The Place to bling !
- Middle East
- le
The time has come to sparkle and shine. But where should you go in your best festive clothes?
We suggest a trip to the “Expo 2020 Dubai”.
Haven’t made any plans yet ? Don’t delay, you only have a few months left to visit..
Its “Olympic Games for architecture and commerce”, as one of the supporters of the French Pavilion explains, unfold like a “beauty pageant”!
Team Charly will take you on a journey to the very core of this large-scale event, which is being held for the first time in the Middle East.
So, what is a World Expo ?
It is a global gathering that is held every 5 years, a fleeting moment in time when millions of curious visitors from all over the world converge in one place for 6 months. The concept, for the countries participating, is to contribute to one of the most influential generators of ideas.
A strong spirit of cooperation prevails, common ground is found, which is nice to remember at a time when rivalries are rife all over our planet.
“Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability” are the three sub-themes of the event. As you walk up and down the paths, discover how this huge showcase perfectly reflects this theme, and through the exhibition, each pavilion competes to wow visitors. This edition, which was postponed from 2020 to 2021, is the biggest public event to be held since the pandemic began, and celebrates the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Arab Emirates.
Renowned architects meet here and compete in art and creativity.
Our expert, Simonetta, who has recently returned from the expo, is pleased to share her recommendations with us :
Saudi Pavilion @Alefa Press
©keller-fotografie.de
The German Pavilion is designed to resemble a university campus, synonymous with knowledge and research, to present a modern, forward-looking image. The country is a global leader in sustainability – indeed, it is there that the very concept of sustainable development was invented, and where the energy revolution was born. The awe-inspiring architecture is fascinating, with buildings piled up on top of each other and gaps between the interiors and exteriors, that are both intriguing and surprising. Younger visitors will enjoy presentations that are adapted to their level, but guests of all ages will appreciate the ball pit and the theatre with swings. Moreover, this cultural laboratory hosts dancing, visual arts, games, science, sports and music every day of the week in the strategic space of the atrium.
Ready to climb to the 7th floor for a stunning view? The highest building in the Expo, the Morocco Pavilion showcases the country’s strategic vision towards a more sustainable world, for the sake of our planet’s future. The façades, the revamped patios and thick walls will take you on a journey through the country, with each unit built entirely out of organic materials such as earth, wood, concrete and gardens. The architects patented their creation, which makes it possible to build enormous structures out of earth, high and vast: a world first! The entire building is 37 metres high and consists of 22 spaces placed one on top of the other.
Inside, conceived as a promenade, the route subtly brings to mind the interwoven lanes of the medinas, for a deeply immersive experience that is interactive and sometimes even playful, involving both body and mind. As well as a compelling permanent exhibition, a diversified programme of events will liven up the spaces. This will be one of the pavilions that will remain open to the public, even after the expo is over.
@calatrava.com
Belgium invites you to enter its ‘green arch’ of many levels, open from end to end, thereby giving an impression of lightness. You will recognise the “Gyronef”, a replica of the fictional helicopter from the Belgian comic Spike and Suzy, made out of recycled metallic waste. It forms part of the art project W.A.S.T.E. – Will Art Save The Ecosystem – to raise awareness among the public of the circular economy, through the medium of art.
The vertical gardens on the façades capture CO2, are watered with wastewater and optimise the temperature of the rooms. The inside path showcases the latest technological innovations on the theme of connecting people, goods and ideas, as well as interactive discoveries in the Belgium of the future.
@Foster+Partners
The Mobility Pavilion is not just about the movements of persons and goods, but also the exchange of knowledge. Here, you will discover the technological advancements that will one day be accessible to all: space exploration, robotics, autonomous vehicles… The largest lift in the world, which can transport up to 160 people in one go, will be operational here.
It should be noted that the French pavilion is located in this district, so why not pop over to this pavilion, entitled “Lumière, Lumières” (Light, Lights), which houses an original collection of Diderot’s Encyclopedia.
For many people, travelling is all about the change of scenery. Thanks to the luxury on offer in Dubai and the originality of the various pavilions, this getaway will tick many boxes. It’s worth bearing in mind that a visit to Dubai can also be combined with a trip to Oman or Zanzibar, in order to make the most of the Expo while also enjoying an added stay in nature or an undeniably more exotic experience.
To succeed in their plans, the Emirates must remain open and connected, but above all, ensure that the health situation is kept under control. The two leading airlines in the country, Emirates and Etihad, are offering one-day entry tickets to their passengers.
Visitors must have been vaccinated or have a negative PCR test, or the equivalent of a valid pass.
Technically, the Expo is located a few kilometres from the city centre, and 1 hour from Abu Dhabi. It is open from Saturday to Wednesday from 10 AM till midnight, and on Thursday and Friday from 10 AM until 2 AM.
Built in the perspective of meaningful heritage and measurable, long-term development, on 31 March 2022, the Expo site will become District 2020: a model global community which will inspire the cities of tomorrow.
And in the spirit of the festive season, we leave you with the hopeful wish expressed by the director of the Expo 2020 Dubai Bureau: to “inspire future generations by continuing to sow the seeds for a better tomorrow”!
The die is cast…
And, finally, don’t stop believing in Santa Claus !
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