Expo 2020 Dubai celebrates Palestine

The rich heritage and culture of the Palestinian people is celebrated with a day of events, including a special concert

Exhibits at the Palestine Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai are designed to evoke the sights, smells and sounds of Jerusalem. All photos: Pawan Singh / The National

The first exhibit in the pavilion recreates the feel of the Old City of Jerusalem, with its narrow alleyways and decorative arches and screens.

Stone slabs have been imported from Jerusalem.

Visitors then take an atmospheric elevator ride that simulates rising high above the bustling streets of Jerusalem. AFP

Specially designed urns release the scents of flowers and fruits grown in Palestine.

The scents of roses, thyme and oranges are released by the urns, among others.

After the visuals, visitors are invited to touch items which evoke Palestine's exports, such as salt from the Dead Sea.

This aluminium piece is from Islam's third holiest site, the Al Aqsa Mosque, and the Dome of the Rock, a seventh-century structure believed to be where the Prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven.

Photos illustrating traditional Palestinian dishes on display at the Palestine pavilion.

Visitors watching the virtual reality show at the Palestine pavilion.

An immersive visual experience illustrating a traditional Palestinian feast is the final exhibit of the pavilion.

The glories of Palestine are being highlighted at Expo 2020 Dubai on Friday, as its country day is celebrated.

This provides an opportunity for visitors to savour Palestine's rich culture.

A ceremony to mark the day was held under Al Wasl Dome on Friday morning, with a performance by the Asayel folk band, followed a speech by Najeeb Al Ali, executive director of the Expo 2020 Bureau and Palestine’s Minister of Economy, Khaled Al Osaili.

“We have great hopes that the profound UAE-Palestinian ties continue to develop to include diverse areas,” said Mr Al Ali.

He said the unique design of Palestine’s pavilion offers a splendid representation of the country’s everlasting and rich heritage, and takes visitors on a journey through time.

Inside the Palestinian pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. Photo: Suneesh Sudhakaran / Expo 2020 Dubai

“It is beautiful facade displaying the country’s most acclaimed destinations such as the Al Aqsa mosque – Islam’s third most sacred site – and the Church of the Nativity [in Bethlehem] reflecting the unity of its people.

“It also shows the developments in education, technology, creativity, art and culture and the business opportunities across Palestine’s different sectors.”

Mr Al Osaili thanked Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, for his support.

“The support that manifested through [Sheikh Mohammed's] visit to the Palestine pavilion and his tweet ‘when Palestine is present, beauty is present and history writes its presence' reflects strong Emirati-Palestinian relations,” Mr Al Osaili said.

Celebrations will conclude with a special concert on the Jubilee Stage, from 7pm to 9pm.

Expo visitors will also be encouraged to visit the Palestine pavilion at the world's fair, where the sights, smells and sounds of Jerusalem are showcased.

It aims to recreate the feel of the Old City, with its narrow alleyways and decorative arches. Stone slabs imported from the city complete the effect.

Pictures recreate the atmosphere of bustling bazaars where Palestinians trade textiles and souvenirs and where the many bakeries sell the popular local bread.