Dubai: His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, today toured the Sustainability Pavilion and Netherlands Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The tour formed part of a series of visits being undertaken by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid to pavilions at the mega global event, which features the participation of 192 nations.
Sheikh Mohammed began his tour today at the Sustainability Pavilion (Terra), which showcases the UAE’s experience and expertise in the field of sustainability. The pavilion’s canopy accommodates more than 6,000sqm of ultraefficient monocrystalline photovoltaic cells embedded in glass panels. The combination of the cell and the glass casing allows the building to harness solar energy while providing shade and daylighting to visitors below. The pavilion hosts a number of events and scientific exhibitions
Showcasing a circular climate system
The Sustainability Pavilion will enjoy a long life even after Expo is over. His Highness was briefed on how the Pavilion will be transformed into a science museum, enabling it to expand on its mission of exploring sustainable practises.
Sheikh Mohammed also toured the Netherlands Pavilion, which showcases a circular climate system that harvests water, energy, manufactures rain and produces food, creating a temporary biotope that embodies the fusion between art, architecture and technology. During his tour, His Highness was briefed about the solutions the Netherlands has developed to diversify energy resources and achieve food security.
Organic solar cells
The Pavilion features a vertical farm that has edible plants on the outside and mushrooms on the inside. Water is harvested from air humidity and used for plant irrigation. The process is powered by renewable energy obtained through lightweight, organic transparent solar cells.
