By Maghie Ghali
Under the theme “Portugal, a world in one country,” the Portuguese Pavilion at Dubai’s long-anticipated Expo 2020 seeks to showcase the country’s complex culture and rich heritage – the product of centuries of trade and multiculturalism.
One of 192 nations taking part in the world fair, the pavilions are a chance to exhibit the best craftsmanship, technology and innovations each country has to offer.
The Portuguese Pavilion, designed by Architect Miguel Saraiva, is model after a caravel, a ship that symbolizes Portugal’s connection with the world and its penchant for adventure and discovering new civilizations. Materials such as cork, transformed into furniture and outdoor seating areas, and the traditional blue hand-painted tiles called Azulejo have been incorporated into the design.
“Expo 2020 Dubai is the perfect showcase to promote Portugal’s image across borders. An image that portrays an innovative Portugal, a surprising Portugal, a country that is open to the world, with all its talent and diversity,” Portugal’s Commissioner-General to Expo 2020 Luís Castro Henriques said. “Portugal presents itself as a nation that once connected the world through the sea, sowing the seeds of globalization, and remains to this day fully open to the world, to diversity, to each and every culture.
“Through Portugal’s pavilion and its dedicated program, we aim to showcase the very best our country has to offer from tourist destinations to culture, from science to entrepreneurship, from innovation to new technologies, not to mention fashion, jewellery, design and gastronomy,” he added. “And, of course, the common thread tying it all together: talent.”
Located in the Sustainability District, the pavilion takes visitors on a journey through an immersive multimedia show and an interactive experience, inspired by three themes: Diversity, Sustainability and Opportunity.
Scenes of Portugal’s natural beauty, its heritage and architecture and innovative technologies are explored across the first floor. On the second floor visitors will find the Al-Lusitano restaurant, run by Luso-Argentinian Chef Chakall, to promote the gastronomy of Portugal.
The famous egg custard tarts, traditional seafood dishes and a selection of 200 wines aim to represent the delicacies of each region.
“The whole of Portugal will be at the table, from north to south all the way to the islands, featuring the best products and brands that said ‘Present!’ from the very beginning,” Chakall said. “It is an honor for me to be able to represent the country in this way.”
Rounding off the experience is the Portugal Concept Store, a platform developed by the Portuguese Trade & Investment Agency (AICEP), to promote 40 Portuguese brands offering the finest handmade products.
The store features 170 products from the varied sectors, including artisanal crafts, traditional food products, home décor and fashion.
The pavilion’s artistic program is constantly adding new events to the list. Last November, they marked the UAE’s Golden Jubilee celebrations with traditional performances of Cante Alentejano – a Portuguese musical expression sung by up to 30 choral singers.
“The representation of Cante Alentejano at Expo is a unique opportunity to show the world Portugal’s rich cultural heritage, in this case recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity,” Henriques said. “It is with great pride that Portugal participates in the Golden Jubilee, which represents a historic moment for the UAE.”
For more information, visit: www.portugalexpo2020dubai.pt
Portugal National Day Ceremony: https://bit.ly/3niSOk7