It may be called one of the biggest shows on Earth, but the soul of Expo 2020 Dubai lies in the small pavilions.
While some countries have gone to eye-popping lengths to create stunning pavilions, from the shape-shifting South Korea offering and the UK’s startling cross-laminated timber construction, Expo is home to a constellation of attractions that belong to smaller nations with big imaginations.
LIVE BLOG: Updates and live coverage from Expo 2020 Dubai
You may also need to put some work in to find them. The pavilions of these countries are located off the site’s main thoroughfares and down the side streets dotted with ghaf trees.
This is actually an inspired choice, as these pavilions, some as small as two rooms, offer a respite from the hustle and bustle of the crowds.
It is also where you will meet unsung heroes of Expo, the hundreds of guides who left families at home in the service of their nation.
With a smaller crowd to deal with, they are on hand to provide that personal touch, and in some cases, the big sell.
“Suriname could be the next offshore oil hot spot, so now is the time for you to invest,” says Ivan, beaming in his eye-catching embroidered red shirt.
“We have come to Dubai to make business, partnerships and trade.”
While I didn’t exactly fit the investor profile Ivan was hoping for, I learnt a great deal at the pavilion about a country whose history and culture had passed me by.
For instance, Suriname boasts a rich cultural tradition of wood carvings. It brought a sense of its diverse ecology to Dubai and amplified that in a darkened room full of the sounds of indigenous animals and a screen projecting a waterfall.
"All aspects of the country flows together,” Ivan said. “We call it Moksie Patu, a concept in our country [which means] everything in one."
How did I find myself in Suriname? I don’t have a clue.
Despite the useful maps on offer to download or access by QR code, the best way to experience the wonder of Expo is simply to get lost.
Besides, even if you fancy yourself a bit of a navigator, chances are you will be wondering how you ended up looking at Moldovan threads minutes after chilling in Equatorial Guinea.
It seems Expo has delightfully reshuffled the map and let the countries fall where they may.
This is how I ended up in Tunisia after a stint in the nearby Samoa pavilion.
For the North African country, the big game in town is robotics and virtual reality technology with short videos of national achievements.
In the back is also a cool little souq that sells indigenous jewellery and handmade ceramic plates.
While many countries provided intimate and enchanting experiences – from the ethereal forest vibes of Gabon, and the supersized emoji stickers and makeshift clouds of Fiji, to the humble tea and cinnamon showcase of East Timor – some are determined to make their mark.
The Bangladesh pavilion is a riot of video screens, with more than two dozen showing everything from parks and historical sites to economic updates and strident speeches of founder Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Ethiopia also went all out when it comes to atmospherics, with evocative music, artwork, visual installation and a live coffee ceremony complete with incense.
Such were the vibrant colours and aromas on offer at Ethiopia that the sleek and minimal design of Estonia made a welcome contrast.
It is there, enjoying a hearty plate of cod with sour cream, potatoes and dill from the cosy in-house restaurant, I find pavilion director general Daniel Schaer.
The venue was minutes away from its official launch when he addressed a business delegation, comprising people from the Baltic country’s tech sector, about how to make the most of their Expo experience.
His message was to keep an open mind.
“Expo is also about the exchange of culture as well as trade and both need each other,” he said. “So, I said come here, embrace the opportunities but also learn about this region as well. We all need to be humble as well as curious.”
More information is available at expo2020dubai.com
BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
Transmission: 8-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh650,000
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The bio
Favourite book: Peter Rabbit. I used to read it to my three children and still read it myself. If I am feeling down it brings back good memories.
Best thing about your job: Getting to help people. My mum always told me never to pass up an opportunity to do a good deed.
Best part of life in the UAE: The weather. The constant sunshine is amazing and there is always something to do, you have so many options when it comes to how to spend your day.
Favourite holiday destination: Malaysia. I went there for my honeymoon and ended up volunteering to teach local children for a few hours each day. It is such a special place and I plan to retire there one day.
Asia Cup 2018 Qualifier
Sunday's results:
- UAE beat Malaysia by eight wickets
- Nepal beat Singapore by four wickets
- Oman v Hong Kong, no result
Tuesday fixtures:
- Malaysia v Singapore
- UAE v Oman
- Nepal v Hong Kong
Essentials
The flights
Emirates flies direct from Dubai to Seattle from Dh6,755 return in economy and Dh24,775 in business class.
The cruise
UnCruise Adventures offers a variety of small-ship cruises in Alaska and around the world. A 14-day Alaska’s Inside Passage and San Juans Cruise from Seattle to Juneau or reverse costs from $4,695 (Dh17,246), including accommodation, food and most activities. Trips in 2019 start in April and run until September.
What are the influencer academy modules?
- Mastery of audio-visual content creation.
- Cinematography, shots and movement.
- All aspects of post-production.
- Emerging technologies and VFX with AI and CGI.
- Understanding of marketing objectives and audience engagement.
- Tourism industry knowledge.
- Professional ethics.
COMPANY PROFILE
● Company: Bidzi
● Started: 2024
● Founders: Akshay Dosaj and Asif Rashid
● Based: Dubai, UAE
● Industry: M&A
● Funding size: Bootstrapped
● No of employees: Nine
Jetour T1 specs
Engine: 2-litre turbocharged
Power: 254hp
Torque: 390Nm
Price: From Dh126,000
Available: Now
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RESULT
Manchester City 5 Swansea City 0
Man City: D Silva (12'), Sterling (16'), De Bruyne (54' ), B Silva (64' minutes), Jesus (88')
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
RESULTS
1.45pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Lady Parma, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
2.15pm: Maiden Dh75,000 1,200m
Winner: Tabernas, Connor Beasley, Ahmed bin Harmash.
2.45pm: Handicap Dh95,000 1,200m
Winner: Night Castle, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
3.15pm: Handicap Dh120,000 1,400m
Winner: Mystique Moon, Sam Hitchcott, Doug Watson.
3.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,400m
Winner: Mutawakked, Szczepan Mazur, Musabah Al Muhairi.
4.15pm: Handicap Dh90,000 1,800m
Winner: Tafaakhor, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
4.45pm: Handicap Dh80,000 1,950m
Winner: Cranesbill, Fabrice Veron, Erwan Charpy.
The biog
Name: James Mullan
Nationality: Irish
Family: Wife, Pom; and daughters Kate, 18, and Ciara, 13, who attend Jumeirah English Speaking School (JESS)
Favourite book or author: “That’s a really difficult question. I’m a big fan of Donna Tartt, The Secret History. I’d recommend that, go and have a read of that.”
Dream: “It would be to continue to have fun and to work with really interesting people, which I have been very fortunate to do for a lot of my life. I just enjoy working with very smart, fun people.”
How to join and use Abu Dhabi’s public libraries
• There are six libraries in Abu Dhabi emirate run by the Department of Culture and Tourism, including one in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
• Libraries are free to visit and visitors can consult books, use online resources and study there. Most are open from 8am to 8pm on weekdays, closed on Fridays and have variable hours on Saturdays, except for Qasr Al Watan which is open from 10am to 8pm every day.
• In order to borrow books, visitors must join the service by providing a passport photograph, Emirates ID and a refundable deposit of Dh400. Members can borrow five books for three weeks, all of which are renewable up to two times online.
• If users do not wish to pay the fee, they can still use the library’s electronic resources for free by simply registering on the website. Once registered, a username and password is provided, allowing remote access.
• For more information visit the library network's website.
Naga
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Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Moon Music
Artist: Coldplay
Label: Parlophone/Atlantic
Number of tracks: 10
Rating: 3/5
