Exploring Expo 2020 Dubai: Reader photographers capture amazing photos of pavilions and share their experiences from the Expo

Tonight is the closing ceremony of the Expo 2020 Dubai, ‘World’s Greatest Show’. Are you one of over 23 million visitors, in the past six months, who have explored Expo 2020 Dubai?

With over 190 pavilions visitors learned about various culture and traditions of participant countries and enjoyed the performances of local and international artists such as Emirati singer-composer pianist Hussain Al Jassmi, super star Alicia Keys, British band Coldplay, Academy Award-winning composer A.R. Rahman, Disney legend Lea Salonga and so much more.

Have a look at these amazing shots of various pavilions taken by our three reader contributor photographers. Mubashshira Khilji, a high school student, captured this photo of the Singapore Pavilion. She said: "The Singapore Pavilion located at the Sustainability district lives up to it’s theme of nature, nurture, future. It was a perfect balance of modern architecture and nature."

Khilji added: "The Portugal Pavilion, which is located at the Jubilee District looks extremely perfect and geometrical. This shot was taken after perfectly aligning the pavilion with the palm tree."

"The beautiful golden structure that resembles tradition of Emirati wind towers in this picture signified how Expo 2020 creatively presented it’s visitors fusion of modern and traditional cultures of the country," Khilji said.

Khilji has been living in the UAE for 18 years now and she described her visit to Expo as extraordinary. She said: "Expo 2020 fascinates it’s visitors with magnificent, unique and contemporary architecture never seen before."

She then visited ALIF - The Mobility Pavilion. Khilji said: "It was worth taking a shot due to its curved exterior, wrapped in stainless steel cladding, reflects activity from the surrounding areas, and it was designed as such to evoke a sense of movement."

Khilji said: "The Philippines Pavilion reflected culture that embraced openness and connectivity and showcased a imaginative coral village. This pavilion’s architecture was really breathtaking and lighthearted."

She took this aerial view of the Jubilee District from the top of Portuguese Pavilion. Khilji said: "It was just spectacular to see this panoramic view topped with the setting sun behind the Jubilee stage."

Khilji captured the Venezuelan Pavilion. She said: "It had pretty and colorful exterior. I took this picture thinking of capturing both sides of the structure, that shows symmetry."

This photograph was captured right after entering the Sustainable District. Khilji said: "This shot was too mesmerising and provided the best backdrop because of the sunset creating a wonderful picture."

Another Gulf News contributor, Ratul Goswami, shared this aerial shot of Wasl Dome from the Garden in the Sky observation deck. He said: "Expo 2020 Dubai is a one of a kind event uniting the world in hope of a better, sustainable future. I remember the day tickets to this event were on sale, I hurriedly got the family season pass. I was really looking forward to the day when the gates would open to this spectacle. Now, it’s time to bid a hearty goodbye. In a few words, stunning pavilions, colourful parades and fun-filled activities for all ages. Beautiful weather was the cherry on the already multi-tier cake!"

Goswami is a Chartered Structural Engineer based in Dubai, with a passion for photography. He snapped a picture of this carbon fibre gates at the entrance to welcome guests into the various thematic wings of Expo – Opportunity, Mobility, Sustainability.

The Wasl Dome during a spectacular light show. Goswami said: "I think this show should have been on everyone’s list of things to do. The brilliant lights, immersive sound system, and unique themes all contribute to this must-see Dome."

Here's a shot capturing the falcon wings of the UAE Pavilion with the Wasl Dome mid-show in the background. Goswami said: "The ambience makes the visit more rewarding given the nightly breezes, and pleasant crowds."

Goswami took this beautiful montage inside ALIF - The Mobility Pavilion. He said: "It shows the various advances in the sphere of transportation through a colourful display of statistics and dates."

Goswami perfectly captured this tower with cloudy skies. The 55-metre tall Garden in the Sky 360 degrees observation tower offers panoramic views of the entire expo site. He said: "Along with the rewarding views, the beautiful breeze at the top is something one wouldn’t want to miss!"

He took this shot from the Garden in the Sky 360 degrees observation deck of the Jubilee Stage, which hosts many shows of local and international singers and performers."

Goswami captured this aerial shot of "The Terra - The Sustainability Pavilion" from Garden in the Sky.

Here's another interesting perspective inside Terra's 'under the sea' segment. Goswami said: "The manner in which the exhibits are arranged inside enthralls you from the moment you step into the pavilion."

Goswami captured this vibrant Spain Pavilion with cloudy skies. He said: "This pavilion stands out with its vibrant colours against the cloudy backdrop!"

Goswami said: "The Italy Pavilion in all its glory in the night, with the theme of "Beauty of Creativity". The veil-like exterior adds to the brilliance of this pavilion."

A nice shot the leaning Saudi Arabia Pavilion, which is the second largest pavilion within Expo 2020 Dubai. Goswami said: "There are live shows in Saud Arabia Pavilion depicting the various instruments and dances. Plus, it is an innovative structure resulting in lower cooling costs, due to the fact that the majority is underground."

Goswami described this Japan Pavilion as literal pearl sitting amidst a bottomless, crystal pool in the crown of Al Forsan Park. He said: "A marvelous journey takes us through the culture, ambitions of this eastern country."

Goswami said: "As Expo comes to an end, I feel like my weekends will no longer remain the same. The execution of the programme all the way from ensuring a Covid-free zone to ensuring every visitor’s journey remains a memory to cherish! Helpful volunteers guide you to wherever it is you wish to go. Truly a spectacle that I am fortunate enough to witness before me - all the way from Dubai winning the bid to host this to the glorious finish. It is a no-brainer that it is hailed the ‘Greatest Show on Earth!" Tonight’s your last chance to be there and witness the glittering closing ceremonies, spectacular fireworks, and enjoy magnificent performances of global music icons like Grammy-winning singer, songwriter and pianist Norah Jones and pop legend Christina Aguilera. So don’t miss the grand finale tonight at Expo 2020 Dubai. Peace out!