Last Chance To See the World Expo in Dubai
As the Expo 2020 draws to a close, an Origin curator revisits some of the exhibits that truly stood out.
The Dubai World Fair, officially known as Expo 2020, closes its doors on March 31, 2022, after a delayed but dazzling run. The overarching themes of the expo—sustainability, mobility, and opportunity—tied together to deliver a timely message around building a better future for the planet, packaged in mindblowing architecture and interactive exhibits.
Dean is an Origin Travel Curator and Dubai expert, having lived in the city for eight years. Although it’s best known for glitzy tourist attractions, a trip to Dubai planned by Dean is all about looking beneath the surface to find the city’s soul, whether that be in the world-class cuisine, multicultural neighborhoods, or, lately, the ambitious pavilions that make up the Dubai Expo. Whether you’re planning to catch the last days of the fair or just looking for travel inspiration, Dean shares some of his personal highlights from Expo 2020.
Known simply as the “water feature,” the name doesn’t do justice to the Expo’s arena-sized fountain. In addition to water, it also incorporates the elements of fire, earth, and air in a gravity-defying show choreographed to music written by the composer from “Game of Thrones.” The visual effect is of a tsunami in the desert, yet it’s gentle enough for kids to splash around in the swell. “It’s very dramatic, interactive, and great for Instagram,” promises Dean. Keeping with the theme of sustainability, not a drop of water from the fountain is wasted and the hydrogen-powered flames release no carbon.
The Sustainability Pavilion is just as impressive for how it looks as for what it does. The massive funnel-shaped building is lined with solar panels that help to power the entire Dubai Expo and it’s designed to collect rainwater and condensation that’s later reused. Dean says the Sustainability Pavilion has been a highlight for Origin members who have visited the Expo, but don’t stress if you can’t make it by the closing date; the entire pavilion is going to be preserved and turned into a Sustainability Museum once the Expo finishes.
Different countries have their own areas within the Sustainability District, but none are quite as awe-inspiring as Singapore’s. The country’s design team built an entire rainforest, made even more impressive considering it’s in the middle of a desert. “The pavilion features a three-dimensional greenery experience and brings themes of the environment and sustainability to the fore,” Dean explains, “with its built-in net-zero energy rainforest powered by a self-sustaining ecosystem.”
From the outside, the Russia Pavilion evokes orbiting planets moving at lightspeed.
Eye-catching as it is, the interior is even more fascinating with a multimedia exhibit all
about the human brain. Part of it showcases past achievements of Russian scientists
and engineers, but Dean’s favorite section looks to the future and the rise of artificial
intelligence.
The U.S. Pavilion is a multistory exhibit all about American innovation, but two parts are especially worthwhile. Visitors can look up to the stars—or rather, the planetarium-style projected globe—to learn about the past triumphs and the future potential of space exploration. Back on Earth, America’s most spectacular sights are on display in a walk-through exhibit of U.S. national parks including Dry Tortugas, Glacier Bay, and the Grand Canyon.
A World Fair wouldn’t be complete without showcasing international cuisine. You can get a taste of dishes from around the globe at the different country pavilions, but Dean shares the three he found especially appetizing: France, South Korea, and Italy. They may be cuisines you think you already know, but all three of them highlight regional specialties that are meant to surprise you.
Don’t miss your last chance to be dazzled by the World Expo in Dubai. Create a trip request below and have Dean plan the perfect visit from start to finish.
Dean Hayter
A Senior Travel Curator at Origin, Dean spent his 20s living in Dubai. He's currently based in London but is always considering where his next home country might be. When he's not designing incredible trips, Dean can usually be found at a music festival, drinking tea like a true Brit or playing video games. He also loves bread and can scout out a bakery wherever he is in the world.
Cover Image: Abie Davis/Shutterstock. Image 1: Mo Azizi/Shutterstock. All other images courtesy of Expo 2020 or Unsplash.