‘The Hidden Treasure’, in Dubai Expo-2020

ISLAMABAD: Authorities in Pakistan are working extra-time for preparations to bring prominence to 'The Hidden Treasure', in Dubai Expo-2020 commencing in about 70 days. ‘The Hidden Treasure’ is the theme with inviting frontage and immersive walk through experience to showcase Pakistan's vast opportunities in tourism, commerce and investment to a nearly 25 million global audience. Pakistan’s ambassador for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Afzaal Mahmood has visited the site and appreciated the arrangements.

The UAE envoy for Pakistan Hamad Obaid Ibrahim Al-Zaabi, who is in constant touch with the officials, expressed hope that the occasion would provide Pakistan to highlight its objectives determined for the Expo. Abdul Razak Dawood, Advisor for Commerce and Investment is supervising the arrangements. Ambassador Al-Zaabi said that the event was scheduled from 20 October 2020 to 10 April 2021, would now take place from October 1 2021 to 31 March 2022 at the magnificent Dubai Exhibition Centre spread over 1,080 acres.

The host government has appointed Reem Al Hashimi as Managing Director for the Expo. Ambassador Al-Zaabi said that Pakistan's pavilion and its logo for Expo has been unveiled with the theme of 'Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.' Hosting the first World Expo in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region, it would offer an endless opportunity to inspire, empower and drive lasting positive environmental, social and economic change on a global scale, the UAE ambassador said. He expressed the hope that 192 countries would attend the event and represent their strongest potential to the world. It will be also be a great opportunity for Pakistan to show its immense potential to the world.

According to the officials, the Pakistan Pavilion will be divided into eight key spaces where visitors will experience Pakistan’s best-kept hidden treasures. They will be taken on a frontage and immersive walk through time, from the world’s first recorded civilisations to the fast-paced millennium of today which includes virtual experiences of the country's breathtaking landscapes, cultural and religious diversity, rich artisan traditions, and its strong economic potential.

Pakistan will offer itself as a land of opportunities for commerce and investment. Pakistani cuisine restaurant 'The Dhabba' and a souvenir shop will be awaiting visitors at the end of their journey through the pavilion, depicting impeccable crafts and providing a taste of some of the most sumptuous cuisines from all corners of Pakistan.

Through the entire six months of Expo 2020 Dubai, the multi-purpose halls of the pavilion will host many cultural events and business seminars. Built at a cost of $28.72 million, the pavilion is located in Opportunity District over an area of 35,000 square feet, the official said adding the purpose is to show the world that Pakistan is modern, progressive and beautiful. It would be the largest pavilion ever constructed outside the South Asian country, to project Pakistan. The private sector had contributed more Rs one billion for its construction. Pakistan is putting up a very befitting pavilion and was officially handed over to Pakistani authorities in March this year.

The officials hope that many people from the Middle East along with Pakistanis will visit the pavilion and see the whole panorama of what Pakistan is through a display of the colors and diversity of the country and its people. It would also enable many Pakistanis in the UAE to see a “brighter” side of their country.