Must-Visit Pavilions at Dubai's Expo 2020

Dubai's Expo 2020 is nothing short of extraordinary. For the FIRST time in expo history, each country has its own pavilion, and so we're talking about 192 country pavilions plus thematic pavilions. How do you wander about the expo and make the most of your visit? Here's my guide on the must-visit pavilions, delicious bites to munch on, and performances to catch.

Al Wasl Plaza

Al Wasl Plaza is where all Expo roads converge. It has a stunning dome which reflects the Expo's logo. Beautiful during the day and night.

Mobility District

Mobility Pavilion: Located in one of Expo's 3 signature districts. Inside, they have the world's largest passenger lift which can hold up to 160 people. On the 3rd floor, there are 3 times larger than life size giants of Ibn Battuta, Al Bakri, and other famous explorers. You learn about the UAE's first venture to Mars with the Hope Probe mission.

Russia Pavilion: Has a gorgeous rainbow swirl design in the form of two intertwined DNA strands. The focus is on the Mechanics of Wonder. There's a very cool human brain rising from the floor, emerging from the center of the pavilion.

Jamaica Pavilion: A lovely tribute to the island nation featuring Usain Bolt's Olympic achievements, Bob Marley and reggae music (now on UNESCO's intangible heritage list!), and their famous Blue Mountain coffee, the world's most expensive.

World Expo Museum: A fascinating insight into how expos around the world all started. I learned that Thomas Edison participated in 5 expos in his life showcasing his inventions.

Opportunity District

Morocco Pavilion: Designed as a 'vertical earthen village' made of compressed earth. They have a section dedicated to argan oil, the country's liquid gold. Argan trees are found nowhere else in the world except Morocco.

Saudi Arabia Pavilion: Spectacular and ginormous, second only to the UAE Pavilion in size. The 5-story pavilion takes you on a journey through Saudi Arabia's past, present, and future.

Bahrain Pavilion: Focuses on density as a catalyst for opportunity. They have a fantastic exhibition on pearl diving, showing all the equipment used by male divers back in the day.

Sustainability District

Germany Pavilion: You've seen the lines. You're probably thinking, it's easier to fly into Germany than wait in line! You'll learn incredible facts about fossil energy (expected to last about 200 more years) and carbon-neutral aviation. At the end, you create your personal sustainability commitment in the Graduation Hall.

Sweden Pavilion: Designed to bring Swedish forests to Dubai's desert with real trees and plants inside! Sweden ranks #2 on the Global Innovation Index. They showcase a digital health pass for travel, addressing privacy concerns.

Netherlands Pavilion: A testament to Dutch ingenuity, built to produce more energy than it consumes. Fun facts: The Dutch are one of the most cashless societies, bicycles outnumber residents, and 1/3 of the Netherlands is below sea level!

Spain Pavilion: Begins with chess as an educational tool and features a 3D-printed artificial forest exploring the future of city planning and urban forests.

Vision Pavilion: Dedicated to Sheikh Mohammed, based on his biography and life's journey. There's an entire room dedicated to his greatest passions: horses and poetry.

Al Forsan

UAE Pavilion: Stunning in design, its architecture evokes the wings of a falcon in flight. Right at the entrance, they have the 'Al Falaj' ancient irrigation system. The journey takes you through the UAE's incredible transformation over the last 50 years.

Japan Pavilion: Every person gets a device and earphones for a personalized experience. You walk through 5 zones learning about Japan's history, culture, and innovation. They showcase various robots and at the end, an avatar is created unique to your experience!

Kazakhstan Pavilion: I discovered that the apple, the world's most popular fruit, has its birthplace in Kazakhstan. They also have 99 of the 118 elements of the periodic table!

Where to Eat

Australia Pavilion - Melbourne Lane: My favorite coffee spot in the house! Also, the most affordable starting from AED 10. Beautiful outdoor seating.

Mobility District - Bread Ahead: A café/bakery from London featuring sourdough bread and pastries.

Morocco Pavilion - The Gastronomic Experience: On the 7th floor with stunning views. A fantastic dining experience.

New Zealand Pavilion - Tiaki: Delicious Kiwiburger with NZ grass-fed beef and local ingredients.

Saudi Arabia Pavilion - Sard: Look for the ice cream stand on your right facing the pavilion.

Netherlands Pavilion Café: Apple pies like Amsterdam's famous Winkel 43!

Sweden Pavilion - Café by IKEA: It wouldn't be complete without IKEA meatballs.

Download the Expo app and check out the 'What's going on today at Expo' section for the latest events!