16 Most Beautiful Pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai

1. Al Wasl Plaza

If the Eiffel Tower was the main landmark of the Expo event in Paris in 1889, Al Wasl Plaza is the main landmark of Expo 2020 Dubai. The stunning dome-shaped piece of architecture is an impressive example of what you can expect at Expo 2020 Dubai.

In fact, it is considered to be the world's largest unsupported dome. Standing at over 67 meters tall and 130 meters wide, Al Wasl Plaza is a visual marvel, one that is worthy of being the icon of the entire event.

The dome is so big that it will be one of the first pieces of architecture you will see, even before you arrive at the Expo 2020 metro station in Dubai. The dome structure is also used as a 360° surface for laser projection during the opening ceremony—the largest of its kind—and there were always different light shows every day, keeping us visitors engaged.

After the Expo 2020 Dubai event ended in April, it has been confirmed that Al Wasl Plaza will be left untouched. Dubai will turn the place into a tourist attraction, so be sure to drop by when you are in Dubai.

2. The UAE Pavilion

Of course, being the host of the Expo 2020 event, the UAE has to show the world that it is capable of designing and constructing a piece of architecture that is worthy of the title, and I have gotta say, the UAE pavilion definitely didn't disappoint.

Shaped like a falcon in flight, the UAE Pavilion is designed to reflect the bird's agility and the strength of the country and its people. It is also a cultural symbol of the country and a huge part of Emirati tradition.

The UAE pavilion is a four-story white structure consisting of a hospitality space and exhibitions dedicated to showcasing the culture and telling inspiring stories of the country and its incredible achievements.

The building is all painted in white, smoothly curved throughout, and the interior is dotted with blue ponds and small trees. Once inside, I was blown away by its immersive presentation, from a room full of projections on real sand dunes displaying the history of the UAE, to a 4D experience theatre with an elevating platform.

Once the presentation is done, I am ushered into a room full of inspiring ideas and innovations that the country is planning to showcase to the world. These ideas range from growing crops in the desert to a self-driving taxi, all within the stunning interior of an intricately designed falcon-shaped structure.

Since the UAE is the organizer of Expo 2020 Dubai, you can bet that they will keep the pavilion up and running in one form or another even after the event has ended. So, be sure to drop by there when you are in Dubai.

3. Germany Pavilion

Germany Pavilion was another fun pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. The concept was based on a campus theme where visitors will be able to have a hands-on experience with creative environmental ideas through awesome interactions and entertainment.

When I first arrived at "Campus Germany", I had to enter my name, and they would give me a printed name card before I was introduced to Germany and its different regions and how Germany is driving forward its sustainable energy technology.

The introduction of the Germany Pavilion was pretty typical at the Expo, but what made the Germany Pavilion one of the most beautiful pavilions to visit was the fun and interactive swing room. In this room, you would find yourself surrounded by large screens, and you would be able to watch the presentation while synchronously swinging to the ongoing light and sound show.

They also had a ball pit room you could jump in. The pavilion was very impressive in its interactive presentation, all the while educating you about the country's initiative and providing us with some great photo opportunities.

It has not been confirmed yet whether the Germany Pavilion will continue to operate after Expo 2020 Dubai has ended, but one can hope that the UAE government will be able to repurpose this massive structure into something awesome.

4. The United Kingdom Pavilion

If you met someone from outer space, how would you describe Earth in just a few words? That was the question the United Kingdom Pavilion was trying to answer with one of the most stunning and outlandish designs at the Expo 2020 Dubai event.

The pavilion was designed to showcase the country's collective intellectual and collaborative future using an AI-generated collective poem that anyone can contribute to, and it will be displayed on the façade of its stunning fiber-optic-cable-shaped structure.

The design of the pavilion was inspired by Stephen Hawking’s final project, "Breakthrough Message," which invites visitors to consider what message they would like to communicate as a planet should we one day encounter other advanced civilizations in space. It has not been confirmed yet whether the UK Pavilion will remain in place after the Expo 2020 Dubai event ends.

5. Japan Pavilion

This may have to do with the fact that Japan is going to be the next country that will hold the helm of the Expo in 2025, but the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was, by far, one of the most technologically impressive and memorable experiences I had in the entire expo event.

