By Rafiq Vayani
RIYADH: Today the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unveiled the design of its pavilion at the Expo 2020 Dubai. 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 fulfill its promise of being an ambitious nation while conveying a message of dynamism and partnership with the world,” said His Excellency 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.
His Excellency 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.”
Her Excellency 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.
