São Paulo – A white, oval-shaped building with 28 wings reminisces the shape of a falcon, the national animal of the United Arab Emirates. You cannot miss – despite the huge lines – the UAE pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava in an area of over 15,000 squared meters with outdoor courtyards and gardens, this is one of the main attractions of the world exhibition, which has got over 3 million visitors.
The wings of the falcon open and rotate according to the position of the sun as they contain solar panels that provide power to the pavilion. The built-up area features three levels that contain the history of the foundation of the country that is about to complete 50 years at the Golden Jubilee on December 2. The pavilion also brings the ambitious vision of the UAE founders, showing the world the country’s developments, achievements, and goals for the next 50 years.
An oasis offers a sensorial experience for visitors right at the entrance of the pavilion. In a dark room, tourists experience the Desert of Dreams, with real sand dunes in a large room with projections of camels and texts on sand and glass screens that tell a little bit about the history of the country. A phrase by UAE founder Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan says, “Unity is the way to strength, honor and power.” Another projected on the sands says, “Fifty years ago this was only a dream.”
In glass cubes with sand inside, the pavilion also stresses the Emirati people and the country’s expats from over 200 countries, their knowledge, achievements, patriotism, excellence and leadership. There’re projections and another room with videos telling the history of people and families living in the UAE and their achievements there.
Upstairs, there are desert plants and samples of sands from the seven emirates, with different shades of brown and beige. A central skylight looks like the Expo 2020 Dubai logo, illuminating the pavilion that conveys the message that the Arab country is the best country to achieve your dreams.
In the outside area, there’s an exhibition of sculptures by Emirati artist. Every night sees music and cultural performances. The pavilion is located at the Al Forsan area of Expo and is open for visits every day from 10 am to 10 pm (GST).
