Oman’s pavilion at Dubai Expo 2020 wins praise
Shaped like a frankincense tree, the pavilion reflects the deep-rooted history and heritage of Oman
Oman’s unique pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020, which takes the shape of a frankincense tree, is a unique attraction that is a must-see for visitors to the event, which runs from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022.
According to Sumathi Ramanathan, the vice chairperson for marketing and sales strategy at Expo 2020 Dubai, the Omani pavilion reflects the deep-rooted history and heritage of the Sultanate.
“The way Oman has designed its pavilion is amazing and truly fascinating,” she said. “The Sultanate has incarnated the principle
of equal opportunities for youth through the participation of SMEs in the preparations for Expo 2020.”
Ramanathan was speaking to Al Shabiba, the Arabic publication of the Times of Oman newspaper.
“There has been a lot of care and attention accorded to SMEs by the Sultanate in providing them with the opportunity to display their products at the frankincense store at the pavilion,” she said.
“Expo 2020 Dubai does not allow selling of items, but a space
of not more than 20 percent of a country’s pavilion area could be allocated for offering commemorative gifts.”
Some 194 countries and 15 international organisations will be participating at the expo. A recent meeting aimed at finalising preparations for the event was attended by 173 representatives, ahead of the planned inauguration of the event.
“We welcome visitors from Oman to Dubai, and to the Expo,” Ramanathan said. “A big number of Omani families love to come to Dubai via road, preferring to drive through the border checkposts. For those interested to fly to Dubai, however, there are amazing offers on airfare awaiting them.”
“We are closely working with several Omani tourism companies to provide valuable offers for the Omani market, including offers from hotels and aviation companies, besides the offers for young people,” she added.
Around 25 million people are expected to visit the expo, a number that was previously lower, because of uncertainties around the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Expo 2020 in Dubai is expected to be the first event of its kind not just in the Middle East, but across South Asia and Africa as well.
“The number of African countries taking part in this expo will be the largest seen so far,” explained Ramanathan. “People come here not just to see the pavilions or for entertainment and other activities, I believe they come to meet people from around the world under one roof.”
Expo 2020 will also have weeklong programmes such as Health Week and Space Week that will focus on a number of key topics common to people around the globe.