The UAE in World Expos

The UAE has a long history with World Expo stretching back four decades to Abu Dhabi’s participation in the 1970 Expo in Osaka, Japan.

Today, the relationship continues, with the UAE currently taking part at Expo 2012 in Yeosu, South Korea. The Expo theme, “The Living Ocean and Coast”, resonates deeply with the UAE, which has a proud seafaring history. The UAE Pavilion in Yeosu reflects the nation’s commitment to the responsible development and protection of its coastline and marine habitat.

Comprising two dune-shaped peaks –the highest reaching 20 metres – the UAE pavilion at Expo 2010 Shanghai attracted almost two million visitors. Now permanently located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi, the Pavilion is a landmark exhibition centre. Praised for its sustainable design, the Foster + Partners-designed pavilion won awards from the Illinois Society of Structural Engineers and the National Council of Structural Engineers Associations.

Zaragoza in Spain welcomed the world for its Expo in 2008, with a theme of Water and Sustainability. The UAE Pavilion was particularly successful, winning the golden award for excellence of design and quality of items and content on display. The award was shared with the pavilions of Germany, Jordan, Japan, Oman and the Philippines.

In 2000, the World Expo took place in Hannover in Germany, with the UAE showcasing its cultural heritage in a pavilion that was designed to resemble Al Jahili fort. A replica of the Al Ain landmark that was built in 1898 by Sheikh Zayed The First, the UAE Pavilion spotlit the commonalities between the Emirates and the theme of Expo 2000, Man, Technology and Nature.