Look: Country pavilions of Middle East and North Africa at the Expo 2020 Dubai

Countries from the Middle East and North Africa (Mena) region are gearing up to claim their spot at Expo 2020 Dubai with dedicated pavilions that are a testament to their development of arts and innovation. The world fair, commencing on October 1, 2021, celebrates unity and collaboration in the true spirit of the world expos, offering all 191 participating countries their own voice and a platform, so that they may showcase the best of their peoples. In alphabetical order below, we have compiled the future-ready country pavilions of the wider Mena region, from Djibouti to Bahrain.

ALGERIA. For the first time since its debut at the 1967 World Expo, Algeria will have its own independent and self-built pavilion at Expo 2020. Designed by Pico Architecture, the pavilion features a golden lattice gateway symbolising the entrance to Algeria’s culture, history and future. The pavilion is modelled after the ‘casbah’ or white fortress buildings found in the city of Algiers, and in this culturally rich setting visitors will embark on the theme of voyage as it is situated in the Mobility District. Visitors will get to see the heritage, tradition and Nature of the country in a 270-degree panoramic screen.

BAHRAIN. The pavilion is made of 126 steel columns that intersect at different points inside while the outer façade is made of aluminium – Bahrain's largest export. It is the result of a collaborative project between Zurich-based Christian Kerez and Wanders Werner Falasi, a UAE-based architectural practice. Situated in the Opportunity District, visitors can walk through the dense steel forest inside the pavilion and discover the art of weaving.

DJIBOUTI. The pavilion was designed by students from the National University of Djibouti, and it is modelled after shipping containers. With a strong focus on sustainability, the northeast African country will be exploring new, renewable and eco-friendly sources of energy including wind, turbine, solar and geothermal. Visitors will also get to see the rich heritage of Djibouti thanks to the various handcrafted objects on display.

EGYPT. Designed by Hazem Hamada of United Group Exhibition Systems, the Egypt Pavilion is built on four levels with a partial glass façade, a light feature and outer walls imprinted with hieroglyphic letters to highlight the ancient Pharaoh civilisation. Within, the pavilion will showcase Egypt’s world-famous archaeological sites and museums housing ancient artefacts such as Pharaoh’s statues and the advanced technology used in ancient Egypt, specifically in construction and crafts.

IRAN. Inspired by Iranian civil architecture, visitors at the Iran Pavilion will amble alongside small streams of water that will keep them cool. As you walk among tall cubic structures, look up to find hundreds of colourful balls made from fired clay hanging from the walls. Visitors can also enjoy a traditional carpet weaving experience, herbal teas and syrups, and rituals, handicrafts and heritage of the ancient land.

JORDAN. At Expo 2020 Dubai, visitors will have the opportunity to rediscover the lost city of Petra through a sensory experience. Participating under the theme of ‘The thresholds of ingenuity’, the Jordan Pavilion, designed by German creative agency Facts and Fiction, will invite visitors to uncover its rich past and learn of its current endeavours in technology. And the best part? You can compose music at ‘The Portal’ using various touch points with other visitors.

KUWAIT. The building’s angular, glittering façade mimics the sand dunes of the Kuwaiti desert and the centrepiece opening to the sky on the ceiling takes inspiration from the iconic water towers in Kuwait City - reflecting the theme of Nature and sustainability. Known to be one of the largest pavilions on site, the structure takes up an area of more than 4,000 square metres. There will be something to look at outside with nine booths providing talented and innovative Kuwaitis with a dedicated platform.

MOROCCO. Built over an area of 3,500 square metres, the Morocco Pavilion designed by OUALALOU + CHOI (O+C) architectural firm resembles a game of larger-than-life Jenga on the surface but is actually a construction inspired by ancestral traditions made up of 22 stacked structures. The visitor will explore Morocco on a stroll around the central patio, which leads to 13 rooms on seven levels.

OMAN. Designed to look like a frankincense tree, one of Oman’s prized treasures, the pavilion draws inspiration from its natural resources for its visually captivating structure. The country is bringing Oman-developed augmented and mixed reality technology to support the interactive experiences slated for the journey. A souvenir kiosk will display more than 2,000 trinkets crafted by nearly 400 small and medium enterprises consisting rural women, families and craftspeople.

QATAR. The design of the pavilion represents the Coat of Arms of Qatar: two crossed swords juxtaposed with a dhow floating in the sea next to an island with palm trees. True enough, the structure is surrounded by reflective pools of water, designed by Spanish-Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. The pavilion spans across 960 square metres including two main galleries and exhibition spaces.

SAUDI ARABIA. The second largest pavilion at Expo after the UAE is home to three Guinness World Records: the largest LED mirror screen display, the longest interactive water feature and the largest interactive lighting display. Designed by Seville-based Boris Micka Associates and constructed by contractor ALEC, the pavilion’s massive window-like building rises from the ground at a precarious angle, embodying the theme of ‘The Sky is the Limit’.

SYRIA. Discover the first written alphabet and the first musical note known to humanity at the Syria Pavilion. The pavilion will host an interactive musical experience, an exhibition of the Arabic language and the development of writing. The interior of the pavilion consists of 2,500 wood panels with messages from Syrians to the rest of the world.

UAE. The largest pavilion on site, totalling up to 15,000 square metres, was designed by Spanish-Swiss architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. Resembling a falcon in flight, the pavilion occupies space at the heart of the Expo site with its four storeys that house elements of Emirati culture and achievements.