Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, visited Expo 2020 Dubai on the second day of six-month mega event.
Being held for the first time in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, Expo 2020 houses the pavilions of countries participating in the event as well as those of diverse organisations from across the world. The global show runs for 182 days until 31st March, 2022.
Accompanied by Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai; and Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Deputy Ruler of Dubai and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Sheikh Mohammed began his tour by visiting the pavilion of the Saudi Arabia, the second largest pavilion at Expo Dubai.
Saudi and Oman pavilions
Sheikh Mohammed visited the pavilion of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, which represents the country’s ‘Vision 2030’, a unique transformative economic and social reform blueprint that is opening Saudi Arabia up to the world. Located in the Opportunity District, the pavilion, spanning over 13,000 square metres, is the second largest pavilion in size at the Expo 2020 Dubai site.
The Saudi pavilion offers a glimpse into the country’s future, taking visitors on a journey through its ambitions across four main pillars: people, nature, heritage and opportunities. Rising six stories above the ground, the pavilion was also designed to showcase the Kingdom’s ancient culture, heritage; the wonders of its natural landscape; and the rapid drive and innovation of its present and future ambitions.
Aligned with global sustainability norms and a clear environmental vision, the eco-friendly structure boasts solar panels manufactured in the Kingdom by Saudi entrepreneurs. In keeping with the overarching theme of Expo 2020 Dubai, ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, the Saudi Arabian pavilion takes visitors on a guided tour of the wonders of the country’s 13 regions through multiple immersive and interactive exhibits.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid also visited the pavilion of the Sultanate of Oman located in the Mobility District of Expo 2020 Dubai. The educational and recreational journey offered by the pavilion pays tribute to the country’s natural heritage. The eye-catching design of the pavilion draws inspiration from the frankincense tree — one of the most important natural treasures of Oman.
Visitors to the pavilion pass through five zones that illuminate how frankincense contributed to Omani advancements in transportation, knowledge, manufacturing, sustainability and exploration. The pavilion also includes a shop, in which more than 2,000 types of goods and products belonging to nearly 400 small and medium enterprises are displayed.
The achievements of various Omani institutions, embodying the country’s ‘Oman 2040’ vision, are showcased at the pavilion. The pavilion also tells the history of Oman, the civilisational and human achievements of the country and its future aspirations.
France pavilion
Sheikh Mohammed also met with Jean-Yves Le Drian, France’s Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, during his visit to the French pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. During his visit to the French pavilion located in the Mobility District, Sheikh Mohammed was briefed about the pavilion’s theme ‘France, Lightspeed Inspiration’ (‘France, l’inspiration à la vitesse de la lumière’), which expresses the country’s commitment to building a new economic, social and cultural model around three core values: boldness, optimism and community. The 21-metre-high pavilion is the eighth tallest pavilion at Expo. Its facade and roof are made of 2,500 square metres of solar tiles, producing 60% of the energy it consumes.
Light is the architectural theme for the French Pavilion, which is expressed in various forms throughout the visitor journey, offering a truly unique and unforgettable experience. The pavilion’s design upholds the four key principles of bioclimatic architecture: local integration, construction materials, energy savings and efficiency, and comfort and health.
Participants from 192 countries have converged on Dubai for Expo 2020, taking place from 1st October, 2021 to 31st March 2022. The six-month mega global event features more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors who have come together to create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.
