France reveals plans for Dubai Expo 2020 pavilion

France has revealed that its pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 will focus on mobility under the theme of ‘Lumière, Lumières’ or ‘Light, Enlightenment’.

The French pavilion will feature projects showcasing the French economy’s digital transformation and sustainable urban development, public policies and new technologies by private and public entities and partners.

The “Smart City à la Française” model will demonstrate how major global connectivity issues in the 21st century can be solved, a statement said.

A special logo has also been designed by Richard Attias & Associates in collaboration with their creative partner Hands Agency to represent France’s three messages of ‘radiance, speed and light’, the statement added.

The logo symbolises the Eiffel Tower, which is associated with the history of world expos since it was constructed when Paris hosted the World Expo in 1889.

“We are very excited to unveil France’s plans for Expo 2020. Since Dubai was announced as the host, we have been working tirelessly to create a French Pavilion unlike any other,” said Erik Linquier, general commissioner of the French Pavilion at Expo2020.

“We will be highlighting all the wonderful things France has to offer from products, technologies, innovations and ideas.”

During the six months of the expo, the French Pavilion will promote the country’s expertise in solving issues with the key themes of health, artificial intelligence, research, education, culture, philosophy, art and science. Leaders from these key industries will be on ground to share their expertise.

“Expo 2020 will offer France the opportunity to express its vision on climate change initiatives and to create ecological and environmental solidarity on an international level. France will continue to support the advancement of social wellbeing and justice across the world while also using digital accelerators to develop smart cities of the future,” added Linquier.

In recent weeks, the design for Expo 2020’s UK, Germany and Opportunity pavilions have also been revealed.

The UK pavilion will be designed by British artist Es Devlin OBE, and will showcase the country’s expertise in artificial intelligence and the space sector.

Read more: UK reveals Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion design

Meanwhile Germany is investing EUR50m (Dhs213m) in a design by Cologne-based agency facts and fiction and Berlin-based architects LAVA.

It will feature a vertical campus with various modules, interactive displays and even an intelligent visitor system for each guest.

Read: In pictures: German pavilion revealed at Dubai Expo 2020

The Opportunity Pavilion is the final major design element of the event. The design by Australia-based Cox Architecture celebrates global progress towards achieving the United Nations’ 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Spread across 4,500 sqm, the pavilion will be built from natural and organic materials such as timber, rope and about 2,500 tonnes of stone.

All of the materials are recyclable and no concrete will be used in its construction.

Read: Video: Expo 2020 Dubai reveals design for final pavilion to be made with rope and stone

Expo 2020, the first World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, will run for six months from October 20, 2020 to April 10, 2021.

Around 180 countries are expected to participate in the event, which will be the first where all the participating countries have their own pavilion. The Expo will also see participation from companies, NGOs and educational institutions.

The expo is expected to attract 25 million visits, with 70 per cent of visitors projected to come from outside the UAE.