Many people definitely agree with this, so much so that in order to get in, I had to queue up for more than 90 minutes because I wasn't there on time when the gate opened. It was a little frustrating, but the moment I entered the pavilion, I knew right away it was worth the wait.

As you enter the pavilion, you will be given a smartphone where you will receive a set of instructions to follow. Once you are done, you will be ushered into several rooms to watch a series of epic presentations of Japan displaying its impressive accomplishments and providing a look at the pillars and core of why Japanese culture is so unique.

One of the best rooms you would be entering is a room full of elaborate miniatures of modern Japan and its future, built using day-to-day objects that are both highly creative and extremely impressive. These small miniatures depict Japan in a way that only the Japanese would do.

When we entered the miniature room, we were given only around 15-20 minutes before we were asked to move to the next room. I think the time limit was a little too short, in my opinion, and I only managed to take photos of a couple of these awesome miniatures. Due to the COVID-19 restrictions in 2021, the strict time was understandable, but let's hope there won't be any time limit in the next Expo event in Japan!

At the end of the 1-hour tour inside the Japan Pavilion, you would be given a unique avatar based on your interests and movement pattern as you walked around the pavilion, which was really dope. Your avatar would be in one of the four categories, almost like having a personal Pokemon based on what you interacted with.

Last but not least, you could also try Japanese cuisine at the local restaurant in front of the Japanese Pavilion that serves sushi on a rotating conveyor belt, which is a proper way to enjoy sushi, fast-food style. Their sushi was definitely to die for!

All in all, the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai was definitely an experience unlike anything you've experienced before, and that makes the upcoming Expo 2025 in Osaka even more appealing to visit.

6. Saudi Arabia Pavilion

The Saudi Arabia Pavilion was probably one of my favorite pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. In terms of area, the Saudi Arabian Pavilion was considered to be the second-largest pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. It covered more than 13,000 sqm, and the entrance was decorated with a gigantic screen that lit up the entire area with its stunning presentation of the country's plan for a shared future.

I thought the outside was already impressive, but I was completely blown away when I entered the pavilion. Right at the entrance, as the path curved its way down the pavilion, you would find a beautiful, interactive waterfall fountain that many visitors really enjoyed.

Once inside, you would be ushered up an escalator through small models of some stunning tourist sights around Saudi Arabia, and once at the top, you would be presented with one of the most intriguing tourism videos you will ever see.

What made it so special were the double-curved screens on the wall and the curved floor that showed all the best tourist destinations in Saudi Arabia from both normal and aerial views, all synchronized in a way that created such an immersion that it made me want to visit the country right there and then.

It has been confirmed now that the Saudi Arabia pavilion will remain operational after Expo 2020 Dubai has ended, in one form or another. So, be sure to check it out if you have the chance.

7. Morocco Pavilion

The Morocco Pavilion was another impressive pavilion that exceeded my expectations. It wasn't really on my radar until I saw its impressive pavilion while I was visiting the Saudi Arabia Pavilion.

Morocco Pavilion was a 6-story structure built to look like an earthen village where you would be able to navigate through all its exhibitions via a continuous ramp that reflects the streets of the Moroccan medinas and its iconic 'Wast Eddar' patio.

The inside was also as impressive as the outside, with several creative exhibitions like the Plants Power exhibition that showcases how traditional Moroccan medicines from over 800 endemic plants in the country inspire innovation and laboratory research to empower its people.

My favorite exhibition was the "Movement of Morocco" room, where you could rest under a moving Moroccan lamp suspended at the center of the room while projecting the shadow of these cool patterns onto the walls.

It took me about an hour to walk through all the exhibitions across all 6 floors at the Morocco Pavilion. It is now confirmed that the Morocco Pavilion will remain here after Expo 2020 Dubai ends, which is awesome! The structure itself is a tourist attraction in itself.

8. Pakistan Pavilion

The Pakistan Pavilion was another beautiful pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. As I spent more than a month in Pakistan, I can vouch for how beautiful the country is, and I'm glad Pakistan got the recognition it deserves at the Expo.

The Pakistan Pavilion boasted one of the most colorful facade designs out of all the other pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai. The facade consisted of hundreds of colorful pieces of glass, creating a beautiful optical illusion as you walk closer to it. The exterior of the Pakistan Pavilion would surely catch your attention the moment you walk by it.

