Expo 2020 - Time Travel into the Future

Expo 2020 is a World Expo, currently hosted by Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. It takes place from 1 October 2021 to 31 March 2022. With 191 countries represented, it is the world’s greatest show of human brilliance and achievement. The overall theme of EXPO 2020 is “Connecting Minds, Creating the Future.” The goal is to bring countries together for collaborative initiatives that help to accelerate and promote ideas that enhance people’s lives while also conserving the environment. Expos are unrivalled among international events in terms of size, scope, duration, and visitor numbers. They are large-scale educational and development platforms that act as a link between governments, businesses, international organizations, and individuals.

The UAE is the first country in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia region to host the World Expo and is looking to strengthen economic and cultural ties with countries around the world.  Ukraine shares with the UAE ideas on innovation, sustainable development and energy efficiency. The UAE seeks to grow cooperation with Ukraine further within the fields of mutual interest, such as space exploration, tourism, and clean energy.

On October 4th, Ukraine celebrated its National Day at Expo 2020. Among the exhibits in the Ukraine Pavilion titled “Smart Ukraine: Connecting Dots” are an e-bike that can travel 380km after a single charge, a 3D printer for ceramics, solar blinds that are capable of generating energy and of course, Enjoy The Wood’s extraordinary maps and products. Igor and Maryna attended from October 1-4 to share their story.  

We have spoken to Maryna about her impressions from Expo 2020:

What were your first impressions?

As soon as we arrived, we knew we were part of something grandiose, and that made us very happy and proud. The main site of Expo 2020 Dubai is a 438-hectare area located between the cities of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The master plan is organized around a central plaza, entitled Al Wasl, enclosed by three large thematic districts reflecting the sub-themes of Expo 2020: Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability. 

What were your main activities?

We chatted with exhibit guests at the Enjoy The Wood booth and socialized with other participants and guests at various country pavilions. I wish we had the time to visit all the pavilions, but that would take at least a week. 

Which pavilions were your favorite ones? 

Colombia - we learned Colombian style salsa, tasted the sweet flavours of fruits, and the smooth aroma of Colombian coffee and cacao. The experience inspired us to visit the country.

USA - has a full size rocket on display!

Switzerland - the pavilion reflects Switzerland and its diversity – from magnificent landscapes to innovative projects and ideas for a sustainable future.

Saudi Arabia - the second largest pavilion taking you on a journey about the country’s people, nature, heritage and opportunities, with giant LED screens projecting everything the country is proud of. Compete with a fountain and an escalator. 

Spain - worth seeing for sure! The Spain Pavilion showcases projects in the fields of science, technology, education and art. It includes an immersive gallery related to the goals of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

Morocco - the tallest pavilion that has it all: lampshades, carpets, arts, new technologies, and more.

Germany - our favorite. One can spend half a day there. I won’t tell you what’s in there so you could go and see it for yourself.

Igor and I really wanted to visit the UAE pavilion, but the line up was too long.

What other attractions does the exhibit offer?

Besides the country pavilions, we loved stopping by the Water Feature fountain, enjoyed the views from the Garden in the Sky, watched performances at Al Wasl Plaza, and marveled at Terra - the Sustainability pavilion, one of the top three attractions of Expo 2020. 

Food delivery robots and patrol robots and the many new technologies displayed throughout the exhibit made us doubt that it was indeed 2021. Expo 2020 like a time machine definitely transports you way ahead into the future. Waaaay ahead!

Are you planning to go back before the exhibit closes down?

Fingers crossed, we will be back in January 2022!

EnjoyTheWood Team and Regina Lyahovetskaya