21 Dubai Expo 2020 Pavilions You Should Not Miss
World Expos don’t come around often (once every 5 years) and are a wonderful opportunity for people around the world to experience, explore, innovate, and have fun by sharing ideas and working together. Expo 2020 Dubai is the first World Expo ever hosted in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, with 192 nations participating in this world festival.
The event with a theme of “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future” runs from 1st October 2021 until 31st March 2022. Built from barren desert land the 1,080-acre (438 hectares) site is a spectacular futuristic landscape with a huge number of country and organisational pavilions spread out over three areas, called Sustainability, Mobility, and Opportunity Districts.
There is a lot to do and enjoy at Expo 2020, and the list below of 21 of the best pavilions to visit and explore based on my personal experience, will help get you started if you are planning to attend this stunning event. The fun starts from your first view of the Expo 2020 sign in front of the huge Opportunity Portal as you walk towards the entrance of the Expo.
1. Austria Pavilion
The Pavilion complex is built from 38 white conical structures using loam soil and is said to operate on 70% less energy than a conventionally air-conditioned building in the United Arab Emirates, keeping visitors cool with fogging technology. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Austria makes sense – Walk through spectacular spatial sequences and liven up your senses as you discover how East meets West, how tradition brings nations closer, and how technology creates future opportunities”.
The complex uses a sophisticated architectural concept to turn the simple shape of a cone into a complex, merging space. The white facade is a stark contrast against the earthy tones of the interior, with eco-friendly funnels made of reed, clay and precast concrete elements reinforcing a sustainability message. The exhibition provides an immersive and sensory experience of the country where you can taste, see, smell, and hear. Don’t forget to also try out the Vienna coffeehouse that forms part of the pavilion.
2. Brunei Darussalam Pavilion
A beautiful simple white building design with striking gold elements and Islamic patterns inspired by Brunei architecture. This pavilion has a theme of ‘Bridging to the future – If you could live in a way that embraces imagination and possibility, would you? Go on a beautifully curated journey that presents Brunei’s past, present, and future while celebrating its culture’.
The exhibition inside gives an introduction into the way of life and ambition of the country including a focus on sustainable ecotourism.
3. China Pavilion
This huge lantern-shaped red Pavilion is one of the largest at 4,636 sqm symbolising hope and a bright future and designed in line with the principle of the ‘combination of the Chinese and Western culture with Chinese culture as the core’. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Building a community with a shared future for mankind – Vividly showcasing China’s profound culture and longstanding history by artistically integrating Chinese elements with modern technologies’.
There are a large number of exhibits focusing on China’s innovative developing technologies and ambitions in space, high-speed railway, and other transport options. The latter includes an ultra-futuristic new energy concept car by SAIC referred to as the “Kun”. which is envisaged to feature bio-intelligent interaction, photosynthetic energy, zero-gravity seats, holographic image interaction, and advanced driving technologies. And, if the promotional videos are any indication, SAIC is envisaging a vehicle that can fly and go underwater as well!
This huge lantern-shaped red Pavilion is one of the largest at 4,636 sqm symbolising hope and a bright future and designed in line with the principle of the ‘combination of the Chinese and Western culture with Chinese culture as the core’. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Building a community with a shared future for mankind – Vividly showcasing China’s profound culture and longstanding history by artistically integrating Chinese elements with modern technologies’.
There are a large number of exhibits focusing on China’s innovative developing technologies and ambitions in space, high-speed railway, and other transport options. The latter includes an ultra-futuristic new energy concept car by SAIC referred to as the “Kun”. which is envisaged to feature bio-intelligent interaction, photosynthetic energy, zero-gravity seats, holographic image interaction, and advanced driving technologies. And, if the promotional videos are any indication, SAIC is envisaging a vehicle that can fly and go underwater as well!
4. Egypt Pavilion
A striking building covered with hieroglyphic letters and symbols on the outside and inside walls. This pavilion has a theme of “Land of opportunities and prosperity – Uncover the story of Egyptians and our past/present achievements. Embark on a new era of opportunities and celebrate a vision of a prosperous future for tourism, infrastructure, education and more’. The internal exhibition includes 3 original antique Pharaoh statues
The attractions inside include a pharaonic coffin of Priest Psamtik, a modern replica of the iconic golden mask of Egyptian King Tutankhamun, modern replicas of three royal coffins of Tutankhamun, and a room with a “Time Machine” where people sit on motion chairs and take a ride to explore Egypt’s different attractions.
