DUBAI – We left each other in Milan. The last melody from the Tree of Life, the dancing fountains, together with the fall season, make everyone sad. Expo 2015 was officially closed, turning off that spotlight that had lighted up Milan for six months. Since 2015 things have changed. We have advanced in many technological fields, went through different political elections but also experienced the world pausing for almost one year.
The picture of the planes parked on the main runways, the empty streets, the sound of silence that only Gary Jules probably imagined, have been the surreal situation in which Expo 2020 developed before opening its doors, one year later, last October.
We had the privilege of visiting Expo 2020 last December wondering about pavilions, people, and knowledge.
Here are our top 6 recommendations for a one-day visit:
1. Campus Germany
Built around the true knowledge experience, the pavilion brings fresh ideas around three themes: energy, future city, and biodiversity. The pavilion empowers its visitors in learning, and answering big questions interactively. Inside Campus Germany, you will be able to see futurist objects and applications, such as paper-thin solar panels, over 100.000 ideas collected in the same room, and innovative ways of storing energy underwater. At the end of the tour, there is an epic graduation ceremony made of swings, light effects, and more. If Expo’s objective is having its visitors think about real questions and elaborate on ideas, we can only say “well done!”
2. UAE Pavilion
It’s the hosting country, so the expectations are high and you will not be disappointed.
Built by Santiago Calatrava, the falcon (symbol of UAE) shaped pavilion demonstrates its visitors the history and future of the Emirates. Inside it, it is possible to understand the past of the hosting country and how with the spirit of sacrifice, aggregation and collaboration, UAE became a leading Nation in the world.
From the sand of the desert to an incredible cinema experience that mimics the falcon’s flight, passing by pictures, the smell of spices, and more, the UAE is a must view for everyone.
3. USA Pavilion
Freedom, diversity, and innovation. If you like these three words, the USA pavilion is a must for you. The USA pavilion celebrates the true American spirit, land of great discoveries, and great men and women that contributed to building a better present and a brighter tomorrow. Inside the pavilion you can learn about some of the American best inventions and how they shaped the world, touch some space samples and watch some experiences about quantum computing. And if this is not enough, relax outside with some delicious food looking at a Space X rocket replica.
4. Saudi Arabia Pavillion
The Saudi Pavilion gives the possibility to its visitors to be part of a journey across four pillars: people, nature, heritage, and opportunities. The pavilion is the second largest one at Expo 2020 Dubai with a total area of 13,059 sqm and an incredible structure made of mirrors able to reflect amazing light effects coming from the ground just beneath.
Watch this video about the construction of this incredible journey.
5. Switzerland Pavillion
Similar to Saudi Arabia, the Swiss pavilion showcases an inclined reflecting surface to welcome its guests into a tour in the multiple aspects of Switzerland.
Inside you can experience an interpretation of a mountain panorama immerse in a cold, wet fog. After the experience that shakes all senses, things become more concrete where the sensorial experience leaves its space to ideas and facts that make Switzerland one of the most innovative and competitive countries in the world.
Curious? Swizterland is the place for you.
6. Japan Pavillion
We visited only half of the pavilion but the Japanese style, its sensibility in the way they explain their roots, together with their boldness in some ideas are there.
The structure from outside looks like an origami, while the inside offers a minimalistic approach with a series of projections and light effects. According to their welcome brochure “Visitors will gain a sense of how new interactions can lead to a better future through exchange of ideas – as has been the case historically in Japan. Visitors will also be encouraged to post their own ideas and thoughts, paving the way for Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai to be held in Japan.”
Top regrets according to other visitors
Here are our regrets of what we didn’t manage to visit but that according to local people are worth a visit:
- South Korea;
- Brasil;
- France;
- Russia;
- Morocco;
- Mobility pavilion;
- DP World;
- Spain;
- Singapore.
Bottom line
There are no doubts that this edition of Expo will be on the history books for the external circumstances, however the quality and the organization put together by the UAE organisation shows a great sense of resilience and efforts. If you are looking for a safe destination to travel before March 2022, Dubai is the right place and Expo is at least worth a 2-day visit. Be welcome to join the making of a new world, as a true world’s citizen.
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