In the heart of the Sustainability District, the Vision Pavilion at Expo 2020 is unique in that it’s probably the first-ever Expo pavilion to be kept secret during its entire construction and exhibition fit-out. The commission was to represent the appreciation and pride the people of Dubai have for their ruler, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai. The pavilion is based on Sheikh Mohammed’s book “My Story” that narrates his life through many experiences, such as his childhood memories, his love of horses, and Dubai’s story rapid growth from a small trading port to an international city at the heart of global business.
While the pavilion’s façade and theatrical lighting depict the rise of Dubai from the sand of the desert and the waters of the Arabian Gulf, the exhibition inside was designed around three main galleries, covering his early years and dedication to learning; his main passions and values; and a representation of today’s Dubai through the eyes of its citizens. The content of the three galleries is presented through a unique and custom-made monumental element: a large stone bas-relief falcon, a giant horse head marble sculpture, and a multimedia combination of interviews with a large audio-visual, mechanical pin table. All bespoke exhibition elements and specially commissioned media productions were designed to be engaging for all Expo visitors, both local and international.
Visitors enter the Vision Pavilion through a replica of the doors from the old palace where HH Sheikh Mo-hammed grew up, marking the first stage of the exhibition. Here, the story of his early experiences in the desert is told through a 3-D animation projected on the walls, floor, and ceiling. All characters and scenes featured were researched, custom-designed, and modelled based on his childhood. The multi-surface production is also projected on the open wings of the aforementioned bas-relief falcon, the UAE’s symbol of pride and honor.
In the second gallery, the main element is a multimedia show on the surface of a large stone sculpture that represents one of His Highness’ most beloved horses, Dubai Millennium. The show illustrates the values that Sheikh Mohammed learned from his education, as well as his passion for horses and poetry. This is a highly complex production, consisting of four separate projections mapped and blended onto the stone horse and surrounding surfaces, transforming the sculpture through different natural and man-made environments and bringing it to life.
The third gallery represents HH Sheikh Mohammed’s vision through the eyes of 21 first-hand testimonies of men, women, and children, including both Emiratis and international residents who have witnessed the incredible evolution of Dubai in the last 30 years. It is a direct message of appreciation to the leader from his people.