The interior of the pavilion was also as impressive as its eye-catching exterior, with many stunning rooms dedicated to showcasing the beautiful sceneries of Pakistan. These rooms highlighted the colorful and diverse culture of the south, as well as the unbeatable nature of the north, making you want to travel to Pakistan.

You would also find many cool art installations at the Pakistan Pavilion. My favorite was the Sheesh Mahal walkway, a walkway that would take you through a virtual forest created with green laser-thin light rays that give the feeling of walking through the rain.

Within the pavilion, you would be able to get a glimpse of many unique traditions and cultures from some of the most remote parts of the world, and discover a country that rarely receives any positive coverage from the media.

It was one of the best pavilions at the Expo. Unfortunately, it has not been confirmed whether the pavilion will remain in place after Expo 2020 Dubai ends, but one can hope.

9. Luxembourg Pavilion

The Luxembourg Pavilion was definitely the biggest surprise of all. Who would have thought that one of the smallest countries in the world would have such a significant impact on the world and on me at Expo 2020 Dubai?

The Luxembourg Pavilion was a stunning piece of architecture that employed the looping geometry of the Möbius strip, a single surface twisted with neither beginning nor end, representing infinity. All curved around the structure, it created both an incredible visual for us to see and a perfect representation of the country's ambitions.

Once you were inside, you would be able to learn more about this small country and how it has impacted the world. Fun fact: Luxembourg was the sole provider of steel and glass that made up Burj Khalifa, the tallest skyscraper in the world. I didn't know that until now!

The Luxembourg Pavilion was also the only pavilion that boasted an indoor slide where kids could jump in to get down to the exhibition ground floor. There was also a local restaurant called the Schengen Lounge, named after a town in Luxembourg, where you could taste Luxembourgish fusion cuisine. And yes, the Schengen Zone is also named after this town in Luxembourg.

It has now been confirmed that the Luxembourg Pavilion will remain in place after Expo 2020 Dubai ends, and I am definitely not surprised, as Luxembourg has a deep tie with Dubai as a supplier of metal that created the tallest skyscraper in the world in Dubai.

10. Sweden Pavilion

The Sweden Pavilion was another unique pavilion that really caught my attention the moment I walked past it at Expo 2020 Dubai. The concept of the pavilion was all about co-creation through innovation, and they used trees as a metaphor for the sustainable future they aim to create.

Right out of the gate, you would see its first great presentation, "The Forest," where you would be able to walk through rows and rows of tall timbers as if you were walking through a rich Swedish forest, surrounded by actual tree trunks and a forest-like atmosphere.

It was one of the most impressive structures at the Expo, but unfortunately, the exhibition was pretty small and there wasn't that much to see inside the pavilion. Nevertheless, I really hope the tree art installation of the Sweden Pavilion remains after the Expo 2020 Dubai event ends.

11. China Pavilion

There is no denying that China is on its way to becoming the leader of the future with all the technologies they have been creating in the past decade. One of the most popular consumer technologies that China is leading the way with is drones, and you were able to see just how advanced they had become at the China Pavilion with its dazzling light shows.

The 10-minute drone show at the China Pavilion happened daily from 8:00 PM to 8:10 PM, and you would be able to witness one of the best light shows at Expo 2020 Dubai. The show utilized a swarm of drones flying synchronously, using the night sky as its canvas and forming stunning 3D shapes.

At one point, the stadium turned into a panda, with the drones forming its ears above, which I think was pretty awesome. Unfortunately, it seems like the China Pavilion won't stay after the Expo 2020 Dubai closes its doors, but I hope there will be more drone shows for us to see in the future.

12. Sustainability Pavilion

As a major pillar of Expo 2020 Dubai, it is fitting that one of the most beautiful pavilions at the event is the Sustainability Pavilion, a stunning showcase of the future of sustainability, from harnessing the energy of the sun to conserving our rich oceans, and much more.

The entire structure is called Terra, and it is designed in the shape of a gigantic tree surrounded by smaller trees, with their entire rooftops covered in solar panels. Nothing is more sustainable than harnessing the energy of our sun.

Within the pavilion, you can wander through forest roots and dive into ocean depths while discovering all sorts of interesting projects that are aimed at helping preserve our planet for future generations through awesome interactive experiences kids and adults can both enjoy.

