Australia unveils pavilion for Dubai World Expo 2020

February 22, 2021

Australia, along with Canada, India and Malaysia, has revealed its Pavilion for Dubai World Expo 2020.

The newly completed pavilion, ‘Blue Sky Dreaming’, seeks to highlight Australia's "diversity, ingenuity and contribution through 60,000 years of innovation"

Completed on 31st January, the pavilion was designed by Brisbane-based architectural firm bureau^proberts, and features a dramatic roof structure that appears to hover and is said to be inspired by the cumulus cloud, a "feature of the diverse Australian landscape".

The Federal Government backed presence at Dubai World Expo will feature hundreds of themed and interactive pavilions, as well as immersive cultural experiences and live entertainment.

However, with international borders closed for the foreseeable future due to the pandemic, a question remains as to many will visit the Expo.

Last month, real estate consultants Knight Frank said visitors to the rescheduled Expo are unlikely to match the 25 million project by organisers.

Nonetheless, the Federal Government remains committed to the event, with a spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advising "Australia's participation in Expo 2020 will support economic recovery efforts in those sectors most impacted by the 2019-20 Australian bushfires and the COVID-19 pandemic, maximising commercial opportunities for Australia, and showcasing Australian capabilities and ingenuity.”

Australia is among more than 190 nations participating in the Expo which compares to 206 taking part in the Tokyo Olympics.

Even though the Federal Government controversially did not participate in the previous expo held in the Italian city of Milan in 2015, Australia has a long involvement in the event. The nation’s association with World Fairs can be traced back to Melbourne's hosting of the event in 1880 with the buildings constructed for it in inner-city Carlton now World Heritage listed by UNESCO.

Dubai World Expo 2020 is scheduled to open on 1st October and run until 31st March next year.

Image: The newly completed Australia pavilion at this year's Dubai World Expo. Credit: Supplied/Leoni Milano.

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