Work starts on UAE Pavilion for Expo 2020
Ground breaking ceremony held as construction gets underway on futuristic structure
Construction work has commenced on the futuristic UAE Pavilion for the Expo 2020 event in Dubai, according to UAE state news agency WAM.
The pavilion is being built by Arabtec, and will cover an area of more than 15,000 square meters.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman of the Expo 2020 Dubai Higher Committee, Chairman of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority and Chief Executive of Emirates Group, laid the foundations for the building, it was reported.
The ceremony also included the signing of the official agreement for the UAE’s participation in the Expo.
Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed said: “The UAE Pavilion will undoubtedly be one of the most prominent attractions of Expo 2020, drawing in many millions to witness its futuristic design. It will be a wonderful opportunity to share our Emirati culture and achievements while showcasing our ambitious vision for the future. The Pavilion will be an architectural marvel that all seven Emirates can rightly take pride in, both now at the ground-breaking stage, during Expo, and in legacy when it will become a lasting icon of our nation.”
The UAE Pavilion is designed in the shape of a flying falcon, symbolising the country’s leadership and pride. The design’s components reflect the values of openness, communication and tolerance, aligning with the main theme of the exhibition, which calls for cooperation with the international community to improve quality of life through sustainable development.
It is made up of four floors with the top storey dedicated for hospitality with an area of 1,717 square meters. Meanwhile, a 588-square-metre mezzanine floor will house support units, and the two remaining floors consist of more than 12,000 square metres of exhibition space. The entire structure is expected to be completed by the end of 2019.
The NMC approved the design submitted by architect Santiago Calatrava after a seven-month design competition, where nine international architecture firms submitted 11 different concepts.
Arabtec Construction – a subsidiary of Arabtec Holding – is building the Pavilion; the company won the contract after competing against national and international companies. Arabtec Construction is a leader in the national and regional construction sectors, delivering mega-projects such as the Louvre Abu Dhabi, the expansion of Abu Dhabi International Airport, and other landmark construction projects across the UAE.
The National Media Council has been in charge of building and running the UAE Pavilions in all international Expos since its inception in 2006, as part of its mandate to represent the UAE abroad and advance its position in regional and international forums, shedding light on its efforts, achievements and innovations in social and economic sectors around the world.
