The UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai tells the story of the Land of Dreamers Who Do; from its ancient roots as a crossroads for people, goods and ideas, to its transformation into a unified nation that is home to people from over 192 countries.
The UAE pavilion tells stories through a human-centric approach, to elevate our collective sense of ambition, foster a sense of connectedness, and encourage local and global stakeholders to connect and collaborate with the UAE to shape the future.
Through the stories of individuals that embody the spirit of the nation carrying forward the legacy of the country’s original dreamer, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the founder of the nation, UAE Pavilion showcases the values that make the Emirates a unique place.
The Dreamers Who Do is a representation of what the UAE has become. They are an eclectic range of individuals, who demonstrate a shared sense of ambition and determination, and who authentically embody our values and epitomize distinctive aspects of the UAE’s past, present, and future. The Dreamers Who Do span a wide range of disciplines, from industry-leading innovators to creative minds and altruistic members of the community alike. Through the telling of their stories, the pavilion hopes to inspire the next generation, while motivating today’s dreamers to continue striving to realize their ambitions.
Designed by world-renowned architect, Dr. Santiago Calatrava, the architectural design of the UAE Pavilion draws inspiration from the vision of the falcon – the national bird of the UAE. The UAE Pavilion reflects the UAE’s identity and pioneering spirit while cultivating a balance and connection between the country’s past and future.
The Pavilion spans across an area of 15,064 square meters, is made up of 3 stories and has 28 movable wings. It has been accredited LEED Platinum Certification and is compliant with the Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications.
The UAE Pavilion tells a story that is grounded in the UAE’s traditional values, including:
- Ambition + Humanity: Continually striving for progress, and consistently investing in making others’ lives better.
- Authenticity + Openness: Faith and customs are the foundation, and we welcome others who share our respect for humanity, regardless of whether they share our traditions.
- Optimism + Resilience: Dreaming big for the future, and are committing to doing the hard work necessary to make them a reality.
The visitor experience consists of the following areas, sequenced to create a one-way immersive journey:
- Oasis: A fresh introduction to Emirati culture
- Falaj: A moment of connection and anticipation
- Desert of Dreams: A multisensory journey through a rapidly changing landscape
- Generations: A celebration of traditions and collective progress
- Dreaming Together: An immersive film about the UAE’s values
- Dreamers Who Do: Meet the dreamers who are creating a better future for all