A section of the original Eiffel Tower’s staircase is on display at Expo 2020 Dubai’s Al Forsan Park.
The segment was used to ascend to the top of France’s famed landmark when it opened for the 1889 Paris World Expo.
Four years later, the stairs were replaced with a lift, but now visitors to Expo can get a chance to step back in history and climb part of the original staircase.
"I’m so happy and honoured to have a piece of the Eiffel Tower right next to the Al Wasl Dome – it is very symbolic of travel, discovery, innovation and universal values that are at stake today," said Nathalie Kennedy, consul-general of France in Dubai.
Ahmed Al Khatib, chief development and delivery officer at Expo 2020 Dubai, said when you climb these Eiffel Tower stairs and take a selfie, the backdrop is of Al Wasl Plaza.
"[This is] our own Eiffel Tower, which will keep reminding people of Expo 2020," said Mr Al Khatib.
"If you talk about sustainability, this is a piece of history that is now also a piece of art. And it has travelled all the way from Paris to so many places, and is now here in Dubai. It is the perfect representation of the values of all World Expos.”
The staircase was brought to Expo 2020 Dubai by Janat Paris, a tea house that served drinks at the opening of the Eiffel Tower, while the project is dedicated to renowned Emirati author Mohammed Al Gurg, who passed away in 2020.
"This is a picture of my father on the Eiffel Tower with his best friend in 1964. My father loves France" said Dr Tariq Al Gurg, referring to a photograph on show at the inauguration.
"He bought a place there in the 1980s, which is where he started, sitting on the balcony working on his poetry and articles.”
When it was built, the 324-metre Eiffel Tower was the tallest building in the world.
Expo 2020 Dubai continues until the end of March.
Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures
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Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai on February 15. All photos: Reuters, unless noted otherwise -
Chris Martin and crew rocked Al Wasl Dome as part of the Infinite Nights concert series. -
Kicking off the gig right on time at 9pm, Coldplay launched directly into 'Higher Power', the uplifting hit from their ninth and latest album 'Music of the Spheres'. -
As part of the concert, the 'sky' of Al Wasl Dome also teemed with butterflies, rainbows and oversized BTS holograms. -
Al Wasl Dome came alive with laser projections and holograms as part of the concert. -
Chris Martin went around the circular stage a number of times, greeting the audience. -
Despite the smaller crowd, Chris Martin’s energy was infectious as he stomped back and forth between the centre stage and the outer circles. -
Chris Martin of the band Coldplay performs at Expo 2020 Dubai. -
Coldplay played several hits including 'Paradise' — performed under a kaleidoscope of butterflies and rainbows. Photo: Expo 2020 Dubai -
Chris Martin takes a seat at the piano to croon along to a song. -
Chris Martin was at his best, traipsing around the stage and pulling electrifying poses as he swung his arms and pointed his fingers. -
Guitarist Jonny Buckland, bassist Guy Berryman and drummer Will Champion provided a solid support team to lead vocalist Chris Martin for the night. -
With more than 100 million albums sold worldwide, Coldplay are one of the most successful bands of the 21st century and one of the bestselling music acts of all time. -
Typically found headlining stadiums around the world with upwards of 100,000 fans, it was a rather intimate affair at Expo 2020 Dubai. -
Chris Martin and Jonny Buckland of Coldplay perform at Expo 2020 Dubai.
