DUBAI: The Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, built at a cost of around Dh110.2 million (approx. $30 million), is ready to take visitors on a voyage through time featuring ‘hidden treasures’ of the country.
Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Afzaal Mahmood said: “Pakistan pavilion is now ready under the theme ‘Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure’ with an aim to enhance country’s tourism, commerce and investment.”
He said that Expo 2020 Dubai (which begins on October 1) will have the largest-ever pavilion of Pakistan constructed outside of the country. “It will showcase the enormous treasures in tourism, commerce and investment that are waiting to be discovered and benefited by the world,” he said, adding that Pakistan would present itself as a “land of opportunities” for commerce and investment.
“Visitors will be taken on a voyage through time, from the world’s first-recorded civilizations to the fast-paced digital era which include virtual experiences of our breathtaking landscapes, cultural and religious diversity, rich artisan traditions, and strong economic potentials,” he said in an interview.
He said 180 events have been lined up for the six-month expo, showcasing Pakistan’s art and culture, heritage, education and tourism. The events will also include conferences, seminars and meetings for business and investment.
He added the pavilion would serve as a hub of business opportunities, allowing the Pakistani business community to network with international markets and investors.
Happening now! Pakistan Pavilion facade in progress.
Facade design: @RashidRanaRR
Principal Curator: @noorjehanbilgrami© Image courtesy @irfann97156#PakistanPavilion #PakistanTheHiddenTreasure #OpportunityDistrict #PakistanExpo2020 #Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/OGswhf84zE
— PakistanExpo2020 (@Expo2020Pak) September 1, 2021
Ambassador Mahmood said he has been engaging with the Pakistani community in the UAE since he took office in January 2021. He also urged the community members to participate and attend the Pakistan Pavilion’s events that will be held not only within the expo site but also in different parts of Dubai.
“We will bring all possible events to promote our country. We will have cultural events, road show, talk shows, workshops in addition to business meetings while the big companies would be showcasing their potential,” the ambassador added.
Pakistan’s four provinces and two regions will be featured during the six-month expo. Each of the six months have been dedicated to a province or a region, starting with Balochistan in October, showcasing its culture, people, foods and investment opportunities. Ambassador Mahmood said the pavilion would be ready well before Expo 2020 Dubai begins on October 1.
“It is going to be a virtual experience for visitors as the pavilion has been divided into eight key spaces where visitors will experience Pakistan’s best-kept hidden treasures,” he added.
Happening now! Pakistan Pavilion facade in progress.
Facade design: @RashidRanaRR
Principal Curator: Noorjehan Bilgrami
© Image courtesy @irfann97156#PakistanPavilion #PakistanTheHiddenTreasure #OpportunityDistrict #PakistanExpo2020 #Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/Z0nqf2GiO3— PakistanExpo2020 (@Expo2020Pak) September 1, 2021
Pakistan Pavilion, located in Opportunity District of Expo 2020 Dubai, cost around $30 million (around Dh110.2 million) to build – a stunning structure on a plot of 35,000 square feet.
Expo 2020 Dubai will be held from October 1, 2021 to March 21, 2022 under the theme of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Pakistan Pavilion also have an another attraction called ‘The Bazaar’, where visitors can purchase memorabilia of Pakistan. For food lovers, Pakistani foods and drinks will be served at a traditional restaurant called ‘The Dhabba’.
It will offer a digitally-engaging experience of Pakistan, starting from “the world’s earliest recorded civilization” dating back 7,000 years. During the 30 minutes of the walk-through experience, visitors will see the hidden treasures in Pakistan including tourism, culture, commerce or investment.
Internationally renowned artist Rashid Rana @RashidRanaRR showcases his hypnotic design of the Pakistan pavilion’s façade. #PakistanPavilion #PakistanTheHiddenTreasure #Rashidranastudio #Architecture #façade #Art #OpportunityDistrict #PakistanExpo2020 #Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/jyC6sJmrhI
— PakistanExpo2020 (@Expo2020Pak) September 15, 2021
