Pakistan Pavilion to showcase 7,000-year-old civilisation
VISITORS WILL BE TAKEN ON A VOYAGE THROUGH TIME, SAYS AMBASSADOR
TThe pavilion will showcase the enormous treasures in tourism, commerce and investment that are waiting to be discovered and benefited by the world.”
Afzaal Mahmood | Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE
he Pakistan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai, built at a cost of around Dh110.2 million (around $30 million), is primed to take visitors on a voyage through time while featuring ‘hidden treasures’ of the country.
Afzaal Mahmood, Ambassador of Pakistan to the UAE, said: “Pakistan pavilion is now ready under the theme ‘Pakistan: The Hidden Treasure’ with an aim to enhance country’s tourism, commerce and investment.”
Ambassador Mahmood told Gulf News in an exclusive interview in Dubai that Expo 2020 Dubai (which begins on October 1) will have the largestever pavilion of Pakistan constructed outside of the country. “The pavilion will showcase the enormous treasures in tourism, commerce and investment that are waiting to be discovered and benefited by the world,” he said, adding that Pakistan would present itself as a “land of opportunities” for commerce and investment.
World’s first-recorded civilisations
“Visitors will be taken on a voyage through time, from the world’s first-recorded civilisation to the fast-paced digital era which include virtual experiences of our breathtaking landscapes, cultural and religious diversity, rich artisan traditions, and strong economic potentials,” he added.
He said that 180 events have been lined up for the six-month Expo, showcasing Pakistan’s art and culture, heritage, education and tourism. The events will also include conferences, seminars and meetings for business and investment.
Hub of opportunities
The pavilion, he added, would serve as a hub of business opportunities, allowing the Pakistani business community to network with international markets and investors.
Ambassador Mahmood said
he has been engaging with the Pakistani community in the UAE since he took over his office in January 2021.
“I have been trying to reach out to different community segments across the UAE, including the Pakistani organisations in different emirates and the business community to involve them with Expo 2020 activities. I have been trying to get their suggestions, and a lot of their valuable input has gone into planning the Pakistan Pavilion. Some of them were also featured in the promotional
video prepared to promote the Pakistan Pavilion.”
He also urged the community members to participate and attend the Pakistan pavilion’s events that will be held not only within the Expo site but also in different parts of Dubai.
Pakistan’s four provinces and two regions will be featured during the six-month Expo. Each of the six months have been dedicated to a province or a region, starting with Balochistan in October, showcasing its culture, people, foods and investment opportunities.