10 of the Most Wow-Worthy Pavilions You'll Find at Expo 2020

1. Israel's Pavilion: Israel recently offered a first taste of its planned pavilion at Expo 2020 in Dubai, under the headline “Towards Tomorrow,” that hopes to showcase Israeli innovation to the Arab World and beyond.

2. Ukraine's Pavilion: Smart living, smart thinking and smart feelings will come together at the Ukraine Pavilion, as the nation demonstrates how bright ideas and the latest innovations can help to create a better future. With inventions ranging from an e-bike that can travel 380 kilometres on a single charge, to blinds that use sunlight to generate electricity, the structure will showcase the innovative spirit of Ukraine while exploring its cultural heritage. The pavilion will also use picturesque flora to create a restful ambiance for visitors.

3. Oman's Pavilion: Oman’s ‘gift to the world’, frankincense has played a vital and varied role in the nation’s development from ancient times to the present day. The Oman Pavilion pays tribute to this precious resin, with its exterior resembling the tree that produces frankincense. Inside there are five zones detailing the diverse ways in which frankincense has benefited Oman – spanning everything from medicine to food to cosmetics.

4.China's Pavilion: It will be one of the largest at Expo 2020 Dubai at 4,636 sqm. The China Pavilion will symbolise hope and a bright future, and is designed in line with the principle of the “combination of the Chinese and Western culture with Chinese culture as the core”. It will vividly showcase China’s profound culture and longstanding history by artistically integrating the Chinese elements with modern technologies.

5. Saudi Arabia's Pavilion: The pavilion, resembling a huge window opening up from the ground and soaring into the sky, will offer visitors an immersive journey showcasing Saudi Arabia’s transformation. Balancing rich heritage and natural wonders with the energy, creativity and innovativeness of its people, the pavilion will demonstrate how Saudi Arabia is shaping both its own and the world’s future.

6. UK's Pavilion: The UK Pavilion is inspired by a project from the late scientist Stephen Hawking, in which he pondered how humanity could express itself to an extraterrestrial civilisation. The pavilion will offer an awe-inspiring glimpse into the future, exploring everything from the commercialisation of space to artificial intelligence.

7. Finland's Pavilion: Resembling an Arabic tent made of snow, the Finland Pavilion aims to bring together the country’s icy landscapes with the culture of Expo 2020’s host nation. Inside the 'Snow Cape', visitors will find a peaceful haven full of surprises. Finland will showcase its many areas of excellence, from education and sustainable technologies to health and wellbeing, as well as the natural beauty that attracts travellers from around the world.

8. France's Pavilion: Titled ‘Light, Lights’, the pavilion’s theme explores light as an enabler of progress, a vehicle for connections and a source of heat and creativity. It seeks to embody the Age of Enlightenment, the 18th century movement spearheaded by French intellectuals that emphasised concepts such as knowledge exchange and tolerance.

9. Austria's Pavilion: Austria is a nation reimagining ideas. This is reflected in its decision to use a 9,000-year-old soil to build its pavilion, which comprises 47 truncated cones. The structure will be ventilated through its innovative use of the cones, and will house exhibitions, workshops, installations and more. Visitors can take a trip to the Viennese coffeehouse and learn why the United Nations lists the institution as an ‘intangible cultural heritage’.

10. Italy's Pavilion: Set under the overturned hulls of three ships, the Italian pavilion will tell a memorable story of culture, art, sustainability, education, science, security and innovation. Inspired by the connecting routes of the Mediterranean, it will take visitors on a journey through history to the future. The pavilion’s design and structure will reflect the skills, products and innovations of Italian companies and communities, highlighting their best practices in areas such as the circular economy and sustainability.