As you enter the India Pavilion at the Dubai Expo 2020, you can see miniature models of the Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya and the Hindu temple under construction in Abu Dhabi, the first such temple in the city.
Next to the display of its spiritual heritage is a booth showcasing India’s progress in Space Odyssey.
On two different floors, the pavilion displays the achievements of the ministries, emerging sectors of India, while the Government of Gujarat completely occupies the state pavilion. One floor is dedicated to the art, dance and culture of India, with huge LCD screens showcasing the country’s cultural heritage. In the Industry Pavilion, only a handful of companies are participating to connect with new customers and explore new business opportunities.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the emerging New India to visitors from all over the world. Prime Minister Narendra Modi personally gave us ideas and guidance on how to showcase India as a modern vibrant technology driven international economy,” Trade Minister Piyush Goyal, who inaugurated the India Pavilion on Friday, told reporters. .
India’s outreach has become more imperative with the country starting talks on a comprehensive trade deal with the United Arab Emirates last month. “The UAE is the gateway to all of Africa and many other parts of the world. The UAE has a huge Indian diaspora and a large market for products such as textiles, gems and jewellery, leather footwear, and processed food products, all of which are labor-oriented and employ Indians. They will provide economic opportunities to startups. It will be a partnership that will be beneficial for both the countries.”
As the world learns to live with COVID and its variants, over 190 countries are participating in the Dubai Expo 2020, which will run for six months from 1 October to 31 March 2022. Although delayed by a year due to the pandemic, the expo returns to business as usual with the pavilion open to businesses and the general audience, albeit with strict COVID safety protocols.
The United Arab Emirates has allowed India to build a permanent pavilion in 40,000 square feet, a privilege granted to a handful of friendly countries.
So will it be Pragati Maidan in the heart of Dubai? “Yeah, something like that. Pragati Maidan is also getting a makeover, it will be one of the best convention centers anywhere in the world.”
The structure is covered with a dynamic façade consisting of 600 different kinetic panels capable of simulating what “India on the Move” depicts. The majestic exterior façade will display 75 stories over the next 26 weeks. Each week, the pattern will take the shape of three stories of 25 sub-themes. The façade will create different moving patterns during the day to celebrate 75 years of India’s independence. In the evening, the façade will come alive with a light and sound show.
Dikshu C. Kukreja, Managing Principal Architect, CP Kukreja Architects, who designed the India Pavilion, said they have developed 82 designs. The final design was selected after consultation with government officials to create a design for the façade that is dynamic and can rotate to showcase the complex yet unique stories of India.
“We have used recycled aluminum metal boxes for the façade. We have also put a lot of attention on sustainability and created a design that is as energy efficient as possible. You get to see a lot of glass buildings in Dubai. I thought That’s not the solution to this kind of hot and humid climate. That’s why we’ve come up with an eco-friendly design that won’t have such high energy demands.”
The writer was in Dubai at the invitation of industry body FICCI.
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