United Arab Emirates Pavilion

Expo 2020 Dubai — Museum Review | Condé Nast Traveler

"Zoom out. What’s this place all about? This 483-hectare site is situated between the emirates of Dubai and Abu Dhabi and is twice the size of Monaco, and hosted the six-month World Expo event starting in October 2021 (after being postponed in 2020). A museum's permanent collection is its defining feature: How was this one? Take in everything from world-class architecture, outdoor performances, the world of flavor exhibition, and arts and culture displays, and spend some time in the Sustainability Pavilion where you can wander through forest roots or dive into the depths of the ocean. Exhibits keep us coming back. What can we expect? The site of the postponed World Expo 2020 transformed into District 2020, a suburb that will lead the way in smart technology and attract likeminded businesses. What did you make of the crowd? Plenty of Dubai residents and their families are among those checking out the Expo 2020 site. The Sustainability Pavilion is open to the public, and as such, is drawing its fair share of interest, and with plenty of lead time and a delay, there's little doubt the interest will continue right throughout the event from October to March. On the practical tip, how were the facilities? The site is easily accessed and open plan. It is designed to be all-inclusive and cater to as many as 300,000 people per day. There is a dedicated Metro station with carriages able to transport 40,000 people per hour. Any guided tours worth trying? Yes, plenty. Behind-the-scenes tours offer education on architecture, pavilions, designs, and sustainability. If you’re short on time, they’re the best way to get a detailed look at this landmark event. Gift shop: obligatory, inspiring—or skip it? There are plenty of opportunities to buy souvenirs on site to mark your visit to the city's landmark World Expo arena. Is the café worth a stop? Food and beverage needs are covered here with plenty of outlets available across the site. Considering the amount of time to be spent wandering and exploring there is definitely enough on the full menu to fuel the experience. Any advice for the time- or attention-challenged? You can spend as much or as little time on site as you want. Be sure to check out the thematic pavilions and take a good look around at what is to come." - Melinda Healy