VIDEO: Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai is true depiction of cultural coexistence, says President Alvi
- Last updated: October 9, 2021 | 23:31
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor
President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday said Pakistan is a beautiful mix of different cultures, ethnicities and civilisations, and stressed the need for projecting its positive image as a peaceful country.
In an interaction with media persons after the formal inauguration of Pakistan Pavilion here at the Dubai Expo 2020, the president said the country is innovating a future of immense opportunities for growth.
Earlier, the president along with Begum Samina Alvi inaugurated the Pakistan Pavilion, themed as "Hidden Treasure."
The president visited different sections of Pakistan Pavilion and appreciated the creative display of the pavilion showcasing the unexplored riches of the country.
He interacted with artists Rashid Rana and Nisar Malik, and curator Noor Jahan Bilgrami for the beautiful artistic melange of culture, history and craft.
A large number of Pakistani expatriates gathered outside the pavilion to cheer President Alvi and raised the slogans of Pakistan Zindabad (Long live Pakistan).
Dr Alvi, who is on a two-day visit to the UAE, was accompanied by Afzaal Mahmood, Pakistan Ambassador to the UAE, top government officials, diplomats, media personnel and leading Pakistani businessmen.
He added that Pakistan-UAE ties is on a solid growth trajectory and is marching ahead. With the theme "Hidden Treasure," the Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai aims to showcase the soft image of Pakistan and the rich cultural heritage of the country.
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Talking about UAE-Pakistan relations, President Alvi said: “The brotherly relationship between Pakistan and the UAE has stood the test of time and progressed over the years. We have maintained regular leadership-level interactions, aimed at reviewing and enhancing political, economic, trade and investment, cultural and defence cooperation. An all-encompassing strategic relationship, improved economic ties, sharing of knowledge and technology as well as cooperation in tourism and social sectors are the areas of our immediate focus.”
Pakistan’s Pavilion, located in the Opportunity District, will unearth the hidden opportunities that the country has to offer. The pavilion has an immersive and hybrid art installation inviting visitors to the land of colours. Through a walkthrough visitors will experience Pakistan; a country of every known landscape that boasts of unparalleled nature and adventure.
The 35,000 sqft pavilion is divided into nine sections allowing visitors to rediscover Pakistan’s culture of hospitality, based on historical and religious traditions.
The outer facade has been enhanced through thousands of coloured and unique aluminium panels, that will give an impression of changing colours as visitors walk across them. Through a visual display the pavilion will showcase tourism sites, trade and investment opportunities, music and crafts and its culinary varieties.
The pavilion also includes a café named ‘dhabba’, and a gift shop that will further enhance the experience of visitors.
In addition to the walk through experience inside the Pakistan Pavilion, several events are being planned outside the pavilion at various Exp sites. These events will be related to the nine thematic weeks proposed by the EXPO authorities. The events will focus on several areas including Tourism, Climate change, Investment opportunities in Pakistan, Culture/music, sports and special occasions. Pakistan will also contribute to the events organised by Expo authorities. Moreover, several seminars/ talks by speakers from Pakistan have also been planned to project the achievements of Pakistan at this global show.
Earlier, President Alvi arrived in Dubai on a two day visit, where he met the UAE dignitaries.
The president was received by UAE’s Minister of Justice Abdullah Bin Sultan Bin Awad Al Nuaimi, at the Al Maktoum International Airport. Begum Samina Alvi also accompanied the president.
Commerce Minister Abdul Razak Dawood and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood were part of the president’s entourage.
A red carpet was rolled out for President Alvi and a contingent of the UAE forces presented a static salute to him.
During his stay, the president is meeting with leading businessmen, investors, entrepreneurs, senior representatives of information technology companies and media persons.
He is also scheduled to interact with members of the Pakistani community in the UAE.
The president was the chief guest at an event on Roshan Digital Account and Roshan Apna Ghar, the initiatives launched by the government to facilitate the expatriates.
The visit of President Alvi coincides with the 50 years of establishment of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the UAE.
Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates have enjoyed close fraternal relations, rooted deep in common faith, shared history and cultural affinities.
The UAE is Pakistan’s largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major source of investments.
Pakistan launched “Pakistan — The Hidden Treasure” Expo 2020 Campaign its Independence Day August 14, 2021, in Dubai with impressive dance performances and Pakistan flag unveiling on Burj Khalifa.
While the crowd gathered at the Dubai Fountain area of Burj Khalifa in the evening to see Pakistan’s flag on the world’s tallest building, and after the national anthem, they were surprised to witness contemporary cultural performances with high energy moves and dances on a national song “Hum Aik Hain” (We are One) giving a quick peek into Pakistan’s participation in Expo2020 Dubai.
The performance was also a dedication to Expo 2020 Dubai’s vision of Connecting Minds, Creating the Future. It carried well-integrated messages as the nation plans to showcase its vast opportunities in tourism, commerce and investment to the global audiences during the six-month-long mega expo.
The Pakistan Pavilion is designed to leave a lasting impact on the visitors by inspiring them through a poetic narrative on the past, present and future revealing its rich history, culture and traditions, as well as the potential and possibilities for the future.
The audience at the Burj Khalifa were enthralled with the impressive campaign launch by Pakistan.