”