Bahrain’s pavilion in Dubai opens doors

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

The national pavilion of Bahrain themed “Intensity Weaves Opportunities” opened doors yesterday, bringing to fruition the year-long preparation for the first world fair in the Middle East- the Dubai 2020 Expo.

Shaikha Mai bint Mohammed Al Khalifa, President of the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities and the Commissioner-General of the Bahrain Pavilion, Dr Nayef Al-Hajraf, the Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council, representatives of the GCC pavilions, and diplomats were present at the opening ceremony.

In her inaugural speech, Shaikha Mai said, “Our message to the world is that culture makes miracles, promotes countries and spreads hope in a world recovering from a crisis that hit all aspects of life.” “Bahrain’s pavilion is a reflection on our ancient heritage and history, the beauty of our architecture, our past and modern innovations.”

“We made these achievements under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, and HRH Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister.” The national pavilion, Shaikha Mai said, is the culmination of several successful participation in international forums.

“These participations promote the intensity of Bahraini civilisation and human components that exist in a relatively small geographical area,” she said, adding that this density constitutes a ground for creating promising opportunities in the economy, culture and sustainable development.

Shaikha Mai explained that Bahrain’s pavilion reflects the concept of density through a unique architectural design and diverse cultural programme. The pavilion, she said, will have the participation of musicians, artists, and craftsmen from Bahrain. Those welcoming visitors at the pavilion also wore clothes designed by Bahraini fashion designer Hala Kexo with the Bani Jamra Textile Factory. The opening ceremony followed a presentation of melodies by Galali Folklore Troupe. Visitors to the pavilion, themed “Density as an enabler of opportunities”, said they experience walking through a dense forest inside the pavilion.

The pavilion, designed by Christian Keres Zurich AG, is a physical and spatial experience of density, exploring future possibilities in a dense world. The structure consists of 126 columns of 11cm in diameter and 24m in height that join each other at several points, exploring three-dimensional possibilities inspired by geometric gypsum ornaments of traditional Bahraini architecture.

The columns are made of steel, whereas the outer facade is composed of aluminium, showcasing one of the main exports in Bahrain. Bahrain’s pavilion is located in the ‘Opportunity’ district, while the other two are themed ‘Mobility’ and ‘Sustainability’.

“What do you see” created by Bahrain-based textile designer Muhairi Boyle was the opening event of the pavilion. The exhibition focuses on the nobility of textile craft in Bahrain and the beauty of sails of the Banoosh ships used for pearling. Dubai is hoping to boost its economy by attracting 25 million business and tourist visits to the world fair, which is on 4.3 sq km (1.7 sq miles) of the desert.

Chosen eight years ago to follow the 2015 Expo in Milan, Italy, Dubai event cost around $6.8 billion. Thousands of people toured Dubai’s Expo 2020 on the opening day yesterday, braving hot temperatures as the Covid-delayed world fair finally opened its doors one year late.