Expo 2020, the Middle East’s first-ever world fair finally opened in Dubai on October 1with the theme of ‘Connecting Minds and Creating the Future’ after a year-long delay due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The extravagant and vibrant show is expected to welcome visitors across over 190 countries until March 2022.
With the UAE government relaxing travel curbs on travellers from India, you should ideally cash in on the same by visiting the Expo to see country-specific pavilions. Apart from these, you would witness marquees belonging to multilateral organisations, businesses and educational institutions. It is next to impossible to visit all pavilions in one go. So, below are a few you must not miss.
India Pavilion
At the Expo, the Indian Pavilion is one of the largest, which has been designed to feature the country’s 75th anniversary of Independence. The front of the pavilion consists of 600 colourful kinetic (blocks that represent the theme of India on the Move). India’s massive 4-floor pavilion promises to captivate one and all with a brilliant combination of Ayurveda, Yoga, Space programme, and its fast-growing $2.5 trillion economy. Besides, star-studded nights, cultural festivals and stalls are also there to relish the Indian cuisine.
UAE Pavilion
Located in the Opportunity District, UAE Pavilion is designed like a falcon taking a flight. When you visit the four-storied pavilion, you will know more about the Emirati culture and achievements. The top floor of the pavilion consists of a dedicated hospitality space.
Ethiopia Pavilion
With the theme of ‘The land of origins and opportunity’, the Ethiopia Pavilion showcases a replica of the 3.2-million-year-old skeleton which was found in north-eastern Ethiopia in 1974. It welcomes visitors to witness the culture and values that have shaped the Ethiopia of today: a living hub that drives and facilitates connections.
The Netherlands Pavilion
At Expo 2020, The Netherlands Pavilion features a circular climate system that harvests water, energy and manufactures rain and produces food, creating a temporary biotope that embodies the fusion between art, architecture and technology. As the theme is on climate, The Netherlands Pavilion’s panels are made of polyethylene terephthalate, or PET, which are lightweight plastic modules that can simultaneously generate solar power.
Eateries with a Thematic Twist
The Expo 2020 introduces spectacular culinary shows such as ‘The Future of Food: Epochal Banquet’ by London-based creative studio Bompas & Parr, accommodated in the Sustainability segment. Inspired by space, microbiology, artificial intelligence and hyper-intelligence, the Expo has a ground-breaking foodie adventure that is conceived using the technique of NASA. It collects comet dust, edible creations that glow in the dark, flavour-changing desserts, ultra-rare ingredients, including new-to-the-plate plants, etc.
