How Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai ‘projected the Kingdom’s true image’

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Updated 12 April 2022
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How Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai ‘projected the Kingdom’s true image’

  • The building embodied Saudi Arabia’s bold ambition to shape the world for the better
  • Pavilion’s attractions were an invitation for guests to visit the Kingdom’s cultural sites

DUBAI: For the past six months, Saudi Arabia’s people and natural landscapes, as well as its past, present and future, were celebrated by an award-winning pavilion at the world’s most famous exhibition.

Since its launch on Oct. 1 last year, some 4.6 million visitors had a chance to visit the pavilion, experience Saudi hospitality and engage with Saudis to hear unique and exciting stories about the Kingdom.

Rising six stories above the ground and featuring a 1,320 sq. m inclined mirrored screen, the Saudi Pavilion at Expo Dubai 2020 was designed to showcase the Kingdom’s culture, heritage, natural wonders, as well as its present and future ambitions.

The rectangular facade of the sloping structure soared to the sky, as if ready to take flight. The pavilion spanned an impressive 13,069 sq. m — the size of two football pitches — and was the second largest in size.

The building, designed by Spain-based Boris Micka Associates, was an architectural landmark, embodying Saudi Arabia’s bold ambition to shape the world for the better.




Saudi Pavilion won an award within the best pavilion category. (Supplied)

“The pavilion is our country’s ‘window to the world,’ showcasing Saudi Arabia as it really is,” Hussain Hanbazazah, the commissioner-general of the Saudi Pavilion, told Arab News shortly after the inauguration in the last week of September.

“The structure opens like a large window into the future, with immersive experiences showing the nation’s welcoming character, rich history and heritage, and ancient culture.

“It also showcases the towering ambition of the Saudi people and unlimited drive of our nation as well as the myriad opportunities under our national transformation plan, Vision 2030.”

Visitors descended via a staircase, onto an outside terrace area, that included an award-winning circular water feature.

From there, guests could go inside to marvel at startling images of Saudi Arabia’s diverse natural landscape on vast screens.

It was the first stop on a technology-enabled journey through five ecosystems presented on different levels of the pavilion, guiding the visitor through the Kingdom’s natural wonders — its unspoiled coastline, vast deserts, mountainous terrains and biodiversity.
 

Saudi Pavilion

1—16 Windows Highlighting the beauty of Saudi culture, the pavilion introduced visitors to a different sector of the cultural economy each week, from film and literature to heritage and fashion.

2—Saudi crafts Children learned about Saudi Arabia’s unique regional handicraft traditions by making floral head wreaths and taking part in Al-Sadu weaving workshops.

3—Saudi folklore Daily performances in the pavilion’s open square introduced visitors to the Kingdom’s rich folklore traditions, ranging from the Saudi Ardah, Al-Liwa, Al-Azawi, and Al-Khubaiti.

4—Business forums Saudi entrepreneurs met with their global counterparts to discuss opportunities for cooperation in investment, sustainability, healthcare, digitization, innovation and smart cities.

5—Saudi sounds In the pavilion’s Palm Garden, visitors enjoyed live music performances from Saudi musicians.

6—Sports programs Reflecting the Kingdom’s growing prominence in global sport, the pavilion offered visitors exciting VR experiences, live coverage of motor racing and more.

7—Saudi Salon Monthly discussion sessions in an open format focused on topics of cultural and social significance in the Kingdom and beyond.

8—Sustainable energy A program of science activities allowed children to learn about recycling and sustainability by transforming recycled materials into eye-catching works of art.

As guests made their way to the top floor of the building, they were transported up an escalator where around them were built and projected scenes of the flora of Rijal Almaa and its traditional flower festival in the Asir Region.

In their virtual journey, they then passed the Sarawat Mountains, known for its towering peaks and expansive valleys, and then to the endless sand dunes of the Empty Quarter in southeastern Saudi Arabia and finally into the clear waters of the Red Sea.

“The Saudi Pavilion’s design and architecture is as fascinating and dynamic as the content it displays; it encapsulates the wonders of the Kingdom. Saudi Arabia has developed an outstanding architectural landmark, embodying a bold ambition to shape the world for the better,” Hanbazazah told Arab News.

“The design reflects both the country’s past and aspiring future, inviting guests to explore our beautiful natural landscapes while learning about the rich history that has shaped the Saudi Arabia we celebrate today.”

The highest floor revealed additional large floor-to-ceiling screens in addition to one on a long circular-like table.

Playing across both were a series of short films immersing visitors into Saudi Arabia’s 14 cultural landscapes, including UNESCO World Heritage Sites such as At-Turaif District in Ad-Diriyah, Hegra Archaeological Site in AlUla, Historic Jeddah, Rock Art in the Hail Region, and Al-Ahsa Oasis.

