Saudi Arabia unveiled the design of its pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai on Sunday. The pavilion will be second in size only to that of the UAE pavilion, covering an area the size of two football pitches.

 The distinctive and memorable pavilion symbolizes the nation’s welcoming character, long heritage and unlimited drive.

The facade opens like a large window into the future, soaring into the sky and reflecting a society deeply rooted in its culture with unlimited ambitions.

 Balancing the richness of the nation’s history, culture and natural wonders with the boundless energy and creativity of its people, the pavilion will give visitors an immersive experience of the Kingdom’s transformation - a country where rich tradition, ambition and innovation are shaping its, and the world’s, future.

 A path will lead visitors through exhibition displays which highlight the country’s openness to businesses and tourists, and its desire to build links and collaborate with countries to create a better future for everyone.

 “This extraordinary and innovative design perfectly captures the determination of the Kingdom to fulfil its promise of being an ambitious nation while conveying a message of dynamism and partnership with the world,” said  Minister Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri, Ministry of Economy and Planning and Chairman of the Supervisory Committee for The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.

He added: “All Saudis can be proud of the vision that this ground-breaking pavilion will deliver to the world, and we look forward to inviting global citizens to share in the exciting story of our thriving and vibrant society.” Reem Al Hashimy, UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau, said: “The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2020 will offer visitors a chance to experience the country’s rich heritage and culture, while demonstrating how our region is working together to create a better future for everyone. We look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from the Kingdom as they join us for the first ever World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region.” Construction of the pavilion, designed by Boris Micka Associates, began in early February 2019. The structure will be instantly recognizable to visitors to the Expo site and a point of attraction that will spark their interest to explore further.

 To date, 190 nations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020. Organizers expect to record 25 million visits between 20 October, 2020 and 10 April, 2021, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the highest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan recently revealed the design of its Country Pavilion for Expo 2020 Dubai, after receiveing its plot and breaking ground on the nature-inspired pavilion earlier that afternoon.

The ground-breaking ceremony took place on the Azerbaijan pavilion plot at the Expo 2020 Dubai site, in the presence of the General Commissioner Mr. Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the First-Vice President and Director of the Heydar Aliyev Center and Najeeb Mohammed Al-Ali, Executive Director, Dubai Expo 2020 Bureau.

Alakbarov officially launched the construction of the pavilion alongside two Azerbaijani children, highlighting the vital role that future generations will play in sustainable development.

 Alakbarov said: «We are very proud to break ground on our pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.”

“Visitors to our pavilion will be made aware of their own power to have an impact on the environment and on social ecosystems. The pavilion will be light-filled, transparent and welcoming, coming to life with events and opportunities to meet – just like our country!”

Later in the evening, the Republic of Azerbaijan for Pavilion Design Review hosted a reception at the House of Azerbaijan in Dubai. Government officials and diplomats from various countries were in attendance.

The theme chosen for the Azerbaijan Pavilion is ‘Seeds for the Future’, conveying the message that it is only by investing in the future – today – that people can truly achieve sustainable development and improve the places in which they live and work.

The project is supported by the Heydar Aliyev Center. The pavilion, which occupies a 2,086 square metre plot, was designed by the Italian company Simmetrico.

The pavilion’s architecture is inspired by two iconic natural elements: the tree and the leaf. It is designed to offer a place where Expo visitors can reflect on major issues related to sustainable development.

Expo 2020 Dubai will run from 20 October, 2020 to 10 April, 2021 and expects to record 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE – the highest proportion of international visitors in the 168-year history of World Expos.

A total of 190 nations have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020, highlighting the status of the UAE as a global destination that brings people and countries together.

 Agencies