ABOUT

THE UAE PAVILION

A SYMBOL OF THE UAE’S BOLD AND DARING SPIRIT

The UAE Pavilion immerses visitors in the history and future of this nation – from its origins to its thriving present to the dreamers shaping an even better tomorrow for all.

THE ARCHITECTURE

Located at the heart of the nearly 500-acre exhibition area, the UAE Pavilion features 8,000 square meters of exhibition space, where visitors will be immersed in a multi-sensory experience. As a symbol of the UAE’s pioneering and innovative spirit, the sheltering form of the UAE Pavilion’s steel roof, influenced by the grace and force of the falcon, is equipped with contemporary kinetic capacities and innovative architectural elements. The UAE Pavilion will be seen by the millions of visitors and participants who are expected to visit Expo 2020 Dubai from October 2021 to March 2022.

MORE THAN A BUILDING

Inspired by the breathtaking nature of the UAE, the architecture of the UAE Pavilion is also a unique marvel. With 28 movable wings, the UAE Pavilion’s roof can spread its wings to harvest energy through integrated photovoltaic panels.

SUSTAINABILITY

The Calatrava-designed UAE Pavilion has been accredited LEED Platinum Certification and is compliant with the Dubai Green Building Regulations and Specifications. Accordingly, the UAE Pavilion is energy-conscious and integrates a range of elements and qualities of sustainable design.

BACKGROUND STORY

Following a seven month design competition with submissions from the world’s leading architecture firms, the National Media Council of the United Arab Emirates selected Santiago Calatrava’s proposal for the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai.

The announcement was made after an intense design competition overseen by Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s renewable energy company. Nine of the world’s most celebrated architectural firms submitted eleven concepts; each concept was evaluated on how it expressed the main theme of Expo 2020, “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future,” whether it had a distinct UAE feel and if it struck an appropriate balance between the country’s past and future.

“The design of the UAE Pavilion reflects the UAE’s identity and pioneering spirit while cultivating a balanced connection between the country’s past, present and future.”

Dr. Santiago Calatrava

THE ARCHITECT

Spanish architect and engineer Dr. Santiago Calatrava is one of the world’s leading architects. In his youth, he originally wanted to study Beaux Arts in Paris, but changed his career path when he was inspired by architects from the past. Today he designs breathtaking buildings that seem to come from the future.

Pavilion Facts

  • The Architect

    Santiago Calatrava

  • Height

    27.8 m from ground level

  • Construction Period

    July 2017 – September 2021

  • Plot surface area

    Approximately 15,064 sq m

  • Built up area

    Approximately 20,900 sq m

  • Energy efficiency

    LEED Platinum

Acknowledgements

All Acknowledgements

Architecture and Exterior

All Acknowledgements

About the Visitor Experience

At Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE Pavilion will feature a multi-sensory visitor experience, which will tell the story of the UAE, from its ancient roots of goods, people, and ideas to its transformation into a unified nation, home to people from over 200 countries.

Learn more about the visitor experience