Rabat – Following the resounding success of Expo 2020 Dubai, the UAE has announced plans to transform the exhibition site into a new “environmentally-friendly” Expo City Dubai and the Moroccan pavilion will be kept in the city’s plan.
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the ruler of Dubai, announced on Monday that the launch of the Expo City Dubai is scheduled for October 1, 2022.
“After the historical success of Expo 2020 Dubai, which was visited by more than 24 million visitors, and which left an indelible mark in the 170-year history of World Expositions, today we announce the transformation of the exhibition site into Expo City Dubai,” said Al Maktoum.
The new city will retain 80% of the expo’s infrastructure and continue to host the pavilions of Morocco, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Luxembourg, Australia, Pakistan, India, and Egypt. Some of the pavilions will undergo revisions in the coming months.
Expo 2020 Dubai’s most visited attractions, Al Wasl Plaza, the Garden in the Sky observation tower, and the Surreal water feature will also be kept in the city.
Created to become an “ideal smart and futuristic destination,” Expo City Dubai will feature sports and entertainment facilities, a mall, and offices in addition to the Dubai Exhibition Centre (DEC), the Women’s Pavilion dedicated to female change-makers, and the Vision Pavilion, honoring Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
The city is also set to host the new headquarters of DP World and Siemens, as well as offices of start-ups and small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
Considered sustainable and eco-friendly, the new city is expected to be free of single-use plastic to become the first WELL-certified community in the region, reflecting the positive impact of the built environment on the health and well-being of the people.
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Expo City Dubai is “a city in which the magic of Expo will live on: Al Wasl will continue to shine, the waterfall will continue to delight, and the UAE, Alif and Terra pavilions will continue to fascinate visitors of all ages,” Al Maktoum added.
The modernity and sustainability of the 13-room Moroccan pavilion are expected to add a charm to the new Expo City Dubai.
In March, the Moroccan pavilion ranked first in the Expo 2020 Dubai awards for exhibition design. The Moroccan achievement was concluded in category C which includes spaces smaller than 1,750 m2.
The Moroccan space notably hosted numerous cultural events, introducing the public to aspects of Moroccan history and traditions.
Throughout the exhibition, thousands of diplomats, public figures, and visitors passed by the pavilion and experienced the Moroccan heritage with touches of modernity, sustainability, and innovation.