France prints commemorative stamp to celebrate Expo 2020 Dubai

France is to issue a commemorative stamp to mark its participation in Expo 2020 Dubai.

The eye-catching memento – which features the dazzling design of the country's pavilion – will be available at post offices throughout France from June 21.

The global spectacle – the first world fair to be held in the Middle East – will begin on October 1. It was due to take place last year but was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

France is set to make a big impression at the expo, with construction work on its pavilion nearing completion.

Drawing inspiration from the palette of Claude Monet's famous Water Lilies oil paintings, it will stand 21 metres high and boast a 1,800-square-metre facade and 1,000-square-metre forecourt. Thousands of solar tiles are also being fitted to the roof and front of the pavilion.

The budget for France’s participation at the expo is €28 million ($33.45m) – twice the amount the country spent at the 2015 Milan Expo.

Half of this amount is for the construction, design and maintenance of the pavilion. The remainder covers operating costs and the six-month programme of events.