Saudi Arabia to present 'welcoming' image with huge Expo 2020 Dubai presence

First photos of pavilion revealed as kingdom seeks more modern image on world stage

The Saudi Pavilion at Expo 2020 will be 13,069 square metres - the second largest pavilion at next year's world fair. Courtesy Expo 2020 Dubai
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Saudi Arabia will set up a huge pavilion at Expo 2020 to promote its drive to attract tourists and businesses to the kingdom.

The area devoted to the country will be one of the largest at the world fair next year, second only to the UAE pavilion, and will seek to project an image of a modern and welcoming country.

The first images of the distinctive building unveiled on Sunday show a rectangular, reflective structure that will stand at an angle and will be the size of two football fields.

Saudi Arabia, one of the UAE's closest allies, is among 190 countries that have confirmed their participation in Expo 2020, which begins in October next year and will run for almost six months. It is estimated that 25 million visitors will attend.

“This extraordinary and innovative design perfectly captures the determination of the kingdom to fulfil its promise of being an ambitious nation, while conveying a message of dynamism and partnership with the world,” said Mohammed Al Tuwaijri, a Saudi Economy Minister responsible for the country's Expo participation.

“All Saudis can be proud of the vision that this ground-breaking pavilion will deliver to the world, and we look forward to inviting global citizens to share in the exciting story of our thriving and vibrant society.”

Those visiting the Saudi pavilion can expect an “immersive experience of the kingdom’s transformation”, organisers said, focusing on its history and traditions as well as its future. Construction for the structure began in February.

Exhibitions will present Saudi Arabia's "desire to build links and collaborate with countries to create a better future for everyone".

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Take a look: The world's Expo 2020 pavilions revealed so far