The World Expo in Dubai opened in October 2021, with Pico designing, building and operating some 20 national, corporate and thematic pavilions. These include pavilions for Algeria, Brazil, Cambodia, Comoros, Congo, Cuba, Czech Republic, Djibouti, Dubai Cares, Ethiopia, Grenada, Jamaica, Malaysia, Malta, Mozambique, Peru, Seychelles, Uganda and the UK, SAIC Motor at the China Pavilion, PTT at the Thailand Pavilion and more. In addition to overlay and wayfinding packages, Pico provided interior fit-out services for a temporary structure at the Dubai Exhibition Centre, and retail outlets across the Expo site. The team was also appointed by the Expo to manage more than 500 events during its six-month duration of the Expo. In terms of contract value, Pico’s involvement with Expo Dubai has been the largest in our 30 years of experience in world expositions.
Algeria
Visitors to the Algeria Pavilion embarked on a ‘Voyage of Life’ activated by Pico’s interior fit-out services. Located in the Mobility District, the pavilion was designed as a gateway to Algeria’s rich culture, history and bright future.
The pavilion won Silver for ‘Exhibition Design: Self-built pavilions – Category C (smaller than 1,750m2)’ at the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) Expo 2020 Dubai Official Participant Awards.
Brazil
The Brazil Pavilion featured a ‘water floor’ and all-round projections which immersed visitors in an Amazon rainforest experience. Pico was responsible for the pavilion’s construction and day-to-day operations.
The Brazil Pavilion received an Honourable Mention in the ‘Best Elements/Details (Exterior Membrane)’ category at EXHIBITOR Magazine’s World Expo 2020 Awards.
Cambodia
Visitors to the Cambodia Pavilion took a journey through time, from the country’s colourful ancient heritage to its sustainable future. Pico provided interior decoration and set-up for the richly immersive experience.
The pavilion won Silver for ‘Exhibition Design: Thematic District pavilions – Sustainability’ at the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) Expo 2020 Dubai Official Participant Awards.
SAIC Motor at the China Pavilion
The China Pavilion was the venue as SAIC Motor unveiled state-of-the-art technologies developed and manufactured in China. Also debuted was KUN, the brand’s latest autonomous new energy concept car, whose advanced features such as bio-intelligent interaction offer a glimpse to the possible future of smart mobility. Pico delivered creative display, interactive multimedia, video production and on-site construction services, helping to put the Expo spotlight on 'KUN' and SAIC's motoring innovations.
Comoros
Flower power made the Comoros Pavilion one of the expo’s most vibrant presences. Located in the Sustainability District, it featured magical animals made with recycled plastic and even the scent of ylang-ylang to compel visitors’ explorations. Pico provided art, theming and interior fit-out services to this distinctive pavilion experience.
Congo
Located in the Opportunity District, the Congo Pavilion showcased such natural wonders as the habitat of half of the world’s lowland gorillas, as well as the burgeoning eco-tourism, culinary pleasures, investment opportunities and bright future of this massive central African country. Pico helped to bring this fascinating pavilion experience to life.
Cuba
From the moment visitors step into the Cuba Pavilion, they would find themselves deeply immersed into the vibrant Cuban culture – as if they had been strolling the streets of Havana. Pico provided exhibition build and interior fit-out services to activate the pavilion, which aimed to bring visitors beyond the façade of ‘Old Cuba’ to learn about the country’s modern transformation.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic Pavilion amazed visitors with innovative sustainable technologies such as a ‘Solar Air Water Earth Resource (SAWER) System’ whose distinctive overhead pipes extracted moisture from the air to transform desert into fertile land. Pico delivered façade work, interior fit-out and landscaping services to activate the pavilion’s inspiring ‘Czech Spring’ theme.
The pavilion received an Honourable Mention in the ‘Best Use of Technology (SAWER System)’ category at EXHIBITOR Magazine’s World Expo 2020 Awards.
Djibouti
Developed from an original concept from students at the National University of Djibouti, the Djibouti Pavilion was modelled after shipping containers, portraying the nation as a ‘land of trade and meeting’. Pico provided exhibition build, interior fit-out and art and theming services to the pavilion to enable visitors to explore Djibouti’s rich heritage and future ambitions.