5. Ghana Pavilion
One of the smaller Country Pavilions, the façade follows the photographic styling for some of the pavilions, with beautiful inviting photos of smiling Ghanaian people welcoming you in. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Ghana – Limitless Opportunities – A Welcome to Ghana Unlimited, West Africa’s hotspot for fashion, music, and business. Be transported to the trading floor of a stock exchange with a distinctly Ghanaian look and feel’.
The wonderfully colourful exhibition inside includes movable comic strips featuring parable stories of Anansi, a famous trickster-spider who is always getting up to mischief, and a fun trivia game to play about Ghana.
6. Guinea-Bissau Pavilion
Another of the smaller Country Pavilions with colourful photographic facades, the Guinea-Bissau introduces people to some of the cultural experiences of the country. The exhibition theme is “Country of a thousand rivers – A single nation microcosm of Africa’s diversity of peoples, cultures, landscapes, and wildlife. Gather insights and learn about the country’s ambitions as you make your way through the pavilion”.
The interesting exhibition includes visual insights on how musicians, storytellers, and dancers are inspired to develop their art, and on how innovative agriculture technologies help communities to be sustainable. There are also beautiful traditional cloths and wood carvings to keep you enthralled as you learn more.
7. Indonesia Pavilion
This Pavilion with a fascinating predominantly whitish ripple-like effect façade with lovely different shaped etchings is one of several pavilions that look I think even better when illuminated at night. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Transform future civilisation via innovation and diversity’.
It uses stimulating visuals to educate people about the country’s history as the ‘Spice Islands, to give an insight into some of the wonderful tempting foods from the country, and into some of the innovations that merge modern technologies and local knowledge.
8. Iraq Pavilion
Another spectacular Pavilion building that looks great during the day and even better at night when lit up. The theme of the exhibition is ‘The embodiment of Iraq’s determination to develop – Take a journey through Iraqi culture, arts, science, literature, and folklore, as the nation celebrates its past while striving to create a brighter tomorrow’.
The exhibition uses a combination of music, visual storytelling, and several art paintings, drawings, etchings, exhibits, and sculptures by Iraqi artists to give people an insight into the rich culture of the country.
9. Japan Pavilion
One of the most popular Pavilions with a façade design combining traditional Arabesque and Asanoha patterns inspired by Origami, the Japanese art of folding paper. The expanse of water in front of the Pavilion provides a practical natural cooling system by helping to cool the area and also provides picture-perfect views of the Pavilion and its reflected image. The exhibition theme is ‘Join. Sync. Act. – Be welcomed by traditional Origami shapes, put the ‘Join.Sync.Act.’ message into action, and discover Japan’s vibrant art, culture, technology, and traditional hospitality’.
The truly immersive experience starts at the beginning with the use of a bespoke smartphone that learns as you go, tailors your experience to give you a personal perspective, and gives you your own avatar at the end based on your interests. The exhibition includes the use of images of Japanese nature scenes, animations, and characters being projected onto an impressive 3D lattice installation and a fun way of exploring modern Japan and its future by watching cute elaborate miniatures using day-to-day objects under glass domes. There is also a lovely Japanese sushi restaurant as part of the Pavilion offering tasty traditional Japanese food to round off the experience.
10. Kazakhstan Pavilion
The design of the pavilion is inspired by traditional oriental architecture with a deceptively simple-looking but engaging façade, that is gorgeous at night with illuminated with wonderful blue and yellow colour lights. The exhibition theme is ‘Gateway to tomorrow – The Kazakhstan Pavilion will demonstrate the country’s dynamic development, cultural diversity, rich human and natural resources, and its tourist, technological, and investment opportunities’.
Some of the key attractions inside include an engaging high-tech interactive show demonstrating human and AI integration, interactive exhibits and creative workshops that give children and adults a practical explanation of important things in a playful way, and interactive and tactile surface installations that explore Kazakhstan’s natural landscapes, biodiversity, and flora and fauna. There is also a lovely Qazaq Gourmet restaurant, where visitors can try the national cuisine.
11. Kingdom of Bahrain Pavilion
Wondering what those metallic poles sticking out of the huge metallic block building are? Well, these 126 steel columns form the core basis of the exhibition theme of ‘Density as opportunity – Exploring how Bahrain’s geography has defined its development. With limited land available, Bahrain has always evolved, encouraging trade, entrepreneurship, and innovation – some of its main strengths’.
The aluminium facade represents Bahrain’s main export, and the 24m high columns join at several points like weaving needles building the density of a traditionally woven fabric. The interconnected columns also reflect the intertwined relationships and contributions of the various cultures in the country. There are several fascinating exhibits including traditional crafts from loom weaving to embroidery techniques such as kurar and al naqda that use silver and gold thread on fine fabric, and old items used for pearl diving as for centuries Bahrain was the Arabian Gulf’s pearling capital.
12. Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion
This is quite simply a spectacular Pavilion outside and inside! As the 2nd largest pavilion, this 5-storey high pavilion is spread out over a total area of 13,059 sqm (bigger than 2 football pitches) with a spectacular 1,320 sqm inclined LED screen at the front. The theme of the exhibition is ‘An inspiring Saudi vision for a shared future – The Saudi Pavilion offers a glimpse into our shared future, taking you on a journey through our ambitions across four main pillars: people, nature, heritage, and opportunities’.
Right from the beginning, this pavilion delivers dazzling attraction after dazzling attraction including an interactive waterfall at the entrance; an art installation of 2,030 crystals suspended over an escalator; an interactive floor that takes you on an audio-visual journey about the country’s people, natural landscapes, past, present and future ambitions; a giant multi-faceted 30-metre diameter LED globe displaying beautiful artistic creations by Saudi artists; and a stunning 32-metre digital water feature.
13. League of Arab States Pavilion
This is one of the Organisational Pavilions that provide international organisations with the opportunity to showcase how they are working together to address global challenges. It is one of the Pavilions with colourful photographic facades of people wearing face masks to reflect the covid challenges. The exhibition theme is ‘One thousand and one keys – How will the Arab world achieve its full potential? Journey through seven decades of Arab achievement and come together to find the ‘keys’ to an integrated and prosperous Arab nation”.
The exhibition uses pictures, stories, interactive displays, and a memory game to educate people about the language, history, and cultural heritage of the Arab states.
14. Lebanon Pavilion
The plain white building façade of the Pavilion provides a wonderful contrast to the three stylish black statues outside the pavilion that are meant to be symbolic of how people of Lebanon will come together and stand together for each other. The exhibition theme is ‘Lebanon: Our people to the world – The Lebanese people are rooted not just locally but in the world. We aim to bring endless opportunities home by using our minds, and inspiring and merging our traditions with global perspectives’.
The exhibition designed by some of the best Lebanese artists and designers includes huge screens that offer an immersive experience with images of the country’s geographic diversity, fashion, arts, and crafts; ceramic works of famous artists; and what will be a highlight for children and adults alike – a room with lots of wooden swings that you can sit and swing on whilst watching photos of the country’s beautiful landscape.
15. Norway Pavilion
This Pavilion has a stylishly simple silver façade design that exudes a sense of calmness which is also reflected in the cool low-lit interactive exhibition space inside. The exhibition theme is ‘Pioneering Sustainable Ocean Solutions – The Norway Pavilion will allow you to explore the deep blue sea and learn about innovations and solutions that enable sustainable use of our oceans – all without changing into a wetsuit’.
Through a series of audio-visual displays, this exhibition educates visitors about the sustainable use of the oceans, seas, and marine resources to support innovative developments from below the seabed, through the ocean, and up into space. This is one of the Pavilions that use mobile technology as an interactive fun tool to allow visitors to explore the ocean marine life. Make sure you try the tasty Norwegian food in the WOFL food truck outside the Pavilion!
16. Opportunity Pavilion Mission Possible Centre
This is huge Pavilion is one of 8 Special Pavilions on the Expo site and is built in a covered plaza style with the main exhibition blocks arranged under metal canopies covered by textile layers of fabric. The theme of the exhibition is ‘Even small actions can make a big impact – You are one in 8 billion. And while it may seem that the actions of one person can’t change the world, it’s time to think again. Be an agent of change and build a better future for everyone’.
The interactive educational exhibition features sections that address current issues related to water, food, and energy, by walking you through the footsteps of three mentors, Mariam, Abel, and Mama Fatma, whose seemingly small actions have created a big impact in their communities. There is also a great interactive game section where you chase the rising and setting sun to see who can generate more energy for their community.
17. Pakistan Pavilion
This beautiful Pavilion with a wonderful metallic multi-coloured façade, houses a range of exhibitions that showcases Pakistan’s past, present and future and its tourism and economic potential and opportunities. The exhibition theme is ‘The hidden treasure – One of Asia’s best kept secrets! Home to one of the world’s earliest civilisations, a culture of boundless hospitality, riveting geographic wonders, and an upcoming investment destination of choice’.
