Watch: The country’s heritage and future on display at the Saudi Arabia pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai

Dubai: Showcasing Saudi culture and what the country has in store for the future is at the center of the huge and amazingly lit Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, which opened to visitors on the 1st. October.

Easily spotted from afar due to its green lights radiating through the structure, the pavilion is located in the opportunity district.

Hussain Hanbazazah, Commissioner General of the Saudi Arabia Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, said: “The pavilion represents Vision 2030, which is an opportunity to join with all.

As described on its official website, Vision 2030 “is a unique transformative economic and social reform project that opens Saudi Arabia to the world.” “The reflection of the Opportunity District is visible through the pavilion sectors,” said Hanbazazah.

While various themes and projects are highlighted in the pavilion, according to Hanbazazah, all visitor experiences revolve around four pillars: people, land, heritage and opportunity. The pavilion’s exteriors and facade, as well as the interiors, share a similar theme focused on these four pillars.

“We want people to discover Saudi Arabia, feel its history and join the trip,” he said.

Designed by UK-based Boris Micka Associates, the pavilion spans an impressive 13,069 square meters, the size of two football fields, and is the second largest pavilion at the Expo 2020 site. to Dubai.

The interactive journey through the pavilion begins with an escalator through a tunnel, which presents the various historical sites of Saudi Arabia. It also highlights the heritage sites classified in the country by Unesco.

“It is our heritage, it is important to enhance and preserve it,” said Hanbazazah.

Then, a large room with curved screens, to offer visitors an immersive experience, highlights the various tourist places of the country. These include beaches, desert landscapes and more. “These projections also introduce people to the big projects,” Hanbazazah said.

One of the hallmarks of the pavilion is “The Vision”, which Hanbazazah describes as a work of art. The awe-inspiring experience, which includes digital screens and an interactive floor, is designed by Saudi artists.

“The Saudi Arabia pavilion is a window for everyone to explore the culture … The colorful logo, for example, represents the different cultures we have in the 13 regions,” he added.

The cultural treasures of Saudi Arabia will also be highlighted throughout the Expo 2020 season by the various events organized by the pavilion. These include traditional dance performances, family shows, comedy shows, and literature-focused events. “I especially invite everyone to the variety show that will take place on the weekend. It will showcase Saudi and international talent, ”Hanbazazah said.

Speaking about Saudi Arabia’s presence at “The World’s Biggest Fair,” Hanbazazah said, “We are proud that my colleagues and I share the history of our country, our future and our past in this Dubai Expo 2020. It’s a privilege in itself and I want everyone to be a part of this story.