It was a breathtaking and eloquent invitation to visit the Kingdom’s dazzling cultural sites — many of which have only recently been opened to international visitors.

Nearby was an audiovisual guide that prompted visitors to explore 23 additional destinations in the Kingdom, including its giga-projects showcasing the country’s heritage and ambitions for sustainable development, Qiddiya, Diriyah Gate and King Salman Park.

This month, the Saudi Pavilion won an award within the best pavilion category, along with two honorary awards, following selection by the Exhibitor magazine, which hands out awards during each edition of Expo.




Saudi Arabia lowered the curtain on its Expo 2020 Dubai pavilion on Monday, and looked to raise an- other one — by hosting Expo 2030 in Riyadh. (Shutterstock)

The pavilion won the award for the best pavilion in the category of large suites, as well as the honorary award in the category of best exterior design and best display.

Earlier, it was awarded the LEED Platinum Certificate by the US Green Building Council, designating it among the most sustainable designs in the world.

It also holds three Guinness World Records for the longest interactive state-of-the-art water feature, the largest LED mirror screen display and the largest interactive lighting floor.

“Through rich and varied content, the Saudi Pavilion seeks to offer visitors a unique experience that reflects the true image of the Kingdom as it is today under Saudi Vision 2030, our road map for the future, while emphasizing the importance of pride in identity, history and heritage,” said Hanbazazah.

FASTFACTS

• 2nd largest pavilion with a total area of 13,059 sq. m.

• LEED Platinum certified innovative, sustainable design.

• Four main pillars: People, nature, heritage & opportunities.

“The journey through the Saudi Pavilion showcases a future-focused Saudi Arabia: Welcoming, young, diverse and vibrant.”

The appeal of the Saudi Pavilion extended far beyond the sheer structure of the building because it also took visitors on a journey through the Kingdom itself.

Once visitors completed the heritage and natural tour of the pavilion, they could view “Vision,” an interactive art exhibition revealing a 30-meter sphere that appeared to float in the room above a custom-built interactive floor that transformed into various patterns, colors and light displays.

Lastly, located just outside the main edifice was the Discovery Center, an explanatory section where guests could view the history and build of the pavilion as well as connect leaders from around the world to forge potential partnerships and discuss investment opportunities, visualized through an interactive digital map of Saudi Arabia.

The journey ended with a gift shop and the pavilion’s very own cafe, Sard, where customers were met with a tantalizing display of coffees from across the Kingdom, their aromas filling the air.


Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

Updated 22 min 22 sec ago
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Saudi FM attends Oslo Forum in Norway

  • Forum hosts global leaders and conflict mediators
  • Prince Faisal bin Farhan will meet foreign officials

RIYADH: Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in the Norwegian capital on Tuesday to take part in the Oslo Forum.

The annual event, organized by the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Center for Humanitarian Dialogue in Switzerland, hosts global leaders and conflict mediators.

Prince Faisal will meet foreign officials to strengthen relations with the Kingdom and discuss various regional and international issues, the Saudi Press Agency reported.


What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

Updated 13 min 31 sec ago
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What pilgrims are sharing online after their Hajj journey

  • Worshippers take to social media to share profound experiences with loved ones
  • Posting online becomes a way to process the weight of Hajj for many

RIYADH: For many pilgrims, the spiritual journey of Hajj does not end when they leave the holy sites. It continues — quietly, intentionally — in the days and weeks that follow.

Across Saudi Arabia, young pilgrims are using social media to process the weight of Hajj and share the experience with loved ones.

Noor Ahmad, 21, did not plan to post during her pilgrimage. But after she returned, the urge to share came naturally.

After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments. But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?

Noor Ahmad

“After returning from Hajj, I decided to share a few captured moments,” she said. “But how can a photo truly capture the depth and majesty of the experience?”

She described how people responded in varied ways. “Those who had gone before felt nostalgic and started sharing their own stories. Others — those who hadn’t been yet — expressed their longing. It became this moment of connection.”

For Noor, the decision to post was not about aesthetics. “It’s a monumental event. Maybe I could inspire someone who’s hesitant to go. Maybe they’ll see what I saw — and want to experience it for themselves.

“It was my way of saying thank you”

Shatha Al-Jadaan, 25, took a different approach to sharing, after taking a digital detox.

I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.

Shatha Al-Jadaan

“During Hajj, I decided to partially fast from social media. I used only the essentials,” she said. “After I returned, I posted a thread to my close friends explaining where I’d been and shared some of the most meaningful moments.”

The response was full of prayers and warmth. “People were kind, supportive, and curious. But what mattered most to me was that I used the thread to say thank you — to the organizers, to the volunteers, and to Allah.”

She spoke about how she found value in using digital platforms to document something greater than herself.

“I enjoy sharing meaningful moments, and after seeing the tremendous effort put into Hajj on every level, I felt my post was a small, sincere gesture of appreciation.”

