‘$30m pavilion set up for Dubai expo to enhance tourism, trade’

The Expo 2020 Dubai will have the largest-ever pavilion of Pakistan constructed outside of the country, which will showcase the enormous treasures in tourism, commerce and investment that are waiting to be discovered and benefited by the world.

This was stated by Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE Afzaal Mahmood in an interview with Gulf News, saying the pavilion built at a cost of around $30 million, under the theme ‘Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure,’ aims to enhance the country’s tourism, commerce and investment.

He said that Pakistan would present itself as a “land of opportunities” for commerce and investment. “Visitors will be taken on a voyage through time, from the world’s first-recorded civilizations to the fast-paced digital era which include virtual experiences of our breathtaking landscapes, cultural and religious diversity, rich artisan traditions, and strong economic potentials,” he said.

He said 180 events have been lined up for the six-month expo, showcasing Pakistan’s art and culture, heritage, education and tourism. The events will also include conferences, seminars and meetings for business and investment. The pavilion, he added, would serve as a hub of business opportunities, allowing the Pakistani business community to network with international markets and investors.

Mahmood said he has been engaging with the Pakistani community in the UAE since he took office in January 2021. “I have been trying to reach out to different community segments across the UAE, including the Pakistani organizations in different emirates and the business community to involve them with Expo 2020 activities. I have been trying to get their suggestions, and a lot of their valuable input has gone into planning the Pakistan Pavilion. Some of them were also featured in the promotional video prepared to promote the Pakistan Pavilion.”

He also urged the community members to participate and attend the Pakistan Pavilion’s events that will be held not only within the expo site but also in different parts of Dubai.
“We will bring all possible events to promote our country. We will have cultural events, road shows, talk shows, workshops in addition to business meetings while the big companies will be showcasing their potential,” the ambassador added.

Pakistan’s four provinces and two regions will be featured during the six-month expo. Each of the six months have been dedicated to a province or a region, starting with Balochistan in October, showcasing its culture, people, foods and investment opportunities. Ambassador Mahmood said the pavilion would be ready well before Expo 2020 Dubai begins on October 1.