It was the same month last year when Dubai Expo 2020 open its door to the world. Well, it was year 2021 but you may wonder why it was named Expo 2020. It was supposed to open on year 2020 but due to Covid outrage they postponed it for a while. After a months of waiting when some of the countries lifted their travel ban, when everything is set in the UAE, Covid 19 is under control, the expo site become the next sought destination among residents and tourists.
I had an opportunity to visit the site multiple times since I got a multiple entry ticket and the place is near to where we work which is a great advantage. There are times that my co-workers and I will pay a visit after our office hours, agreed to explore the place in 1 to 3 hours, or on weekend with my immediate family here in Dubai. Every time I set my feet in Dubai expo site, I always get excited and amazed in everything I saw from within. Those gigantic building that has an impressive design, those concept that is uniquely shown when you explore each pavilion and those lesson you will eventually learn on your way out is one-of-a-kind experience that captures a happy memories in my heart.
Thank you to Expo 2020, I got a chance to see a various architectural design of different building which is represented by each country.
Spain- the first ever pavilion that my officemates and I visited on our first day.
This art hanging at the top entertain us while walking from the main entrance down to the basement.
The Netherlands- we thought that there’s only few people lining up in this pavilion but we’re totally wrong. As we continue to walking on the basement, we were surprised to wait for atleast 30 minutes before we each the main entrance.
Sweden- Unlike other pavilion which is mostly covered, this pavilion stand out for being the ‘breath of fresh air’.
Brazil is our next destination after we ate our dinner.
Azerbaijan- This distinctive tree-shaped somehow catch our eyes from afar.
Kuwait- We are forced to stop by in Kuwait Pavilion by just looking on a geometric design that display the image of camels during day time and transform into golden setting at night.
Philippines- Even before the opening of expo, we already heard the news about Philippines pavilion circulated in the social media. We don’t want to miss this opportunity to see it by ourselves. Geographically speaking, our country is surrounded by water so they took the inspiration from it and called it as ‘Bangkota’ which means coral reef.
One of the main attraction inside the Philippines pavilion is this art ‘Helix”- a towering spiral with some names etched on it.
There’s also some exhibit where we watch a short clip from the 3-dimensional filigree boat as well as large screen on what is the Philippines primitive story.
Korea- Lots of visitors lined up in this pavilion. We are so lucky to arrive at much earlier time after our office hours that gave us an advantage to have a shorter waiting period. While waiting for our turn, there’s a Korean group who perform in the side that entertain us for a while.
It’s really amazing how they used the technology to stand uniquely among other pavilion. In the ground floor, the staff gave each one of us a free mobile phone where we register our name with our photo, used it to guide us on our exploration in their pavilion, used it for selfie whenever we want and before we head out, we will return it to them so that others can used it to. Their show is also different since we have to lie down to watch it which is good as it make us rest after a long duration of standing and walking.
Saudi- No wonder why this pavilion has a jampack of people always because they are one of the most extravagant building design in Expo. This inclined-mirrored screen garners a lot of attention among passerby as it showcase that Saudi is opening its window to the world.
Aside from showing the past, present and future of Saudi in their exhibition, we’re hooked on this “Vision” show in a 30 meter sphere.
Zimbabwe – One of the country I only know by books. Here we are trying to have a peek on its rich culture.
Pakistan- Along with my DXB family, we had visited this pavilion to know more of Pakistan history. The colorful facade is a site-stopping area for many visitors as it serves a good backdrop to any photos.
Monaco – There’s a short line of people flocking to this polygonal pavilion so we try to maximize our time by watching the ‘Kaleidoscope’ world.
One of the highlight in Ukraine Expo Pavilion.
If you were in Opportunity District, I’m sure you we’re glued you eyes in distinctive architectural design of UK pavilion.
Peru- Looks like a box covered with carpet but what you see inside this pavilion is the rich cultural diversity of this country.
Uzbekistan- I never knew this country till I have visited this pavilion twice- one with my co-worker during weekdays and the other one with my cousin on weekend.
The ‘light in the dark’ is one of the reason why many people fall in line in this pavilion.
to be continued…