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Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi (right) was warmly greeted by expatriates and Pakistani officials as he visited for the official opening of the Pakistani pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday
Image Credit: Ashfaq Ahmed / Gulf News
Dubai: Pakistani President Dr Arif Alvi officially unveiled ‘hidden treasures’ at Pakistan pavilion as hundreds of expats gathered to attend his official opening ceremony at Expo 2020 Dubai on Saturday .
Earlier today at the Expo, Dr Alvi met His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, at the Leaders’ Pavilion.
President Alvi, who arrived in the United Arab Emirates on Saturday for a two-day visit, said after the opening of the Pakistan pavilion that Expo 2020 Dubai is an “unprecedented opportunity” for the Pakistani government and private sector to reach out to the world.
During his visit to Expo 2020 Dubai, President Alvi was accompanied by his wife Samina Alvi, senior officials, leading Pakistani businessmen in the United Arab Emirates and diplomats.
Two day tour
Early Saturday morning, President Alvi was received by UAE Justice Minister Abdullah bin Sultan bin Awad Al Nuaimi and Pakistani Ambassador Afzaal Mahmood at Al Maktoum International Airport, where he arrived on a special presidential flight. His wife Samina Alvi also accompanied the president. Minister of Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sohail Mahmood are among the President’s entourage.
He also addressed the business community at an event on ‘Roshan Digital Account and Roshan Apna Ghar’, the initiatives launched by the government to facilitate Pakistani expatriates abroad. The event was organized by the State Bank of Pakistan in cooperation with a partner based in Dubai. President Alvi’s visit also coincides with 50 years of establishing diplomatic relations between Pakistan and the United Arab Emirates.
“Perfect place”
President Alvi said: “He [Expo 2020 Dubai] is the ideal place to reach a wider global audience to attract foreign investment in different sectors including renewable energy, mineral resources, real estate, engineering, information technology, agriculture and tourism.
He added: “It is encouraging to see the overwhelming response to Expo 2020 Dubai, with visitors coming from all parts of the world to attend the mega event. Our active presence at Expo 2020 Dubai also means that we are once again focusing on geoeconomics. “
The Expo, called “The World’s Biggest Show”, opened on October 1. It will run for six months until March 31, 2022 with the participation of approximately 192 countries.
“Hidden treasures” at the pavilion
Under the theme “Hidden Treasure”, the Pakistan pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai aims to showcase Pakistan’s soft image and the country’s rich cultural heritage.
The pavilion includes eight key spaces depicting the country’s history, religious diversity, culture, landscape and wildlife, among others. One of the pavilions is also dedicated to show Pakistan’s efforts to combat climate change and displays information about the government’s Billion-Tree Tsunami project.
The bright colors of the facade, which provides an eye-catching background for selfies and group photos, also reflect the changing seasons the country is experiencing.
The variety of experiences offered at the pavilion include video, tactile immersions, sound beats and interactive installations. Visitors take a journey through time showcasing Pakistan’s ancient history, ethno-religious diversity, cultural traditions, natural resources and economic potential.
The pavilion also features a bespoke Pakistani cuisine restaurant called “The Dhaaba” (food court) which will present the authentic and centuries-old cuisine of the country to a global audience. It will also offer indigenous dishes from each region.
A souvenir shop with arts and crafts unique to Pakistan will also be part of the pavilion to allow visitors to take home a bit of Pakistani culture from its range of cultural memorabilia available.
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