It has now been confirmed that the Sustainability Pavilion will remain open after Expo 2020 ends, so be sure to drop by when you are in Dubai.

13. The Mobility Pavilion

Since the main focuses of Expo 2020 Dubai were sustainability and mobility, it is fitting that they would design and build a structure with the concept of mobility in mind from the ground up.

The Mobility Pavilion is, hands down, one of the most impressive structures on this list. It was designed by the award-winning British design firm Foster + Partners, using highly polished curved stainless-steel cladding that was inspired by the shape of an aircraft wing to represent movement and mobility.

The pavilion is dedicated to the UAE's impressive space program and the Hope Mission to Mars, highlighting the Arab world's role in advancing global mobility. It will also unveil the future of transportation devices here, as well as mobility-related performances and events for visitors to enjoy.

Again, the Mobility Pavilion has been confirmed to stay open even after the Expo 2020 Dubai ends, so be sure to drop by when you have the time.

14. The Republic of Korea Pavilion

For the best viewpoint at Expo 2020 Dubai, I had to give it to the Republic of Korea pavilion. At the Korea Pavilion, you would be able to go on a digitally-guided tour along an elevated walking path that crisscrosses around its dynamic facade, which was constantly changing throughout the day.

The pavilion was all about showcasing the concept of smart Korea, with the use of smartphones for guided tours while you walk up its elevated platform, enjoying its dynamic art installation, as well as the view of all the other structures at Expo 2020 Dubai from above.

Unfortunately, I don't think the Korea Pavilion will remain open after Expo 2020 Dubai ends, but do not sweat it. Garden in the Sky, an elevated garden that offers another great viewpoint right in front of the Korea Pavilion, is confirmed to remain operational. So, be sure to drop by there for a stunning viewpoint over the area.

15. Singapore Pavilion

It was hard to tell where nature begins and architecture ends when looking at the beautiful nature-inspired Singapore Pavilion. With the concept of sustainability in mind, the Singapore Pavilion was a showcase of the country's urban innovations that seamlessly combine urban planning and nature to create an immersive 3D greenery experience.

At the Singapore Pavilion, you would be ushered through a net-zero energy rainforest powered by a self-sustaining ecosystem, full of beautiful forest trees and hanging gardens inside.

The walking path would crisscross its way up the 9-meter tall Garden Cones, while you were surrounded by a multitude of orchid species Singapore is known for. Unfortunately, I don't think it would be possible to maintain all these plants in the desert after the Expo 2020 Dubai ended, but maybe the city will bring such innovation back in one form or another.

16. Russia Pavilion

Like a giant, colorful lollipop, the Russia Pavilion was probably the most eye-catching pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. With the concept of creativity and mobility, the Russia Pavilion was designed to showcase the creative minds that are spearheading the country's future.

With colorful lines strapped across its dome-shaped structure, creating a motion reminiscent of a swirling, psychedelic, rainbow-colored whirlwind, you can't be more creative and youthful than that.

Now that Expo 2020 Dubai has Come to an end

Now that Expo 2020 Dubai has finally come to an end, it looks like the UAE government is not done with it yet, as there are grand plans to turn the location of Expo 2020 Dubai into another grand tourist attraction for the city. Below are the 8 pavilions and structures that have been confirmed to remain in place after Expo 2020 Dubai.

• Al Wasl Plaza
• The UAE Pavilion
• Saudi Arabia Pavilion
• Garden in the Sky
• Water Features
• Firdaus Studio
• Mobility Pavilion
• Sustainability Pavilion

Further Reading for the United Arab Emirates

I have plenty of articles to help you further with your trip planning for the United Arab Emirates. Here is a selection of articles that you might find useful:

• Looking for a complete backpacking itinerary to Dubai and the UAE? Here is a 7 Days Backpacking Dubai Itinerary.
• Have a few days to spare and wondering what you can do in Dubai? Here are the 15 Best Things to Do in Dubai.
• Looking for day trips to make from Dubai? Here are the 6 Best Day Trips to Make from Dubai.
• To see all articles about the UAE, visit the United Arab Emirates Travel Guide page.
• Looking for more travel guides for the Middle East? You can find more on my Middle East Travel Guide page.
• For more of my travel guides, visit my Destinations page.