Salem Al-Khudair, 28, recorded a voice note to his family group chat while performing the rites.

“I just couldn’t find the words to write. So I recorded myself speaking right after standing in Arafat. I sent it to my family WhatsApp group. My mom was emotional. My dad said, ‘May God accept from you.’ That was enough.”

In an age of curated content, Hajj posts tend to stand out for their sincerity. Pilgrims often strip away the filters, metaphors and trend-driven formats, and just speak from the heart.

Noura Al-Dosari, 23, uploaded a private Instagram story highlight with no captions. “Just visuals. No filters. No hashtags,” she said. “It wasn’t for followers. It was for me. For reflection. A digital bookmark of who I became.”

Some write long captions, others simply post a photo of their ihram folded neatly back into a drawer.

But all of them carry a silent message: I went. I came back different.

Many pilgrims use their posts to recall moments of physical hardship that brought emotional breakthroughs — the heat, the long walks, the brief but powerful connections with strangers.

Others use it to highlight the seamless organization of the pilgrimage as a reminder of how far the experience has evolved.

Amani Al-Saad, 26, used X to share a short story about a volunteer who helped her carry her bag in Muzdalifah. “She didn’t speak much, but she smiled at me and said, ‘This is what we’re here for.’ That stuck with me. I wrote about it as a reminder to myself — that sometimes the smallest moments hold the most meaning.”

While digital connections are increasingly common, most pilgrims emphasize that the real processing happens offline — in quiet conversations with family, in their prayer rooms, or on long drives home.

“I didn’t post to perform,” said Al-Jadaan. “I posted to remember.”

 


National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season

Updated 4 sec ago
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National Water Co. ready for post-Hajj season

  • The company added the plan included securing water storage and coordinating with water production and distribution systems

MADINAH: The National Water Co. has confirmed it is operationally ready for the post-Hajj season.

The company said it would distribute more than 630,000 cubic meters of potable water daily to pilgrims at the Prophet’s Mosque and throughout Madinah and said its readiness built on ongoing efforts to serve pilgrims and visitors.

The plan involves more than 1,200 employees, including technical, administrative and engineering staff, working to provide water and environmental services.

The company added the plan included securing water storage and coordinating with water production and distribution systems, the Saudi Press Agency reported.

Water will be supplied daily during the post-Hajj season through continuous pumping to the central area and religious sites. Chemical and biological tests will be conducted to ensure compliance with water quality standards.

The company said its smart operation system continues to manage and monitor Madinah’s water network, overseeing water pressure and quality in pipelines and reservoirs.

 


Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group

Updated 36 min 57 sec ago
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Saudi film body joins global audiovisual group

  • Through this affiliation, the commission plans to develop archiving projects and engage in knowledge exchange with international institutions

RIYADH: The Film Commission announced its membership in the International Association of Sound and Audiovisual Archives, a step aimed at supporting its work in audiovisual archiving.

The association includes members from 70 countries and represents institutions that preserve materials such as visual content, musical works, historical and literary recordings, and oral histories.

According to the Saudi Press Agency, this membership supports the commission’s efforts to preserve Saudi Arabia’s audiovisual heritage.

Through this affiliation, the commission plans to develop archiving projects and engage in knowledge exchange with international institutions.

The move also reflects the commission’s aim to adopt recognized practices and modern technologies in film archiving, the SPA reported.

Cooperation with association members will provide access to innovations in audiovisual preservation and contribute to efforts to safeguard the Kingdom’s cultural heritage.

Founded in 1969 in Amsterdam, the association promotes collaboration among institutions focused on audiovisual preservation.

It hosts an annual conference for sharing expertise in preservation, restoration, digitization, intellectual property, and public access to archival materials.

 


French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

Updated 25 min 24 sec ago
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French architect showcases AlUla’s heritage in New York exhibition

  • The exhibition was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding

RIYADH: The Didier Aaron Gallery in New York, in collaboration with the Consulate General of Saudi Arabia, is hosting an art exhibition by French architect Jean-Pierre Heim.

The exhibition showcases AlUla’s culture and heritage through a collection of sketches depicting Saudi Arabia’s archaeological landmarks.

It runs until June 20, reported the Saudi Press Agency.

A special event at the exhibition featured Heim speaking about his visits to AlUla and the surrounding region.

It was opened by Abdullah Al-Hamdan, the Kingdom’s consul general in New York, who spoke about the role of art in encouraging cultural exchange and international understanding.

He also noted the value of such exhibitions in sharing aspects of Saudi heritage with a wider audience.

Heim described his design approach as being informed by local culture and geography, emphasizing the integration of architecture with environment, history, and traditions.

The exhibition includes selected architectural drawings by Heim, inspired by his travels to more than 80 countries, including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Sudan, Jordan, Greece, and China.