Dubai Expo 2020 has unveiled Saudi Arabia’s pavilion, as reports suggest the World Expo will deliver a $33bn boost to the UAE economy.
Saudi Arabia’s Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion will be second in size to that of the UAE, covering an area of two football pitches.
The pavilion, which is designed to open like a large window into the future, will reflect Saudi Arabia’s culture, welcoming character and drive.
Visitors to Saudi Arabia Pavilion will enjoy an immersive experience about the kingdom’s transformation and history, with exhibition displays highlighting Saudi’s openness to business and tourism.
How can culture and ambition combine for a brighter tomorrow? The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia Pavilion opens like a large window into the future, with immersive experiences showing the nation’s welcoming character, rich heritage and unlimited drive. #KSA 🇸🇦 #Expo2020 #Dubai pic.twitter.com/8yN5nH4LxV
— Expo City Dubai (@expocitydubai) April 14, 2019
“This extraordinary and innovative design perfectly captures the determination of the kingdom to fulfil its promise of being an ambitious nation while conveying a message of dynamism and partnership with the world,” said Saudi Minister of Economy and Planning, Mohammed Al-Tuwaijri.
“All Saudis can be proud of the vision that this ground-breaking pavilion will deliver to the world, and we look forward to inviting global citizens to share in the exciting story of our thriving and vibrant society.”
“The kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s pavilion at Expo 2020 will offer visitors a chance to experience the country’s rich heritage and culture, while demonstrating how our region is working together to create a better future for everyone,” said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation and Director General of Dubai Expo 2020, Reem Al Hashimy.
“We look forward to welcoming our brothers and sisters from the kingdom as they join us for the first event World Expo to be held in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region,” she added.
Expo 2020 Dubai boosts UAE economy
Meanwhile, Expo 2020 Dubai will boost the UAE economy by AED122.6 billion ($33.4 billion) and support 905,200 job-years between 2013 and 2031, according to an Ernst & Young (EY) report.
Expo 2020 Dubai is expected to attract 25 million visitors and participants from 190 countries between October 2020 and April 2021.
During this period, the World Expo is expected to contribute approximately 1.5 percent of the UAE’s annual forecast GDP.
Theme park visitor spending to grow six-fold by 2020
Elsewhere, UAE theme park visitor spending is set to grow from $105 million in 2016 to $637 million by 2020, as the country opens new parks and sets ambitious tourism targets, according to a new report.
The International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions said the UAE is the dominant market in the Middle East and North Africa, the world’s fastest-growing region for theme park visitor spending.
Market research firm PwC predicts that the UAE’s theme park visitors could provide nearly two-thirds of the UAE’s projected total visitors by 2021.
‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’ at Dubai 2020 Expo
Organised around ideas of Sustainability, Mobility and Opportunity, the Dubai 2020 Expo is themed ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’.
Hundreds of pavilions at the 1083-acre site will feature interactive, themed exhibits, immersive cultural experiences, live entertainment, quirky hangouts and more.
Find out more about the themed pavilions in our Expo 2020 Dubai Pavilion guide, and read more about the latest additions – including Belgium’s ‘green ark’ and Belarus’ forest experience.
Image: Dubai Expo 2020
