Expo 2020 Dubai pavilions: UAE, Japan, Australia, France, Germany, Poland, Luxembourg, Egypt

Expo 2020 Dubai is the very first world expo where every participating country has its own pavilion.

Each of the 192 country pavilions – spread across the three main districts of sustainability, mobility and opportunity – will have the chance to showcase their innovations and strategies.

Here’s a glimpse at eight of the 192 pavilions at this year’s event.

UAE
Location: Opportunity District | Architect: Santiago Calatrava
With an exterior design shaped like a falcon, the four-storey 15,000 sqm pavilion is built with wings which can spread open in a matter of minutes and rotate as well. Photovoltaic panels manufactured in the UAE have been integrated into the roof and will feed solar energy to the main grid. A noteworthy design element at the pavilion is the Oculus skylight placed at a height of nearly 30 metres, which represents the Expo 2020 logo.

The UAE’s Minister of Culture and Youth, Noura bint Mohammed Al Kaabi, has been appointed as commissioner general of the pavilion which will include exhibition spaces, F&B venues, an auditorium and VIP lounges.

AUSTRALIA
Location: Mobility District | Architect: Bureau^Proberts
Focusing on its theme of ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’ is Australia’s cloud-shaped pavilion designed by Brisbane architect Bureau^Proberts, the same firm behind Kaust Beacon in Jeddah and the Wahat Al Karama war memorial in Abu Dhabi.

Step inside the Australian pavilion and the main attraction is the 360-degree planetarium where you will be able to witness the great transition the country has made from the Aboriginal tradition of stargazing that dates back 60,000 years – making them perhaps the world’s first astronomers – to its modern-day astronomy sector that has evolved to include cutting-edge solutions.

EGYPT
Location: Opportunity District | Architect: Hazem Hamada
Reflecting Egypt’s cultural wonders, the country’s pavilion will be shaped like a pyramid and will showcase both historical traditions as well as the modern-day technological advancements of the country. The former will be highlighted by way of three original antique pharaoh statues, and also an ancient original pharaoh’s coffin of priest Psamtik, recently discovered in Giza.

Replicas of King Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus, mask and throne will also be on display. A virtual tour guide, Ayda, will take visitors through a digital journey showcasing highlights of the pavilion. Another special installation will comprise of a “time travel machine” built to offer visitors a 3D-experience.

FRANCE
Location: Mobility District | Architect: Pérez-prado+Celnikier&grabli
France’s connection with the expo dates back more than 100 years, with its iconic Eiffel Tower built as the entrance to the 1889 Paris World Expo.

It has come a long way since then and is set to reveal new ideas to reinvent the world at this year’s event. Standing tall at 21 metres and offering a panoramic view of the site, the pavilion will showcase daily light shows and offer gastronomical experiences.

The country claims that its pavilion is traditionally among the most visited during World Expos, attracting roughly 25,000 visitors each day.

GERMANY
Location: Sustainability District | Architect: Lava, Facts and Fiction 
Based around a campus theme, the Germany pavilion will focus on the theme of ‘edutainment’. Visitors can wear connected devices to explore themed areas such as the Energy Lab, the Future City Lab and the Biodiversity Lab, or watch an artistic performance at the Cultural Lab.

The pavilion has also developed fun exhibits for children with its restaurant offering typical German culinary delights such as Currywurst, Sauerbraten beef with Spätzle pasta, and red cabbage and apple, among others.

LUXEMBOURG
Location: Opportunity District | Architect: Metaform
Every pavilion has something unique, and in the case of Luxembourg, it’s a giant slide. Visitors can descend from the highest point of the three-floor structure via the stairs or the giant slide – an ode to the Luxembourgish traditional fair.

Designed around the theme of ‘Resourceful Luxembourg’, the pavilion has a big section dedicated to nature with rocks, flora, and trees. The pavilion’s restaurant will offer Luxembourg fusion cuisine prepared by Michelin-starred chef Kim Kevin De Dood.

JAPAN
Location: Opportunity District | Architect: Yuko Nagayama/NTT Facilities
Japanese hospitality will be on full display at the country’s pavilion at Expo 2020, with visitors greeted with Origami shapes at the structure. Designed around the concept of ‘Where Ideas Meet’, the pavilion aims to enable visitors to ‘connect’ and discuss global issues. The pavilion also seeks to strengthen Japan’s voice in the global community, develop and promote Japanese industry and empower the next generation with greater opportunities.

It will also showcase the country’s art, culture, technology and food as it looks to attract more tourists.

POLAND
Location: Mobility District | Architect: WXCA
Poland’s 2,000 sqm tree-like wooden modular structure consists of a kinetic sculpture representing a migrating flock of birds that embodies the pavilion’s theme of ‘Creativity inspired by nature’.

While live performances of DJs, pianists and singers will be held in the pavilion’s outdoor space, new exhibitions will be held every week inside. A highlight of the interiors is the Polish Table art installation made from materials including copper, ceramics, wood, carbon fibre and glass that is meant to encourage dialogue.

Reinforcing that theme is the special Polish-Arab Economic Forum which will be held on December 6, 2021