After having been delayed due to the pandemic, Expo 2020 has officially taken over Dubai. Now in its sixth day, the event is offering up quite literally the best the world has to offer.
If you’ve yet to attend, don’t worry, it’s set to go on for 182 days. And even if you might think it’s not your vibe, we promise you it’s worth a visit. For the uninitiated, who have yet to figure out what the rage is all about, we’re here to help.
The event is organized by an intergovernmental organization called the International Bureau of Expositions (BIE). Typically, the world exposition is held every five years, going on to run for six months. Nation states, international organizations, civil societies and even corporations are allowed to take part in the expo, taking on a theme that addresses a universal challenge facing humanity.
In 2013, BIE named Dubai as its host – and we’re now seeing it all come to life. This year’s theme is called ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, with three subthemes: opportunity, mobility, and sustainability. The Expo sees a total of 192 nations taking part—celebrating the best the world has to offer in the form of pavilions.
To celebrate the occasion, we decided to round up five unmissable pavilions and highlights.
Visit the Expo’s largest Pavilion
If you’re looking to see the biggest structure at the Expo, it is of course by none other than the host nation’s. Covering an area of over 15,000 square meters, the iconic structure was inspired by, and takes after the wings of a flying falcon. It’s where you go if you want to get a glimpse of the full site, and head over to the Garden in the Sky and enjoy 360-degree views of it all.
The Second Largest Pavilion is Saudi Arabia’s
It’s the second largest pavilion at the Expo, and it’s there to give a glimpse into the future of the Kingdom. The pavilion is sized at a whopping 13,069 square meters, spanning over five stories. Of course, it’s all sustainable, boasting an eco-friendly structure that pays homage to the Kingdom’s culture. Also, the pavilion broke two world records.
Take a ride on the Virgin Hyperloop
As part of the DP World FLOW pavilion, you’ll be able to see a full-scale replica of the hyperloop that’s set to make its way to the UAE. Visitors will be able to sit inside a passenger pod to get a taste of what it’ll be like to take a journey on the futuristic train.
Hang out with robots
The future is already here. At least it certainly is at Expo 2020. The event is home to 152 robots, each programmed to cater to the visitors. You’ll find those designed by Terminus Group to welcome you, guide you to wherever you need to go and even offer you hors d’oeuvres.
Defy gravity at the Expo 2020 Water Feature
Technology and the earth’s elements come to a head here, with a water feature that stands at over 13 meters, dropping sheets of water into a circle of fire, defying gravity at night as it sends water up towards the sky.