Dubai Cares
‘The Future is Human’ at the Dubai Cares Pavilion, was one of the major attractions at the Expo’s Opportunity District. Visitors of all ages took an immersive, experiential journey into the power of education and learnt how to prepare for a future of disruption and adaptability. Pico designed and built the two-storey 1,000 sq. m. pavilion.
Ethiopia
The Ethiopia Pavilion provided visitors an opportunity to explore the heritage, culture and future of one of Africa’s oldest countries. Pico activated the pavilion with exhibition build, interior fit-out, and art and theming services, helping to create an experience that brought visitors from the origins of humanity all the way to a connected present day.
Grenada
Embarking on a colourful tour of the ‘Isle of Spice’ in the Grenada Pavilion, visitors were greeted with a giant replica of nutmeg, the island’s most popular spice, before being ushered into an interior that exuded Grenada’s relaxed lifestyle, tranquil waters and hospitality. Pico provided exhibition build, interior fit-out and art and theming services to showcase the country’s rich history and culture.
Jamaica
Jamaican rhythms brought the atmosphere of a spontaneous street party to the Jamaica Pavilion. Shipping containers from around the world were used to construct much of the pavilion, symbolising the country’s status as a major international logistics hub. Pico provided exhibition build, interior fit-out, art and theming services to activate its vibrant Jamaican spirit.
Malaysia
Themed ‘Energising Sustainability’, the Malaysia Pavilion was a net-zero carbon initiative whose exterior portrayed a treehouse. Pico provided main building construction, civil engineering works, mechanical and engineering works and landscaping.
The Malaysia pavilion not only received an Honourable Mention in the ‘Best Sustainable Design’ category at EXHIBITOR Magazine’s World Expo 2020 Awards, but also won Gold for ‘Theme Interpretation: Self-built pavilions – Category C (smaller than 1,750m2)’ at the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) Expo 2020 Dubai Official Participant Awards.
Malta
Visitors to the Malta Pavilion in the Opportunity District would be swept into the rippling energy that lied very heart of the island’s unique identity. Pico’s interior design and build services helped to activate the pavilion, which gives visitors a fascinating sense of the country’s deep-rooted social connections, artistic communities and profound cultural impact.
Mozambique
Mozambique’s pledge to ‘put the future first’ made for especially meaningful experiences at the country’s pavilion at the Expo. Visitors were encouraged to make their own promise to preserve nature by considering the needs of future generations – while on a lighter note, Mozambique’s rich heritage was expressed through a kite installation featuring traditional prints. Pico provided the pavilion’s interior fit-out and art and theming services.
Peru
The Peru Pavilion took visitors on a journey through the country’s cultural diversity, wealth and ancient wisdom. Pico’s contribution to its activation included storytelling, content development and production, exhibition design and production, construction, maintenance and operational services.
The pavilion went on to win a ‘People’s Choice Award’ at EXHIBITOR Magazine’s World Expo 2020 Awards, and Gold for ‘Exhibition Design: Self-built pavilions – Category B (between 1,750m2 and 2,500m2)’ at the Bureau International des Expositions’ (BIE) Expo 2020 Dubai Official Participant Awards.
Seychelles
A visit to the Seychelles Pavilion was like a treasure hunt. Visitors discovered the islands’ spectacular natural beauty and lively history. A highlight was the showcase of the world’s first Sovereign Blue Bond, an innovative way to support sustainable investment launched by Seychelles in 2018. Pico provided interior fit-out and art and theming services for the pavilion.
Uganda
Discover the Uganda Pavilion and immerse yourself in a land of endless summer, amazing natural scenery and a favourable business climate. Pico provided exhibition build, interior fit-out and art and theming services to the pavilion, whose African adventures included an up-close and personal AR encounter with the gorillas of Bwindi.
United Kingdom
Emplaced in the Opportunity District was the Stephen Hawking-inspired UK Pavilion, whose ‘Innovating for a Shared Future’ theme pointed at the country’s leadership in fostering sustainable solutions. Visitors were invited to consider their own messages for advanced alien civilisations. Pico was appointed with McLaren as official construction partners of the 3,417 sq. m. structure.