The Pakistan Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020 has certainly been in the limelight from the day the Expo 2020 commenced on October 1st, 2021. We take you through a stunning visual and sensory journey with Noorjehan Bilgrami, the Principal Curator, to discover the ‘hidden treasures’ of our country and its heritage.
The majestic geographic landscapes, works of master craftsmen, food, music, and the amalgamation of the different cultures and religions that co-exist will fill all Pakistanis with a sense of pride. The colorful façade is absolutely stunning and has been designed by one of Pakistan’s leading visual artists, Rashid Rana, who was inspired by the diversity of the country.
Pakistan Pavilion, Dubai Expo 2020
“Our country is one of the most diverse regions on the planet; geographically, climatically, culturally, racially, and ethnically and I wanted that reflected in the design,” he says.
‘People need to come and observe with their senses and not rush through.” says Noorjehan. With 8000 visitors on the first day and over 30,000 so far, she mentions how she never expected it would be such a quick game changer in changing people’s perception of Pakistan.
As you will see in our video, there is a lot of detailing of information and layered effects of sound, music, and even fragrance – you can even smell “motia” as you walk through the beautiful corridors! The filmmakers will leave you with a sense of awe when the vastness and beauty of the mountains and changing landscapes throughout the length and breadth of Pakistan surround you.
The project took almost 3 years to set up from being created conceptually up till completion on site. Each month will exhibit a different province, with Balochistan being the first to be showcased.
Mr. Razzak Dawood, advisor to the Prime Minister for Commerce and Investment, is the minister in charge of TDAP, the department responsible for the pavilion. He requested Pakistani architects, Mr. Shahid Abdullah, Yawar Gilani, and Mahboob, to provide some guidelines for the work. A trust was then formed to collect private and corporate funding, which together with the UAE government help to put up the pavilion.
Some facts:
- Principal Curator: Noorjehan Bilgrami, a visual artist, curator, and educationist, well known for her efforts in reviving the traditional crafts of Pakistan.
- Curatorial Review Committee: Shahid Abdulla, Yawar Jilani, Mahboob Khan
- Curatorial Team: Fatima Mullick, Zoha bin Zubair, Noor Ahmed, Irfan Naqi
- The official soundtrack of the pavilion has been composed by Rohail Hyatt and is called ‘Lala-e-Sehrai’
- The interior design for the Bazaar and the 2 restaurants, including the Dhaaba and the VIP lounges, are done by Naheed Mashooqullah
- Kamran Sheikh does the Food and menu for the restaurants
- Project Management, Javed Idrees
- Architect: Emad, an Iraqi Canadian architect
10 Facts About Expo 2020 Dubai That Makes it Unique. Read the full story here:
Dubai Expo 2020 is the most significant cultural gathering in the world. It is also the most prominent event ever held by the Arab world, celebrating the best creativity, culture, and innovation from 191 countries. There are plenty of exhibits and pavilions set up by participating countries which are kept under wraps to build anticipation. However, as days come closer, some details are beginning to slip.
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