The stunning exhibits include the use of inspiring videos displayed on giant screens and photography to showcase Pakistan’s diverse landscape, people, culture, and religions. Other attractions include a beautiful ayina kari (mirror mosaic) exhibit which is a replica of that found in Sheesh Mahal (The Palace of Mirrors) in Lahore Fort; a digital sound and sensory walkway installation with laser light rays that give the feeling of walking through the rain in a virtual forest; and a lovely restaurant with great local Pakistani food for you to enjoy.
18. Switzerland Pavilion
Inspired by Bedouin tents, the Swiss pavilion uses a brilliant architectural design of a mirrored facade with a funnel-shaped indentation facing a large red carpet area outside the Pavilion, to turn the simple cube structure into a mesmerizing visual spectacle. You literally will be having the red-carpet treatment when you enter the building! The theme of the exhibition is ‘Reflections – The pavilion reflects Switzerland and its diversity – from magnificent landscapes to innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future’.
The attractions include going on a virtual hiking tour through a sea of fog to experience the beauty of Switzerland‘s breathtaking landscapes; exploring examples of Swiss innovation and entrepreneurship; having a taste or 10 of delicious Swiss chocolate at the pavilion café,; and last but not least enjoying drinks and snacks on the rooftop terrace whilst taking in the one of the best views of Expo 2020.
19. UK Pavilion
This spectacularly high Pavilion with a winding walkway that whisks you upwards towards the entrance was inspired by one of Stephen Hawking’s final projects, ‘Breakthrough Message’, which invited people to consider what message we would communicate to express ourselves as a planet should we one day encounter other advanced civilisations in space. The exhibition theme is ‘Innovating for a Shared Future – Add your voice to a continuously changing collective message and get an awe-inspiring glimpse into the future, exploring everything from the commercialisation of space to artificial intelligence’.
The exhibition uses interactive mobile technology to encourage visitors to donate a word to the collective message being displayed on the inside and outside of the Pavilion, before you step into a Choral Space with a soundscape of music featuring voices and sounds from all over the world. Don’t forget to pop into the UK Pavilion’s restaurant and bar when you are finished to try traditional British dishes and drinks before heading out for more exploring.
20. Ukraine Pavilion
This imposing Pavilion has an architectural design that embodies the idea of a spikelet of wheat, with an emblem of nine yellow and blue dots. These symbolize the Pavilion’s theme of ‘Smart Ukraine: connecting dots – Discover how future technologies and clever ideas can help create a more balanced world. Smart living, smart thinking and smart feelings will come together at the Ukraine Pavilion’.
The Pavilion has three thematic zones: Smart life, Smart thinking, and Smart feeling, with a variety of exhibits that emphasize innovations that make life environmentally friendly, energy-efficient, and rational. These include a “field” created from real ears of wheat, “nano-wheat”, and digital wheat; an art installation object named “Cube” that symbolizes the smart thinking of Ukraine: a truly spectacular SHERP all-terrain rescue vehicle (do jump in if you have a chance); and a captivating art exhibition of black and white drawings.
21. United States of America Pavilion
A stylishly simple white stars-studded façade building with an enormous 43 metres-tall SpaceX rocket model replica of a Falcon 9 booster, it is no surprise that the United States of America (USA) Pavilion is one of the most visited at the Expo. The exhibition theme is ‘Dynamic and always changing – Showcasing a dynamic society that has shaped the modern world and supports freedom and prosperity for all’.
There is a series of eight exhibits in Pavilion that takes visitors on a journey through the past, present and future of USA innovation and features iconic American inventions, individuals and companies. This includes a moving walkway that carries you through exhibits showcasing how freedom creates opportunity for all; an eight-minute looping show in a globe suspended from the ceiling of the pavilion; displays of some of the landscapes of American national parks; and exhibits of some of the nation’s space-exploration efforts. There is also the opportunity to get up close and personal to the SpaceX rocket whilst you tuck into some American food and listen to live entertainment in the pavilion’s courtyard.
Conclusion
As you can see, there is so much to see and do at Expo 2020. Therefore, I highly recommend that you decide on the top Pavilions you want to absolutely see before you arrive to ensure you use your time effectively when you are there. I hope the list above will help you in choosing your Pavilions wish list.
And don’t forget to get your passport stamped with a visa for each country you have visited!
Need a little help finding your way around the Dubai Expo 2020 site?
As you can see from the photo below, this is a huge site to explore and some forward planning is required to group your Pavilion visits once you have come up with your wish list. That way you can visit nearby Pavilions in each sector sequentially to make the best use of your time. The Dubai Expo 2020 website has an interactive site map you can access to plan your visits, and also a mobile phone app that you can use for planning and on-site navigation.
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